Early-Career Faculty

It is a requirement that all early-career faculty (University and the affiliates) in the School of Medicine select a primary mentor within the first 90 days of their Assistant Professor appointment. Your mentor can help you navigate your development options and align them with your career goals to help you move through the University’s academic ranks.

While a primary mentor is required, a mentoring team of 4 additional members is optional, but highly recommended. Below are several resources to help inform you on the Mentoring Program requirements, process, and guidelines for selecting a primary mentor/mentoring team. If you are uncertain of how to identify a mentor or the program requirements, please reach out to your Division Leadership or the Faculty Advancement Office at domfacadvancement@ucdenver.edu.

• DOM Mentoring Program Policy and Guidance
• DOM Individual Career Development Plan
• Mentor Identification Form
• Mentor Progress Report

Additional support and resources are available through the Faculty Advancement Office and the Mentoring Program page. For questions or to schedule time for a consult, contact DOMFacAdvancement@ucdenver.edu.

• DOM Set Yourself Up for Success
• DOM Promotions and Tenure
• 2021 DOM Mid-Course Review Process
• SOM Faculty Series Promotion FAQ
• SOM Promotions Matrix
• SOM Faculty Development Workshops - sessions in effective communication, improving classroom teaching skills, conflict management, etc.
• CU Employee Services Resources - free to faculty/staff:
  • Career Advancement & Learning resource
    

The DOM Research Office provides assistance to new investigators in applying for and managing grants, including grant writing help. The Research Office also offers several programs supporting emerging investigators:

• DOM Outstanding Early-Career Scholar Program (OESCP) - investing in the career development of our most promising researchers and scholars.
• DOM Research-Intensive Faculty Program (RIFP) - providing partial salary support for qualifying researchers. 
• DOM Health Services Research Development Grant - support for early-career faculty pursuing careers in health services research.
• DOM Team Science Program - enhancing collaborative research work. 
• DOM Research Bridge Program - bridging support during research funding gaps.

• CCTSI Clinical Faculty Sch​olars Program helps emerging investigators obtain a career development award (K08, K23 or foundation equivalent), or a first independent, extramural project award (R21, R01 or equivalent) through guided project development, educational seminars, grant writing classes, and mentorship participants.
• CU Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists (CU-FRCS) - grant and mentoring program for junior MD/DO physician-scientists (women and men) who face hardship resulting from caregiving needs.
• The Department of Medicine has many designated ‘innovation liaisons’ within the Divisions to help researchers connect with CU Innovations.  Their goal is to increase participation and engagement in commercialization and entrepreneurship activities.  

Division innovation liaisons provide a point of contact for CU Innovations and will support communications between researchers and CU Innovations regarding intellectual property and technology transfer. For more information, contact your Division innovation liaison – DOM Innovation Liaisons or reach out to Cigdem Benam, Communications Program Manager, CU Innovations cigdem.benam@cuanschutz.edu

The DOM Program for Academic Clinician Educators (PACE) provides financial support for medical education research, innovative program development in education, salary support and/or career development of clinician-educators.

Other resources for new clinician-educators:

• Academy of Medical Educators – explore your available resources:

Developing a Career as an Educator
AME Teaching Scholars Program: 18-month program targeted to interprofessional educators early career with an interest in becoming educational administrators, researchers and leaders. 

• Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE)
• 2018 Promotion Update - Clinical Practice Series​ 

The DOM Quality and Safety Program (QSP) strives to advance the quality of care delivered by DOM providers to our patients through a number of integrated programs. The DOM Clinical Operations section lists useful resources for Department of Medicine clinicians and care providers. In addition to DOM-specific resources, you will find links to University of Colorado Hospital and CU Medicine (formerly University Physicians, Inc.).

Other resources for new clinicians: 

• IHQSE Certificate Training Program - 12-month program focused on clinical leadership, quality and safety. 
• CU Clinical Leadership Development (CLD) Program – two-day program offering tailored training for front-line physician, nurse, pharmacy, and administrative leaders who seek to advance their personal leadership ability.  
• IHQSE Introductory Training Program in Quality Improvement (ITP) - one-day course emphasizes fundamental principles and skills necessary to design and participate in quality improvement initiatives in clinical settings. 
• SOM Maintenance of Certificate Portfolio Approval Program

The DOM Office of Diversity and Justice was established in 2016 to support diversity among our faculty and housestaff. Other resources for women and minorities: 

• SOM Office of Diversity and Inclusion 
• Women’s Leadership Training Program – two-day session followed by three 2-3 hour workshops over the course of a year. Women’s ways of leading, MBTI, finance of academic medical centers, money matters, and conflict and negotiation. Application required. Contact Judith Regensteiner or Judy Sherman, ​​​303-724-5375​ for detailed information.  
• Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) - resources provided for two women faculty members every year from the SOM for AAMC early- and mid-career workshops. Application deadlines and processes vary; contact Judith Regensteiner for information.  
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Group on Women in Medicine and Science 
• Annual CU Women Succeeding Professional Development Symposium 
• Annual LGBTQ+ & EMAC Symposium