April
2003
Volume 27 •
No. 4
Revision
to professoriate changes results in new "adjunct faculty" designation
Rather than being known as "voluntary clinical educators," community physicians who volunteer their time to teach Stanford medical students or trainees will now hold the title "adjunct clinical faculty." The announcement came in March as a revision to the professoriate changes implemented late last year.
"Voluntary" will change to "adjunct" in other titles as well, resulting in "adjunct clinical instructor" and "adjunct clinical professor," among others. These latest revisions to the professoriate rules are intended to address concerns expressed by community physicians regarding the use of the words "voluntary" and "educator" as opposed to "faculty."
David K. Stevenson, senior associate dean for academic affairs and the Harold K. Faber professor of pediatrics, led the major reform effort that resulted in the professoriate changes last year. It was announced at the time that all members then designated as "voluntary clinical educators" must use the word "voluntary" when referencing their affiliation to the medical school, including on business cards, research papers and in presentations.
Philip Pizzo, dean of the School of Medicine, announced the most recent revisions in March, saying, "There has been a considerable amount of concern expressed by our community physician colleagues on what is now perceived to be a lack of recognition of their contributions and a demeaning attitude toward their status."
The revisions, which took effect immediately after they were announced, are intended to specifically address those impressions, Pizzo said. Stevenson added that the appellation "adjunct" appropriately implies the close association of the community physicians with the university faculty, and further distinguishes and honors those individuals who contribute to the educational mission of the medical school.
Questions answered on informed-consent policy
Revision to professoriate changes result in new "adjunct faculty" designation
New policy clarifies decision-making on admission of ED patients
Patient safety program cited as national model
Architect of Trauma Program navigated his career through twists and turns
Momentum builds with construction projects
