Designing an Inclusive Onboarding Program for Academic Ambulatory Care Faculty.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Management
• Physician Professional Development

Background:

• Academic medical centers have a tripartite mission: patient care, education, and research.
• Effective onboarding is crucial for new physicians to succeed in complex academic environments.
• Physician wellness and a sense of belonging are increasingly recognized as vital for retention and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a practical guide for developing a comprehensive physician onboarding program.
• To address the unique needs of physicians in academic medical centers, including clinical, educational, and research roles.
• To foster early adoption of efficient practices, mentorship, and a culture of inclusivity.

Main Methods:

• Development of a structured onboarding program tailored for an internal medicine department.
• Incorporation of guidance for clinical practice, teaching, scholarly activities, and professional development.
• Focus on building community, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging among new physicians.

Main Results:

• The proposed program aims to facilitate the successful integration of new physicians.
• It seeks to enhance physician efficiency, collaboration, and engagement.
• Early establishment of a supportive culture is expected to improve physician retention and overall organizational success.

Conclusions:

• A well-designed onboarding program is essential for new physicians in academic medical centers.
• Such programs should integrate clinical, educational, and wellness components.
• Investing in onboarding fosters a sense of community, leading to improved physician performance and institutional success.