In 2012, something unusual happened. For the first time since 1868, the year the Detroit Medical College (the future Wayne State University School of Medicine) was founded, a new medical school was opening in the Detroit area. Detroit would no longer hold the distinction of being the largest American city with only a single medical school.
As Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine assembled its inaugural faculty, academic appointments materialized from thin air. I was handed the title of Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine. It felt like a gift.
Over the years, though, that “assistant” began to weigh heavily on me. By 2024, I committed to upgrading that qualifier and pursue promotion. I had no idea just how arduous the process would be. My promotion packet eventually included:
- A five-page Achievements in Service letter
- A 100-page Achievements in Education dossier, anchored by an eight-page letter and 92 pages of artifacts
- A 37-page Achievements in Scholarship document, with a 13-page letter and 24 pages of supporting materials
- A two-page Achievements in Patient Care letter
- A three-page Personal Statement
- My CV
- And a list of a dozen associate professors and professors across North America willing to review and score my work
In July of 2024, I submitted well over 150 pages of narrative, documentation, and supporting evidence to OUWB’s Promotion and Tenure Committee.
A few weeks ago, I received the news I had been hoping for: my promotion was granted. As of July 1, I am officially an Associate Professor of Medicine.
It feels good. More than that, it feels validating. I am grateful that Oakland University viewed my work in social media and medical education not as a novelty, but as serious, productive scholarly activity worthy of recognition.