6.2 Criteria and Application of Criteria for Appointment, Reappointment and Promotion

A. Criteria

The major criteria for appointment, reappointment and promotion for Adjunct Clinical Faculty are outstanding professional qualifications and showing that the candidate is capable of contributing to a first-rate teaching program or other academic activity in the School of Medicine appropriate to the programmatic need the individual is expected to fulfill.

B. Academic Contribution

The Adjunct Clinical Faculty are expected to make a contribution to teaching or other academic activities approximately equivalent to 100 hours per year.  Appropriate multipliers for hours of contribution may be developed by each department to recognize exceptional contributions, e.g., a multiplier of 2X-5X for nights and weekend call or mission-critical activities.  The department may recommend a multiplier but will need to seek and obtain the approval of the Vice Dean (or a designate) before applying it.

C. Regional and National Recognition

Depending on their rank, Adjunct Clinical Faculty members are expected to have attained regional or national recognition as leaders in their field of practice or professional activity.

For appointment, reappointment or promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, there should be evidence that the candidate has attained regional recognition (relative to the candidate’s location) in his or her field of practice or professional activity.  The definition of “regional” may vary among clinical specialties but is generally defined as prominence in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and/or beyond the local practice area.  Candidates for initial appointment at this rank who have previous meritorious academic service on the faculty of a comparable medical school will be considered favorably.  Candidates for promotion to this rank who do not have regional recognition may be considered by other factors, including extraordinary contributions in such broadly defined areas as teaching and clinical excellence, clinical innovation, program building and/or administrative activities.

For appointment, reappointment or promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor, there should be evidence that the candidate has attained national recognition in his or her field of practice or professional activity.   Candidates for promotion to this rank who do not have national prominence, may be considered by other factors, including extraordinary contributions in such broadly defined areas as teaching and clinical excellence, clinical innovation, program building and/or administrative activities.

D. Factors in Applying the Criteria for Appointment, Reappointment and Promotion

Determination of satisfaction of applicable criteria is based on material accumulated during the appointment, reappointment or promotion review process; documentation that explicitly and tangibly supports both the quality of performance and the quantity of contributions is required.

The professional judgment of those assessing these data is the critical factor in determining whether the faculty member’s accomplishments meet the standard of excellence in the overall mix of contributions.

Evaluation should be of total performance.  Taking into consideration the proportionality of contributions, appropriate weight should be given to the quality and quantity of work in the following categories:

Attending

The role of attending physician for teaching purposes is defined as instruction or supervision of medical students or postdoctoral trainees in the patient care setting of the nursing unit, operating room, clinic or private office.  These normally are scheduled assignments in which the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member assumes a major teaching responsibility.

Teaching

Lectures, seminars, conferences or tutorials by the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member, or participation in the teaching of regular courses, are considered formal instruction.  Preparation time may be considered as part of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member’s commitment to such an assignment.  Attendance at conferences, rounds and other teaching exercises as an observer or casual participant is not considered formal instruction by the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member.

In teaching activities, such factors relevant to whether the standards for teaching have been met may include a positive style of interaction with students; availability; professionalism; institutional compliance and ethics; effective communication skills; helpfulness in learning; and ability to work effectively as part of the teaching team.

Research

Based on programmatic need, and at the discretion of the department, conduct of, or participation in, departmental research projects (that is, research projects in collaboration with a member of the Professoriate) may also be a significant academic activity for purposes of Adjunct Clinical Faculty education.  In conducting and reporting their research, members of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty are expected to abide by the high standards of care and scientific inquiry expected of members of the Professoriate.

For those Adjunct Clinical Faculty members who engage in scholarly activities, such factors relevant to whether the standards for scholarship have been met include the ability to work effectively as part of a research team; effective communication with colleagues, staff and students; and professionalism, institutional compliance and ethics.

Other

Membership on departmental and School committees, as well as advisory or consulting roles related to the department, School or University, constitutes valuable academic activities to be recognized in evaluating the contributions of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member.  In addition, Adjunct Clinical Faculty members will be evaluated for their compliance with applicable professional, ethical, University, and School rules and policies and for their constructive and positive contribution to the academic and clinical enterprise.

Departmental programs differ.  Therefore, the need for and nature of academic activities by an Adjunct Clinical Faculty member may justify additions to the above definitions provided that the activity defined as “academic” demonstrably contributes to the teaching, research or patient care program and/or to the successful operation of the department and of the School.

The Adjunct Clinical Faculty are not expected to take leadership positions in the academic enterprise, and are thus not eligible to serve in such capacities except under extraordinary circumstances with the prior approval of the Vice Dean.

E. Respectful Workplace

The SOM’s Statement on the Respectful Workplace states the following:

“Stanford University School of Medicine is committed to providing a work environment that is conducive to teaching and learning, research, the practice of medicine and patient care.  Stanford’s special purposes in this regard depend on a shared commitment among all members of the community to respect each person’s worth and dignity.  Because of their roles within the School of Medicine, faculty members, in particular, are expected to treat all members of the Stanford community with civility, respect and courtesy and with an awareness of the potential impact of their behavior on staff, students and other faculty members.”

Compliance with respectful workplace expectations is required at all times, and in particular will be reviewed at the time of consideration an Adjunct Clinical Faculty appointment and any subsequent reappointment and promotion.  Results from the distribution of teaching evaluation forms, as well as from referee letters, will aid reviewing bodies in assessing an Adjunct Clinical Faculty member’s performance in the workplace.

F. Reappointments

There is no right or entitlement to an Adjunct Clinical Faculty reappointment, nor is the department or School required to initiate consideration for such a reappointment.  Where such a review is undertaken, however, reappointment at all ranks is preceded by a thorough evaluation of the quality and extent of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member's performance and contribution to the academic programs and to the department and School.  A decision to reappoint must include an evaluation of the requirements of the academic programs (including programmatic need), and must be based on evidence of continued excellent performance and continued compliance with the policies of the School.

G. Promotions

There is no right or entitlement to an Adjunct Clinical Faculty promotion, nor is the department or School required to initiate consideration for such a promotion.  Where such a review is undertaken, however, promotion at all ranks is preceded by a thorough review of the quality and extent of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member’s performance and contribution to the academic programs and to the department and School.  A decision to promote must include an evaluation of the requirements of the academic programs (including programmatic need), and must be based on evidence of continued excellent performance and continued compliance with the policies of the School.

Promotions may be initiated at any time when there is unequivocal evidence that the quality of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty member’s contributions meets the criteria for promotion to the higher rank; this will typically occur in one of the years following reappointment.

In cases where an early promotion is initiated and subsequently fails, an unsuccessful candidate may be proposed again at a later time if that remains desirable to the candidate and the department.  However, in order to avoid potential awkwardness following a negative promotion decision, it is prudent to initiate a promotion review only when a positive outcome can be anticipated with reasonable confidence.

H. Specific/Supplementary Criteria for Adjunct Clinical Instructors

1. Appointment as Adjunct Clinical Instructor

An initial appointment to Adjunct Clinical Instructor may be made for individuals who have just completed their residency and/or fellowship training.  Evidence should be obtained of a high level of performance during training and of potential for professional growth.  Only rarely will candidates with no more than completion of residency or fellowship training be considered for an initial appointment at a higher rank.

The initial appointment term for Adjunct Clinical Instructors is up to three years.

2. Reappointment as Adjunct Clinical Instructor

A decision to reappoint must include an evaluation of the requirements of the academic programs (including programmatic need) and must be based on evidence of continued excellent performance and continued compliance with the policies of the School of Medicine.

The term of reappointment for an Adjunct Clinical Instructor will generally be for up to three years and may be renewed (based on fulfillment of the applicable criteria and subject to continuing programmatic need) for an unlimited number of subsequent terms.

3. Promotion from Adjunct Clinical Instructor to Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor

Promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor requires that there be evidence of progress and a high level of performance, and that the candidate has contributed substantially to the teaching programs of the School (i.e., served as a leader in educational programs).  Promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor may occur for those who have exhibited exceptional performance.

The term of promotion to Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professors is generally four years.

I. Specific/Supplementary Criteria for Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professors

1. Appointment as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor

Consideration for an initial appointment to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor normally requires, in addition to completion of postdoctoral training, a minimum period of practice (since postdoctoral training) during which the candidate has demonstrated outstanding professional qualifications and potential for contribution to the academic programs.  Evidence of previous meritorious teaching performance on a medical faculty will be favorably considered when determining qualifications for initial appointment as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor.

The initial term of appointment for Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professors is generally four years.

2. Reappointment as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor

A decision to reappoint must include an evaluation of the requirements of the academic programs (including programmatic need) and must be based on evidence of continued excellent performance and continued compliance with the policies of the School of Medicine.

The term of reappointment will generally be for six years and may be renewed (based on fulfillment of the applicable criteria and subject to continuing programmatic need) for an unlimited number of subsequent terms.

3. Promotion from Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor to Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor

Promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor recognizes outstanding performance for those who have contributed substantially to the teaching programs of the School (i.e., served as leaders in educational programs) and have achieved regional prominence as recognized leaders in their field of practice or professional activity.  For those individuals who do not have regional prominence, other factors may be considered for promotion, including extraordinary contributions in such broadly defined areas as teaching and clinical excellence, clinical innovation, program building and/or administrative activities. Exceptional circumstances may, on occasion, justify earlier promotion, in which case the justification must be well documented.

The term of promotion to Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor is generally five years.

J. Specific/Supplementary Criteria for Adjunct Clinical Associate Professors

1. Appointment as Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor

Consideration for an initial appointment to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor is usually reserved for individuals who have experience following postdoctoral training and who have achieved at least regional recognition for outstanding performance in their field.  They shall have indicated strong interest in the academic programs and their evaluation should provide evidence that they are capable of making an exceptional contribution.  Previous meritorious academic service on the faculty of a medical school may be considered favorably when evaluating qualifications for initial appointment as Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor.

The initial term of appointment for an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor is generally five years.

2. Reappointment as Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor

A decision to reappoint must include an evaluation of the requirements of the academic programs (including programmatic need) and must be based on evidence of continued excellent performance and continued compliance with the policies of the School of Medicine.

The term of reappointment will generally be for five years and may be renewed (based on fulfillment of the applicable criteria and subject to continuing programmatic need) for an unlimited number of subsequent terms.

3. Promotion from Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor to Adjunct Clinical Professor

Promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor is recognition of continued superior performance for those who have contributed substantially to the teaching programs of the School (i.e., served as leaders in educational programs) and who have achieved national prominence as recognized leaders in their field of practice or professional activity.  For those individuals who do not have national prominence, other factors may be considered for promotion, including extraordinary contributions in such broadly defined areas as teaching and clinical excellence, clinical innovation, program building and/or administrative initiatives.  Exceptional circumstances may, on occasion, justify earlier promotion, in which case the justification must be well documented.

Promotion to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor generally confers appointment for a continuing term that does not require further formal reappointment.

The Adjunct Clinical Faculty member with a continuing appointment will still be required to fulfill and document each year that they have met the expectation of 100 hours of voluntary contribution to the mission of the School.  Those Adjunct Clinical Faculty members holding a continuing term appointment must complete the annual reporting form each year and the department must retain copies in the individual’s file.  These contributions will be predominantly in teaching of students, housestaff, fellows and faculty, but may include mission critical administrative activities as approved by the department chair.  A continuing term appointment may be terminated as described in Section 6.1.F., including when satisfactory performance or programmatic need ceases.

K. Specific/Supplementary Criteria for Adjunct Clinical Professors

 1. Appointment as Adjunct Clinical Professor

Consideration for an initial appointment to the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor is usually reserved for those rare and exceptional individuals who have achieved national prominence as recognized leaders in their field of practice or professional activity.  Initial appointment as Adjunct Clinical Professor is a mark of great distinction and department chairs must be prepared to document fully the justification for such an appointment.

The initial term of appointment for an Adjunct Clinical Professor is generally five years.

2. Reappointment as Adjunct Clinical Professor

Reappointment at the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor generally confers appointment for a continuing term that does not require further formal reappointment.

The Adjunct Clinical Faculty member with a continuing appointment will still be required to fulfill and document each year that they have met the expectation of 100 hours of voluntary contribution to the mission of the School.  Those Adjunct Clinical Faculty members holding a continuing term appointment must complete the annual reporting form each year and the department must retain copies in the individual’s file.  These contributions will be predominantly in teaching of students, housestaff, fellows and faculty, but may include mission critical administrative activities.  A continuing term appointment may be terminated as described in Section 6.1.F., including when satisfactory performance or programmatic need ceases.

3. Appointment as Adjunct Clinical Professor, Emeritus or Emerita

 Upon retirement and upon meeting certain qualifications, members of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty may request Emeritus or Emerita status.  Emeritus or Emerita status may be considered for Adjunct Clinical Faculty who hold the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor at the time of their retirement and who have completed at least 30 years of service, of which 10 years must be at the rank of Adjunct Clinical Professor.  Requests are reviewed by the Vice Dean, who renders approval based on applicable standards.  Emeritus or Emerita status is subject to termination under Section 6.1.F.