Tips for all faculty

yan and Ellen’s article prompted me to think about what I wish I had known when I came to the U in 1995. Of course, that was before we had a mini-computer in the form of a phone in our possession at all times. Over the years, I have learned even more about the resources at the University of Utah to help us to succeed in the world of academic medicine. Here are a few tips to help make your life easier.

#1 Save Thank You Notes

You can use them to document your accomplishments.

It’s important to save thank you notes. In addition to a quick pick me up when you feel a little discouraged, you may also need quotes from thank you notes for your Faculty Appointment, Review, and Advancement (FARA) packet or an awards nomination. If you have questions about FARA or how you're progressing in your career, reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help!

As a reminder to update your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Update your CV regularly, or you will forget the great things you do! Setting a monthly calendar reminder to yourself in Outlook can be helpful. If you need help navigating the MBM process, schedule a one-to-one training session with the Mission Based Management (MBM) team. They’ll work around your schedule and help demystify the documentation process.

#2 Learn when to say yes and no

The opportunity of yes.

I’m a do-er and with that comes lots of work. I had to learn when to say yes and no. I am really glad that I said yes to many things that have opened doors that I never knew would be incredibly fulfilling.

A strategy for saying no.

I try to find the sweet spot between my passion, my skills, and what my organization needs. Amy Jen Shu wrote a good short Harvard Business Review article about that concept, which I find helpful–she uses a 2 x 2 table that helps prioritize your efforts with your passion.

#3 Invest in yourself

At home.

I completely agree with Ellen—take care of yourself first. Definitely get out and exercise, meditate, see a movie–whatever you do for relaxation and rejuvenation. I personally love cooking, hiking, and skiing.

At work.

Remember to take time to reflect on your work–a great resource is the Health Science Leadership Development Courses offered through our office. Along with dedicated time for self-reflection, the seminars build skills in time management, interpersonal communication, and teams. These three-day seminars are offered multiple times a year and are open to all University of Utah Health faculty. I’m lucky to get to attend all of them, at least for a short time. Every time, I learn something new about myself and how I interact with others. I always make new connections across University of Utah Health!

#4 Think “family preparing” before “family planning”

If you are considering having children, get on daycare lists pre-conception.

Daycare around the University fills up really fast and wait lists can be long. A nanny may work for your family, for me, it didn’t, so I used a daycare center. For those of you who are breastfeeding, there are lactation rooms, and even a map (p.s. a hands-free pumping bra changed my life). Email the University of Utah Health Women in Medicine and Science Group for more information.

University Sponsored child care resources:

The University has the Child Care Resource Center (HSEB room 2907). They help connect you to the perfect spot for your little ones.

#5 Know when (and where) to ask for help

The life of an academic clinician is both challenging and tremendously rewarding. It’s easier when you aren’t doing it alone. Look to your peers for guidance, engage your department or division administrators and reach out to us directly. Academic Affairs and Faculty Development is here to help.

Please note: This article was updated July 11, 2019 to reflect Dr. Hobson-Rohrer's July 1, 2019 appointment as Associate Vice President of Health Sciences Education.