Physicians undergo rigorous didactic and clinical education over many years in order to practice their specialties at a high level. However, physicians typically do not receive training in the art and science of adult learning theory and teaching, including instruction in leadership, mindsets, innovation, and adaptive challenges. Educational methods to most effectively impart this knowledge to future learners requires discipline-specific training and experience to develop this skill set to the fullest potential. The Academic Leadership Academy at the University of Tennessee HSC College of Medicine Knoxville has a curriculum that is designed to provide skill acquisition in several domains, including teaching and precepting, research and publications, academic career advancement and leadership. A cohort of 8-10 participants is chosen yearly through an application process that is open to all faculty of the UT College of Medicine Knoxville. Learning sessions include monthly two-hour Zoom meetings in the Faculty Development Seminar Series, and four in-person workshops of 5 hours each focusing on a deeper dive into leadership in Academic Medicine. Participants also work on a research project with opportunities to report on their progress throughout the year. Collaboration between departments is highly encouraged. All activities earn continuing medical education credit for a total of 75 CME credit hours for each participant through the year. Since the start of this program, all participants have been retained and are active in leadership in their respective departments. Many have progressed in academic rank, which is seen as a measure of the commitment to continued success of applicants after completion of the certificate program.
