I do think that academic institutions that do not adapt to the new environment and expectations will indeed see a loss of faculty. I feel that academic institutions often hold too tightly to ideals that are not realistic anymore. We can be far too rigid and it does not help faculty, staff, students or trainees. I remember I published a paper long ago about email communication with patients. When I presented the poster at an academic meeting, I was told - "this will never work...you can't communicate with patients via email." I remember a great Grand Rounds from long ago by a colleague who was presenting on vaccines and said, "Look at the anti-vax websites, look at the CDC website. Which website is more appealing? Which website can be easily navigated to find 'information?' " I can tell you it wasn't the CDC website. It is my opinion we often hold ourselves too high and mighty and feel that adapting to the real world is not for academics. This is a massive problem and does not serve us. I also like the point above regarding "developing a management team worth staying for." When there is a toxic and/or inefficient/ineffective leader and they are not removed, that says all there is needed to say. Faculty are not oblivious to this. Other leaders who must put up with this become disenchanted and disengaged. There are so many opportunities for faculty now in so many areas beyond clinical and traditional education routes. Institutions must step up and look to and learn from other sectors that are better than us at maneuvering current times/needs/trends.
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Jennifer Christner
Dean, School of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-06-2021 09:34
From: Janet Stiles
Subject: Tip Tuesday: Preparing for a potential "great resignation" in the workforce
Some workforce experts are predicting that the (non-medical) workforce is about to experience a post-pandemic "great resignation." That employees who weathered more than a year of uncertainty and economic crisis-and who likely reassessed their work/life priorities and balance-are ready to try a new job or new career.
Experts offer the following advice to organizations that might prevent (or manage through) a mass exodus:
- Offer flexible arrangements
- Develop a management team worth staying for
- Help employees understand how they connect to the institution's mission
- Fill gaps with freelance and contractor talent
Do you think we are likely to see a great resignation in the medical/clinical workforce as well? Do you think non-clinical employees in academic medical institutions-with critical missions-are as likely to switch jobs or careers?
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Janet Stiles
Sr. Director, Member Engagement
Association of American Medical Colleges
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