AACP strategy for addressing the professional development needs of department chairs.
OBJECTIVE
Characterize the skills and abilities required for department chairs, identify development needs, and then create AACP professional development programs for chairs.


METHODS
A 30-question electronic survey was sent to AACP member department chairs related to aspects of chairing an academic department.


RESULTS
The survey identified development needs in the leadership, management, and personal abilities required for effective performance as department chair. The information was used to prioritize topics for subsequent AACP development programs. Subsequent programs conducted at AACP Interim and Annual Meetings were well attended and generally received favorable reviews from participants. A list of development resources was placed on the AACP website.


CONCLUSIONS
This ongoing initiative is part of an AACP strategy to identify and address the professional development needs of department chairs. Survey results may also inform faculty members and other academic leaders about the roles and responsibilities of department chairs.
West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. tschwinghammer@hsc.wvu.edu
Terry L
TL
Schwinghammer
Tobias E
TE
Rodriguez
George
G
Weinstein
Bernard A
BA
Sorofman
John A
JA
Bosso
Robert A
RA
Kerr
N Karl
NK
Haden
D003625:Data Collection; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D005178:Faculty / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D011361:Professional Competence; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce