2023-2024 Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) Cohort.
The UVA School of Medicine Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) helps prepare early career faculty to flourish as academic physicians and scientists. A cohort-based program spanning an academic year, the JFPD provides a solid foundation for professional development and career success in academic medicine by promoting the development and advancement of junior faculty through education, skill development, and mentored scholarly projects; fostering networking and collaborations among junior faculty; facilitating mentoring relationships between senior and junior faculty; and increasing the satisfaction, engagement, and retention of junior faculty. Eight cohorts have completed the program, including faculty members from 18 departments. Currently, there are over 100 JFDP alumni.
Each participant will identify a project that they will pursue during the course of the JFDP with the guidance of a senior faculty mentor.
Sessions are held every other Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – April 23, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Participants should expect a time commitment of about 8-10 hours per month which includes class time, session preparation, and project work.
How to Apply
- Faculty are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their department chair and then submit an application to participate in the upcoming iteration of the JFDP, along with submitting their CV.
- The submission deadline is Friday, May 10, 2024.
- Participants will be notified of their acceptance by Friday, May 17.
Please contact Ashley Ayers, senior director for Faculty Leadership Programs, with any questions about the JFDP program.
Feedback from JFDP Alumni and Department Chair
The Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) played an influential role in my early career. Coming from a relatively new department, finding mentorship to pursue NIH research funding was challenging. The JFDP not only provided valuable information but also helped me build connections throughout the School of Medicine, which proved essential for advancing my research career. This network paved the way for my successful application to the iTHRIV Scholars Program and subsequent NIH funding. The program was a valuable investment in my career development, and I continue to stay in touch with many colleagues from JFDP. — Thomas Hartka, MD, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Literally all of our (Department of Psychiatry) junior faculty have participated in either the Junior Faculty Development Program or the Early Career Faculty Program or both. These have been amazing experiences and I have been impressed with their presentations and their projects. I will continue to nominate/support our new/junior faculty for these programs. — Anita Clayton, MD, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences
The structured guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities have not only enhanced my clinical skills but have also played a pivotal role in navigating the complex landscape of academia. Learning from seasoned professionals helped pave the way for me to achieve my own professional and leadership goals, from becoming the Associate Program Director for our Physical Medicine and Residency Program to being a UVA Faculty Senator and co-chair for UVA’s Committee of Women in Medicine and Science’s Programming and Events subcommittee. The support and guidance from these sessions has made a lasting impact on my career aspirations and I am looking forward to continuing to participate in future program offerings. — Alyssa Mixon, DO, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Filed Under: Faculty