Three views on faculty tenure in medical schools

Area of Science:

• Academic Medicine
• Medical Education
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Tenure in academic medicine is a long-standing practice.
• Concerns exist regarding its impact on faculty performance and institutional vitality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present diverse perspectives on the role and future of tenure in academic medicine.
• To critically evaluate the perceived effects of tenure based on existing research.

Main Methods:

• Expert opinion and review of existing literature on academic tenure.
• Analysis of tenure's impact on faculty productivity, recruitment, and retention.

Main Results:

• One perspective defends tenure, addressing clinical faculty, post-tenure review, and emeritus status.
• Research indicates that negative "myths" about tenure, such as promoting mediocrity, are not supported by evidence.
• An alternative viewpoint argues for the discontinuation of tenure, proposing alternative systems to achieve its goals for all faculty.

Conclusions:

• While tenure is defended by some, there are calls for improved criteria for awarding it and enhanced faculty evaluation.
• The future of tenure in academic medicine requires careful consideration of its benefits, drawbacks, and alternative models.
• A need for further research into the effects of tenure and the development of equitable faculty support systems is highlighted.