Intended for faculty members who have been promoted to associate professor in the last two years, a New Associate Professor Workshop will be offered on September 10 to support faculty members in navigating the next stage of their academic careers.
The last workshop like this was offered in 2024. It featured an outstanding panel of speakers, including Megan Neuman, MD, professor in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Kristin Shadman, MD, professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine and Complex Care; and Peter Ferrazzano, MD, professor and chief in the Division of Critical Care. The panel was moderated by Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, professor and chief (academic) in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and the department’s vice chair of academic affairs.
Participants in the 2024 workshop indicated that they most appreciated the discussion and guidance about making a career transition and the tips on mentoring junior faculty. They especially noted that they appreciated the in-person time with colleagues whom they rarely see.
The September 2026 workshop is designed to help new associate professors — those promoted in the last two years — to navigate confidently the next stage of their academic careers. It will cover two overarching topics. “Big-picture Career Growth” will address three areas: identifying leadership opportunities, expanding a professional skill set, and staying strategically engaged with their promotions committee. The second topic, “Key Practical Skills,” will examine four subjects: serving effectively on the departmental Executive Committee, writing strong letters of recommendation, participating on promotions committees, and planning for the next promotion.
John Williams, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics, will provide a welcome this year. Another impressive panel will be moderated by Moreno, with these guests: Bernadette Gillick, PhD, MSPT, PT, professor in the Division of Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine; James Conway, MD, professor in the Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Global Pediatrics; and Laura Houser, MD, professor in the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and the department’s director of advocacy.
The 2026 workshop will take place during Clinical Care Week, September 8–10. The workshop was scheduled for the same day as the Clinical Care Week in-person events with the intention of encouraging participants to turn September 10 into a full day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Critical Care Week: September 10 events
- In-person Pediatrics Grand Rounds/Iams-Tuffli Lecture
- New Associate Professor Workshop
- UW Health Kids Quality and Safety Poster Fair
- Iams-Tuffli and Innovation Forum Luncheon
- Pediatric Puzzler
- Two Minutes, Two Slides
Shadman offered her encouragement to those considering participating in the New Associate Professor Workshop. “This workshop is a great opportunity to think about the next steps after your promotion from assistant to associate professor. Some people head deeper into their current areas of expertise. Others decide to develop new skills or interests. Both paths can be meaningful career next steps,” she explained. “This workshop offers faculty members space to reflect on the path ahead as they transition to mid-career, as well as an opportunity to network with other faculty members in a similar cohort.”
Register online to attend the New Associate Professor Workshop. Questions can be directed to Kristin Determan (kristin.determan@wisc.edu) or Katie Denzin (katie.denzin@wisc.edu).
