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The Forgotten Faculty: Challenges for Ph.D.s in Clinical Medical School Departments

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Abstract

The data and discussion contained in this invited paper are based on the opening plenary by the first author whose paper titled “The Status of Ph.D.s in US Medical Schools” was presented at the 3rd national conference of the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers, Minneapolis, MN, May 2007. The significant growth of the number of Ph.D.s in clinical departments is described, as is their distribution. The roles they play; the barriers they face in terms of leadership opportunities, promotion and tenure; and the concerns they voice that are specific to this population are also discussed. Salary differentials between Ph.D.s on main and medical school campuses are provided. Recommendations for future investigation of disparate treatment and for faculty development opportunities specifically aimed at this group are found at the conclusion of the paper.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Barbara Feise, Chair of the Department of Psychology at Syracuse University, and Dr. Ed Lipson, Chair of the Department of Physics at Syracuse University, for providing disciplinary salary data. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Hershel Alexander and Mr. Jon Lang of the American Association of Medical Colleges for designing and executing the special analysis of department classification, degree type, and tenure status.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bassett Healthcare, Fieldstone Administration Building, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, USA

    Laura Schweitzer

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40207, USA

    Tracy D. Eells

Authors
  1. Laura Schweitzer
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  2. Tracy D. Eells
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Correspondence to Laura Schweitzer.

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Schweitzer, L., Eells, T.D. The Forgotten Faculty: Challenges for Ph.D.s in Clinical Medical School Departments. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 15, 7–11 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-008-9095-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-008-9095-x

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