Letter from the Chief Medical Officer
Dear Colleagues:
Whether we are assessing the clinical acumen of our physicians for credentialing, facilitating translational research or helping one another gain an academic promotion, BWH, our academic departments and each of us has a vested interest in the career development and professional growth of our colleagues. To that aim, there are several efforts underway that are closely connected with a BWPO and Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (CFDD) program to provide annual career reviews and conferences to all faculty, both clinical and research.
Last year, Provider Services began working with department leaders to manage credentialing evaluations, both the focused professional practice evaluation and ongoing professional practice evaluations. These evaluations address quality assessments, performance metrics and the six core competencies as defined by ACGME and The Joint Commission. We could simply stop here and meet and exceed regulatory requirements, but that would not meet the needs of our faculty or Brigham standards.
In an effort to foster an environment of career development for our faculty, the BWPO and CFDD convened a 14-member committee, chaired by Jessica Dudley, MD, chief medical officer of the PO, and Barbara Bierer, MD, senior vice president, Research and CFDD director. The faculty career review task force has put forth a plan for annual career reviews for all faculty members. Departments will assign someone to review and meet with each faculty member annually.
Career reviews will be more broad-based than credentialing evaluations. Designated reviewers will participate in a training seminar on providing effective feedback. Faculty members also have a key role in enhancing the career conference: to come prepared with an updated CV and identified career goals and objectives. Reviewees also should bring an open mind and willingness to listen to senior faculty members and department and division leaders and offer feedback. The key to a successful career review is two-way communication.
Additionally, approximately 100 faculty members in Surgery and Rheumatology will participate in a pilot program to evaluate an online, secure and confidential 360-evaluation tool, thanks to the leadership of the Center for Professionalism and Peer Support. This unique effort will enable approximately 20 people to rate the teamwork, interpersonal skills and professionalism of a colleague.
All these efforts combine to allow us to foster a culture of professional and career development for our faculty, enable and empower junior faculty to climb the career ladder and recognize exemplary team players.
Sincerely,
Andy Whittemore, MD
Chief Medical Officer