Faculty Development for Academic Emergency Physicians: A Focus Group Analysis

Objectives: The objective is to explore academic emergency medicine physicians’ exposure to and needs regarding faculty development. Methods: We conducted a prospective qualitative study of Society for Academic Emergency Medicine members in 2018 using focus groups selected by convenience and snowball sampling. One facilitator ensured representative engagement and responses were transcribed in real-time by an assistant after obtaining verbal consent. Results were analyzed using a grounded theory approach with a constructivist perspective. Thematic analysis was refined using the constant comparative method. Results: Sixteen physicians participated in the focus groups, representing a diverse group of perspectives. Six themes emerged about unmet needs in faculty development: knowledge and skills, relationships, specific programs or resources, and professional benefits. Conclusions: Members of a national academic society identified three areas of focus important to developing academicians in emergency medicine: content for faculty developers, relationship-building among members, and support from the organization as a “professional home.” Academic societies can use this to guide future programming.