Department of Surgery

Professional Development

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Mentoring Program

Due to the importance of providing appropriate mentoring and guidance to junior faculty members, the department has developed and implemented a mentorship plan for all faculty members. As part of this plan, each faculty member is given a mentor as they identify and work towards their professional goals. In most cases, the division chief serves as the faculty advisor and mentor. However, in specific cases, an individual whose expertise/research focus is more aligned with the faculty members’ interest may be appointed as the mentor for that faculty member.

Mentoring Plan

Upon recruitment to the department, each faculty member will meet with the Chair and Associate Chair of the Appointment and Promotions Committee in the Department of Surgery to review the different career tracks at the school, discuss promotion requirements, and review dossier preparation and timeframes. In addition, each division chief is required to meet at least annually with faculty to discuss his or her academic progress and complete a Merit Review. 

Professional Development Series

The Professional Development Educational Program has the goal of educating faculty members to the options and resources available within the department and at the Keck School of Medicine to help them reach their full potential. The goal of this program is to provide a framework for optimizing faculty advancement, educate faculty members regarding best teaching practices, and motivate faculty members to excel in their respective divisions. To accomplish this, we have dedicated 8–10 Grand Rounds each year to professional development sessions that focus specifically on wellness, professionalism, teaching strategies, communication skills, leadership, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Skills Learned

  • Academic Medicine 101: Strategies for Success in Academia
  • Surgical Leadership
  • Faculty-As-Teachers: Microskills of Clinical Teaching and Constructive Feedback
  • Surgical Skills Assessment 101: What are we Really Measuring?
  • Communication and Clinical Practice: How to Avoid a Lawsuit
  • Dealing with the Difficult Learner
  • Career Advancement: Understanding your Role and Setting your Goals
  • Academic Medicine 101: Strategies for Success in Academia
  • Team Development and Conflict Resolution
  • Research Funding: Understanding the Granting Process
  • The Balance Between Research and Clinical Practice
  • Teaching Psychomotor Skills