

Faculty Factory
Faculty Factory
The Faculty Factory is a community of faculty development leaders in academic medicine. We share a passion for serving faculty and helping them exceed their clinical, research, education, program building, and leadership expectations. Learn more at FacultyFactory.org!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 14, 2024 • 49min
Examining the Relevancy of Tenure in Academic Medicine with William T. Mallon, EdD
In this week’s episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, William T. Mallon, EdD, discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the importance of tenure in medical schools in the United States.
The primary discussion points highlighted in today’s interview originate from a recent study titled Promotion and Tenure Policies and Practices at U.S. Medical Schools: Is Tenure Irrelevant or More Relevant Than Ever?, published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Academic Medicine in March 2024.
Dr. Mallon, a seasoned expert in this field and a returning guest on the Faculty Factory, shares insights on the significance of tenure and its evolving relevance, particularly for clinical faculty concentrating on patient care.
Dr. Mallon serves as the Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation Development at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Previously, Dr. Mallon featured in an episode in April 2023 discussing Climate Action in Academic Medicine, which can be revisited here: https://facultyfactory.org/climate-action/
The discussion also explores newer medical schools adopting nontraditional faculty employment models, shedding light the on reasons behind limited or no tenure systems.
Ultimately, the episode prompts reflection on the role of tenure in academic medicine and its impact on faculty members' career paths, academic freedom and job security.
More Resources
Here is a link to the Academic Medicine article discussed in today’s episode: https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/abstract/9900/promotion_and_tenure_policies_and_practices_at.795.aspx?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=amexpress&utm_content=newsletter
If you would like to contact Dr. Mallon, you can email him at wmallon@aamc.org.

Jun 7, 2024 • 54min
How to Listen to Patients to Find True Healing with Joshua Schwarzbaum, MD, MBA
We are excited to have Joshua Schwarzbaum, MD, MBA, join us as our guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast.
As a long-time emergency room physician in New York City, Dr. Schwarzbaum is a welcome addition to our show. He will be sharing insights on the importance of listening to patients, colleagues, and just about anybody to understand the genuine emotions behind their words.
As a board-certified emergency medicine physician at SBH Health System in the Bronx, Dr. Schwarzbaum brings extensive experience in engaging in challenging, yet ultimately encouraging, conversations with patients and their families.
He speaks about his work in addiction medicine candidly during today’s discussion. Please note that this episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, and listener discretion is advised.
During today's interview, Dr. Schwarzbaum discusses his recently authored book, “Listening for a Feeling Finds True Healing: A Guide to Healing From the Inside Out.”
For more information about the book, you can visit: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Feeling-Finds-True-Healing/dp/B0CVQT12X8
To learn more about Dr. Schwarzbaum and his work, please visit his website: https://healthyinside.net/
Programming Note
We love building a community where we can all learn from the power of stories. If you or someone you’d like to nominate wants to be a guest on our show, reach out to us via the Contact Us page or email the show directly here: kskarupski@jhmi.edu. You can also find more Faculty Factory podcast episodes here: https://facultyfactory.org/podcast/

May 31, 2024 • 46min
How to Make Meetings in Academic Medicine Work for You with Ludy Shih, MD, MMSc, FAAN, FANA
In the latest Faculty Factory Podcast episode, Ludy Shih, MD, MMSc, FAAN, FANA, returns to share invaluable insights on running effective meetings.
In this interview, Dr. Shih emphasizes the importance of preparation, structured agendas, and follow-up. She also touches on the challenges of engaging different personality types in meetings and offers strategies to ensure all voices are heard.
Dr. Shih is a neurologist and associate professor of neurology with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School. She has been generous enough to allow us to post her entire slide deck on this topic, which you can download here: https://facultyfactory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Meeting_Faculty_factory_05_09.pdf
Within the slide deck, there are hyperlinks pointing to various articles that Dr. Shih used as references in today’s interview.
Learn More
You can revisit her first episode with us, “Navigating a Transition from Academia to Industry and Back”, here: https://facultyfactory.org/ludy-shih/
Email Dr. Shih with questions here: lshih@bidmc.harvard.edu
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludy-shih-a7b53212/
Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/ludyshihmd
Programming Note
We love to learn from faculty members around the world. If you or someone you’d like to nominate wants to be a guest on our show, reach out to us via the Contact Us page on FacultyFactory.org or email the show directly here: kskarupski@jhmi.edu. You can also find more Faculty Factory podcast episodes here: https://facultyfactory.org/podcast/

May 24, 2024 • 21min
The Academic Medicine Starter Kit
Did you know the Faculty Factory Podcast has released its third free book?
We are thrilled to take this week's podcast episode as a chance to introduce you to the "The Academic Medicine Starter Kit: Timeless Tips & Guidance for Early-Career Faculty Members."
Download this eBook for free here: https://facultyfactory.org/ebook/
We hope you will share it throughout your networks. The book represents a culmination of over five years of in-depth interviews on the Faculty Factory Podcast, featuring 84 academic leaders and faculty members from 31 different institutions across North America.
The eight-chapter book delves into a diverse range of topics, including Promotion, Research & Scholarship; Mentorship, Coaching, & Sponsorship; Education; Self-awareness, Self-management, & Well-being; Leadership; Networking; Communication; and concludes with a comprehensive section of insights dubbed Pod Potpourri.
Each chapter greets readers with a brief introduction, setting the stage for the ensuing discussion. The content is enriched with profiles of relevant episodes and key takeaways from each. Readers are provided direct links to each podcast guest episode for a smooth transition from reading to listening.
If you wish, you can obtain a print or Kindle version of the newest Faculty Factory book here:
Print version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZV85KBW
Kindle version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZFDVG7R
Learn more about all three of our free Faculty Factory eBooks, including Habits and Hacks from Hopkins and Snippets for Success, here: https://facultyfactory.org/ebook/
Thank you
These books were made possible through the generous contributions of the people who comprise the Faculty Factory Community. We would like to thank all who have contributed to this robust community and network!
Visit the Faculty Factory website: https://facultyfactory.org/
Email our host, Dr. Skarupski: kskarupski@jhmi.edu

May 17, 2024 • 46min
The Coaching and Mentoring Academic Medicine Essentials with Andrea Sikon, MD, FACP, PCC, BCC
Andrea Sikon, MD, FACP, PCC, BCC, is our guest this week on the Faculty Factory Podcast as we explore different coaching and mentoring dynamics within the context of a demanding career in academic medicine.
Dr. Sikon is the Enterprise Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at the Cleveland Clinic (CC) and Professor of Medicine at the CC Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
She is also a practicing internist with clinical specialty in primary care and women’s health.
With her professional coaching credentials through the International Coaching Federation (PCC) and the Center for Credentialing and Education (BCC), Dr. Sikon is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to exploring the landscape of both coaching and mentorship in academic medicine settings and beyond.
Dr. Sikon also serves as the Executive Director and founder of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Excellence in Coaching and Mentoring (CECM), established in 2008 with Dr. Elaine Schulte and a team of engaged colleagues.
Learn More
For more information about the CECM trainings, and outcomes, mentioned on this episode:
- One-day CECM Coaching and Mentoring Essentials for Healthcare Professionals:
https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/cecmessentials/
- 4-day BCC credential program, CECM Healthcare Professional Coach Training: https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/live/courses/cecmtraining/default.asp
- "A Novel Coaching Program Deters Career Dissatisfaction and Yields Empowerment": https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/Fulltext/2019/06060/A_Novel_Coaching_Program_Deters_Career.12.aspx
You can also keep in touch with Dr. Sikon here:
• Email: SIKONA@ccf.org
• Twitter/X: @AndreaSikonCCF
If you would like to revisit another fantastic coaching conversation from our podcast, check out, Coaching Advice for Faculty with Elaine Schulte, MD, MPH: https://facultyfactory.org/coaching-advice-for-faculty-with-elaine-schulte-md-mph-faculty-factory-snippet-no-30/
More Faculty Resources: https://facultyfactory.org/

May 10, 2024 • 25min
Examining the Need for Scientist Wellbeing Initiatives with Joseph E. Losee, MD, FACS, FAAP, MBA
In this week’s episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, Joseph E. Losee, MD, FACS, FAAP, MBA, returns for an important discussion on the innovative scientist well-being initiative taking place at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
The interview also includes a broader chat about the need to address burnout among nonclinical faculty in today’s demanding academic medicine environment.
Dr. Losee currently serves as the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair of Pediatric Plastic Surgery and is the Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He also serves as the Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs.
This initiative aims to address the critical issue of burnout among nonclinical faculty, primarily scientists, as their battles with burnout often go overlooked in academic medicine.
Dr. Losee highlights the initiative's comprehensive approach, which includes assessing burnout levels, establishing a steering committee with department champions, and implementing tailored programming and symposiums.
Dr. Losee emphasizes the importance of institutional investment in faculty well-being, citing tangible benefits for both individuals and the institution, such as increased productivity, retention, and overall boosts in morale.
If you are new to the Faculty Factory Podcast, please make sure to check out Dr. Losee’s April 2023 visit to our show called Embracing Resilience in Academic Medicine: https://facultyfactory.org/joseph-losee/
If you would like to learn more, you can email Dr. Losee here: joseph.losee@chp.edu.

May 3, 2024 • 31min
Functional and Reverse Mentoring in Academic Medicine with Robert Tillman, PhD
This week, the “Robert Tillman, PhD Trilogy” concludes in style on the Faculty Factory Podcast. On the show, we're discussing the benefits of functional and reverse mentoring in academic medicine with Dr. Tillman.
This marks Dr. Tillman's third appearance on our podcast. You can revisit the first two episodes he recorded with us here:
Nurturing Sources of Self-Efficacy to Accomplish More in Academic Medicine: https://facultyfactory.org/self-efficacy/
An Intro to Strengths-Based Coaching: https://facultyfactory.org/strengths-based-coaching/
With Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Dr. Tillman serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Education, Innovation & Technology. Additionally, he holds positions as the Director of Professional Development and Mentoring in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and as an Assistant Dean in Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development at Baylor.
In today's interview with Dr. Tillman, we reference an article by Drs. Thorndyke, Gusic, and Milner titled "Functional mentoring: a practical approach with multilevel outcomes." You can learn more about it here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18712800/
“Appreciation is a wonderful gift. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well,” Dr. Tillman told us in a quote so memorable we had him repeat it towards the end of this interview.
Programming Reminder
The Faculty Factory has been delivering a new episode every Friday morning since 2019, made possible by our strong community. So, please reach out if you want to be a guest or please be sure to nominate a friend to be a guest on our show by sending us an email here: kskarupski@jhmi.edu or a message here: https://facultyfactory.org/contact-us/, thank you!

Apr 26, 2024 • 41min
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Unlocking Leadership Potential with Farzana Hoque, MD, MRCP, FACP, FRCP
Farzana Hoque, MD, MRCP, FACP, FRCP, is back on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. This time, we’re discussing how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) helps us establish our credibility as a leader in academic medicine irrespective of our career stage.
She joined us back in February for an episode called “Embracing Culture Over Strategy: Lessons Learned in Academic Medicine” and you can revisit that interview here: https://facultyfactory.org/farzana-hoque/
Dr. Hoque is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine and the Co-Director of the Medicine Acting Internship at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She also serves as the inaugural Medical Director of Bordley Tower at SSM Health, Saint Louis University Hospital, and she is President of the Society of Hospital Medicine’s St. Louis Chapter.
You can visit her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.FarzanaHoque
To get in touch with Dr. Hoque: https://farzanahoquemd.com/
In this discussion with Dr. Hoque, we’re highlighting the roles of self-awareness and self-management in emotional intelligence. Understanding our triggers and managing our reactions are fundamental steps toward effective leadership.
The discussion also includes social awareness and relationship management advice, as these are other key facets of EQ. Dr. Hoque advocates for pausing during stressful situations to prevent impulsive reactions and emphasizes the significance of psychological safety in fostering trust and credibility in leadership.
By embracing EQ, leaders can cultivate inclusive environments where individuals thrive and excel.
Visit FacultyFactory.org for more resources: https://facultyfactory.org/

Apr 19, 2024 • 26min
An Intro to Strengths-Based Coaching with Robert Tillman, PhD
Our friend, Robert Tillman, PhD, joins us once again on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. This time, we’re discussing all things related to playing to your strengths as a professional in academic medicine.
With Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Dr. Tillman serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Education, Innovation & Technology. Additionally, he holds positions as the Director of Professional Development and Mentoring in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and as an Assistant Dean in Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development at Baylor.
You can revisit our discussion with Dr. Tillman from February when we discussed "Nurturing Sources of Self-Efficacy to Accomplish More in Academic Medicine" by clicking here: https://facultyfactory.org/self-efficacy/
Dr. Tillman bluntly told us, "If we can identify and leverage our strengths, we'll probably find success in whatever we're doing."
As a self-described 'assessment junkie,' we delve deeply into the CliftonStrengths assessment in today’s episode.
Dr. Tillman highlights the importance of recognizing and leveraging one's strengths, as they can lead to increased engagement, productivity, and overall success in both professional and personal endeavors.
He also emphasizes the significance of self-awareness in identifying and understanding one's strengths, as well as the importance of embracing and owning them fully.
Learn more: https://facultyfactory.org/

Apr 12, 2024 • 47min
Building a Thriving Team in Academic Medicine and Beyond with Wendy Bennett MD, MPH
Effective team building skills are often overshadowed in our medical education, yet they can make all the difference in delivering quality care and advancing a supportive work environment.
In our latest episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, we explore this critical topic with Wendy Bennett, MD, shedding light on how to build, manage, support, and grow teams in academic medicine.
As a primary care physician, Dr. Bennett is an Associate Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine, with joint appointments at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.
She is also The Johns Hopkins Community Physicians Director of Research and she serves as Co-Director of the Center for Women's Health, Sex, and Gender Research.
In this interview, she highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, accountability, and adapting to hybrid work environments in effective team building.
Dr. Bennett emphasizes the need to cultivate a supportive culture while addressing team dynamics, particularly during conflicts. She notes that celebrating achievements and acknowledging team members' contributions are integral to team growth.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter: https://www.amazon.com/Multipliers-Best-Leaders-Everyone-Smarter/dp/0061964395
The concept of Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing (FSNP): https://hr.mit.edu/learning-topics/teams/articles/stages-development