Impact of an Innovative Endowed Chair Program on Medical Educator Recipients

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Academic Medicine
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Endowed chairs are rarely awarded for educational contributions.
• Chairholders traditionally receive discretionary income for value-added work.
• This study examines the impact of endowed chairs specifically for education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of endowed chairs awarded for educational roles on faculty recipients.
• To understand the multifaceted effects of these prestigious appointments.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine chairholders.
• Data collected between 2018 and 2020 from faculty who completed at least one 5-year term.
• Analysis employed double-coding, consensus-building, and social cognitive career theory.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three of 24 eligible faculty participated.
• Identified themes: symbolism, resources, educator credibility, professional development, and lasting impact.
• The chair provided symbolic recognition, enhanced credibility, and offered resources that facilitated valuable activities and leveraged educational opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Endowed chairs for education are a vital strategy for individual faculty career advancement.
• These positions significantly enhance the institutional standing and focus on education.
• Strategic planning for endowed chair activities maximizes impact and outcomes.