Characteristics of effective family medicine faculty development programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Faculty Development
• Family Medicine Training

Background:

• Federally funded family medicine faculty development programs have been crucial since the late 1970s.
• These programs have trained a significant number of fellows and other participants.
• Substantial federal investment has supported these initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather insights from experienced personnel on training practices and future funding needs.
• To identify critical elements for effective faculty development in family medicine.
• To provide recommendations for the Federal Faculty Development Grant Program.

Main Methods:

• Site visits were conducted from December 1985 to June 1986 to five federally funded programs.
• Interviews, phone conversations, and letters were used to collect data from project directors, staff, and faculty.
• Data collection focused on training practices, recruitment strategies, and program effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Thirty critical elements for effective faculty development were identified through qualitative data analysis.
• A variety of program formats and strategies were employed for faculty recruitment and skill enhancement.
• Respondents highlighted the need for sustained and strategic federal funding.

Conclusions:

• Effective faculty development requires a comprehensive approach encompassing teaching, research, and other skill areas.
• Specific recommendations were formulated for the Federal Faculty Development Grant Program concerning funding and future program design.
• The study underscores the importance of experienced personnel input in shaping successful faculty development initiatives.