My flight was cancelled! An exploratory study on institutional professional development budgets for medical educators

Abstract: Introduction: Recent federal funding cuts have created pauses in admissions, hiring, and execution of research studies at academic medical centers internationally. These monetary reductions have also impacted allowances for non-essential faculty travel. As a result, faculty may now be faced with challenges in how they obtain professional development. Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory study was implemented to discover the impact of funding cuts on faculty travel for professional development opportunities, as well as strategies medical educators are using to mitigate the current landscape. Results: Findings indicate that faculty now have to use alternative methods to obtain professional development and that institutional guidance is lacking in how to do so. Discussion: Authors provide concrete action steps for faculty to take amidst this challenge to remain engaged in professional development