A practical method for increasing scholarly activity in an academic family medicine department

Abstract

Background: Providing a stimulating environment designed to increase scholarly activity is becoming increasingly difficult in today's academic medicine departments. This article was written to communicate methods and results of a practical program designed to increase scholarly activities in an academic medicine department.

Description: A straightforward program was developed and implemented with the objective of increasing scholarly activity in an academic medicine department. Concomitant departmental changes in scholarly activities including publications, lecturing, and research were determined over a 3-year period.

Evaluation: At Year 3 post program initiative, there was a significant increase in the number of faculty members publishing (from 15.8%-73.7%). The number of articles submitted to peer-reviewed journals increased from 5 to 44, and the number accepted increased from 8 to 10. The number of national lectures given by faculty increased from 1 to 17, whereas the number of local lectures did not increase.

Conclusion: A straightforward program can be effectively used to increase scholastic endeavors such as writing and lecturing in an academic setting.