Facilitating faculty success: outcomes and cost benefit of the UCSD National Center of Leadership in Academic Medicine.
OBJECTIVE
In 1998, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) was selected as one of four National Centers of Leadership in Academic Medicine (NCLAM) to develop a structured mentoring program for junior faculty.


METHODS
Participants were surveyed at the beginning and end of the seven-month program, and one-four years after. The institution provided financial information. Four primary outcomes associated with participation in NCLAM were assessed: whether participants stayed at UCSD, whether they stayed in academic medicine, improved confidence in skills, and cost-effectiveness.


RESULTS
Among 67 participants, 85% remained at UCSD and 93% in academic medicine. Their confidence in skills needed for academic success improved: 53% personal leadership, 19% research, 33% teaching, and 76% administration. Given improved retention rates, savings in recruitment was greater than cost of the program.


CONCLUSIONS
Structured mentoring can be a cost-effective way to improve skills needed for academic success and retention in academic medicine.
Wingard
Deborah L
DL
dwingard@ucsd.edu
Garman
Karen A
KA
Reznik
Vivian
V
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000288:Administrative Personnel; D002140:California; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008611:Mentors; D010560:Personnel Selection; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000191:economics; D012106:Research; D013663:Teaching; D000078329:Workforce