The Five Most Important Lessons I Learned Along the Path to Clinical Professor

Abstract

Data from the Academy indicate that non-tenure track (NTT) faculty are not ascending academic ranks to the same extent as tenured/tenure-track faculty. The reasons for this are likely multifactorial but may include a lack of direction, purpose, and resources. While there is more than one way to arrive at a particular destination in academia, it seems wise to listen and learn from those who have traveled the path. In this Commentary, which is directed to new and mid-career NTT faculty, I discuss the five most important lessons I learned along the path to becoming a clinical professor. This includes the importance of humility and serving others, setting goals (and advocating for the time you need to reach them), working smart (not simply hard), taking an active role in advancing the profession, and finally, taking time away from work and seeking alternative work arrangements that promote work-life balance.