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As we approach our 300th Faculty Factory podcast episode, we’ve yet to have a conversation about the insightful strategies surrounding the often-overlooked skill of writing promotion letters. This technical yet crucial component of faculty advancement warrants attention, and we are honored to be joined by Mary Beth Phelan, MD, MBA, on this week’s show.
Dr. Phelan makes her inaugural appearance on our podcast this week. At the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), she serves as Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Advancement, Chief of the Division of Emergency Medicine Ultrasound, and Director of the Advanced Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship. These roles also include her position as chair of the promotion and tenure committee.
Important Resources from Today’s Podcast:
- Writing an External Letter of Review for Promotion [pdf]
- Promotion and Tenure Letters: A Guide for Faculty [pdf]
- The ADVICER Template for Faculty Reviewer Letters for Promotion and Appointment [pdf]
While she was initially untrained in the nuances of crafting effective promotion letters, she sought mentorship in the process. This experience led her to educate others on the science and remarkable value of writing strong promotion letters.
First and foremost, Dr. Phelan highlights the importance of understanding the institutional criteria for promotion. Letters should reflect the candidate’s contributions in a way that considers both quantitative achievements—like publications and presentations—and qualitative impact.
Dr. Phelan advised against listing accomplishments without context; instead, she emphasized the need to narrate how the candidate’s work influences their field positively. Furthermore, this podcast touched on the vital role of templates and checklists in streamlining the writing process.