A Model for Supporting Faculty Promotion Readiness in Pediatric Cardiology

Academic promotion plays a critical role in career advancement and retention in academic pediatrics, yet faculty frequently encounter barriers such as unclear requirements, limited mentorship and sponsorship, and competing clinical demands. To address these challenges, we developed and implemented a longitudinal, specialty-specific faculty promotion support program within a Division of Pediatric Cardiology. The model integrates institution-specific education, interactive workshops, individualized coaching, and longitudinal peer support to improve promotion readiness. Following participation, faculty demonstrated improvements in knowledge of promotion criteria, timelines, and required documentation, and reported high satisfaction with the program. Qualitative feedback emphasized the value of peer accountability, narrative development, and personalized guidance. This approach offers a practical and adaptable framework for supporting promotion readiness and faculty career development in academic centers.