Faculty development in the new millennium: key challenges and future directions

Faculty development initiatives in the year 2000 will need to respond to changes in medical education and health care delivery, to build on the achievements and accomplishments of the past, and to continue to adapt to the evolving roles of faculty members. To remain at the forefront, faculty development programs will need to broaden their focus, consider diverse training methods and formats, conduct more rigorous program evaluations, and foster new partnerships and collaborations. Academic vitality is dependent upon faculty members' interest and expertise; faculty development has a critical role to play in promoting academic excellence and innovation.