Faculty departure from academic programs of physical medicine and rehabilitation

Anecdotal reports suggest that substantial numbers of physiatrists leave academic positions each year, but the specific reasons why departure occurs from academic institutions are opaque. Academic program chairpersons were asked to identify individuals who had left their program in the previous 5 yr, and a confidential survey was sent to those persons. Program chairpersons who responded were from similar programs as chairpersons who did not respond, except they had greater numbers of nonphysiatrists on their faculty. Forty-nine completed surveys were returned. Respondents were generally junior faculty, who had practiced an average of 5.35 yr, and their previous academic position was the first one after residency. The most important reasons for leaving were for a better career opportunity, personal, low job satisfaction with administration and not enough financial reward. The most important changes at the previous institution that might have induced them to stay were fewer administrative/political problems, greater salary, more protected time for academics, effective mentor/role model and more support for research. Statistically significant differences were noted between those who moved to another academic position and those who went into private practice, between those who were in their first job v the second or later job, between program and nonprogram graduates who had long-term expectations and between men and women respondents. Recommendations for faculty retention are discussed.