Navigating a “Decision to Transition” in Academic Medicine with Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD

As a faculty member and leader at your academic institution, decisiveness may not be a character trait you are known for. It is often not enjoyable to make a transition, or even start the process, but once you find yourself on the other side of that decision, you might just be forever grateful. 

With all of this in mind, there is a strategic approach to making transitions that our guest, Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, walks us through this week as a first-time guest on our Faculty Factory Podcast.

Since August 2023, Dr. Reiser has served as the President of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and CEO of the UTMB Health System. He is a professor in the John Sealy School of Medicine and is the John D. Stobo, MD Distinguished Chair.

In today’s podcast, we discuss how 2025 marks a year of transition for both the show and our host, Kimberly A. Skarupski, PhD, MPH, who has been with the Faculty Factory since day one. 

She shares her journey moving to UTMB and reflects on the wonderful support she has received from Johns Hopkins Medicine and now UTMB for this podcast and our community. This watershed episode highlights a significant moment for our show, which has been thriving for six years and counting thanks to our wonderful guests and supportive institutions. 

So much of this conversation about navigating a pending transition starts with recognizing your own “true north.” As stated in this podcast, we need to pause and determine this “true north” if we haven’t already made it an inflexible part of our values that guides our decisions. 

“You need to ask yourself from time to time: look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Is this the place where I still want to be part of this mission?” Dr. Reiser said.

He went on to remind us to be honest with ourselves. If the answer is “no” or if you are unsure, then it is time to take a serious look at what your options are for a significant transition. 

Further advice shared in this week’s conversation includes taking advantage of the rich ecosystems that academic institutions offer, as they will help guide you in making tough choices about transitions.

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