The Mentor Gap: Why Good Mentors Don't Automatically Create Promotion-Ready Faculty

Mentorship is one of the most widely accepted solutions in academic medicine. Most institutions invest heavily in mentoring programs, faculty development initiatives, and sponsorship opportunities. But what if mentorship alone isn't enough? In this episode of the Academic Medicine Strategy Podcast, Dr. Stacey Ishman explores the critical gap between mentorship and promotion readiness. Drawing on both research and personal experience, she explains why even outstanding mentors cannot replace the career infrastructure faculty need to advance strategically. 🎯 In this episode you'll learn: • What mentorship does exceptionally well • Why faculty can still struggle despite having strong mentors • The difference between guidance and career infrastructure • How promotion readiness requires more than encouragement • Why structured career development improves long-term outcomes • Practical steps faculty can take today to evaluate their own career trajectory This episode is especially valuable for faculty members, department chairs, division chiefs, faculty affairs leaders, and anyone responsible for physician career development. Learn more about faculty development resources and the Faculty Excellence and Retention Initiative at https://www.amedsg.com If you found this episode helpful, subscribe for weekly insights on promotion, leadership, faculty development, and career strategy in academic medicine.