Development criteria for academic leadership in anesthesiology: have they changed?

Abstract

T he issues facing chairs of academic anesthesiology departments have changed quite dramatically over the past decade (1,2). The rapidly changing health care environment has placed academic anesthesiology departments at significant financial risk and dramatically impacted the recruitment of residents and faculty (1–3). Chairs of academic anesthesia departments have thus been faced with unprecedented challenges over the last decade that have forced increased dependence on clinical productivity from faculty (2,3). The impact of this increased pressure on the ability of academic physicians to pursue their primary missions of teaching, research, and academic career development is not well documented. We surveyed chairs of American academic anesthesiology departments and deans of American medical schools to evaluate the impact of the last decade on the selection criteria for academic chairs of anesthesiology. Traditional criteria, such as teaching experience and peer-reviewed research, as well as potential new criteria, such as formal business education, were evaluated. We also inquired about the availability of nonclinical time for potential chairs to pursue academic goals. The purpose of this study was to determine if the criteria for chairmanship of American academic anesthesiology departments have changed in light of the evolving health care environment.