Endowed faculty positions in academic emergency medicine: 5 years later

Abstract

Background: In 2004, we examined the number of endowed faculty positions (both chair and professorship) in Academic Departments of Emergency Medicine (ADEMs) in the United States (US).

Objective: To survey ADEMs in the United States concerning their number of endowed faculty positions and compare the results to the 2004 study.

Methods: A survey was sent to the chairs of all ADEMs in the United States belonging to the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine. We requested information on: number of endowed chair and professorship positions, amount required to fund, date established, source of funding, and future plans.

Results: Seventy-three chairs responded, for a 100% response rate. Eight chairs reported one endowed chair position each. One chair reported two such positions and one chair reported three chair positions. In total, 10 ADEMs (13.7%) reported 13 endowed chair positions. For endowed professorships, eight chairs reported one professorship each and two chairs reported two such positions. A total of 10 ADEMs (13.7%) reported having 12 endowed professorships. In all, 19 ADEMs (26%) reported a total of 25 such positions. The typical amount allowed to spend was 4-5% of the value of the endowment annually. The average amount necessary to fund an endowed chair position was $1.5 million, and $1 million for an endowed professorship.

Conclusion: Twenty-six percent of all US ADEMs now have an endowed faculty position. There has been a nearly threefold increase in the number of endowed faculty positions over the past 5 years.