This resource is designed to support all Duke Orthopaedic Surgery faculty—whether clinical, research, or educational—in navigating the academic appointment and promotion process. While the core principles apply across all tracks, some details may vary depending on your role. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, helpful tools, and a transparent pathway to help you grow professionally and achieve your academic goals.
Initial Appointment
Your initial academic rank is determined by the chair and members of the Orthopaedic APT Committee. In certain cases, administrative review may delay the finalization of your formal appointment. During this interim period, you may begin your role under the title Instructor until the review process is complete.
Commitment to Advancement
Duke University is deeply committed to supporting the academic growth and professional development of its faculty. Advancement in academic rank is a vital part of this commitment, typically occurring within a 4–6 year timeframe. Progression is based on sustained academic productivity and meaningful contributions to the university and broader scholarly community.
Given the diverse expertise within our department, a wide range of accomplishments may strengthen your case for promotion. These may include—but are not limited to—a robust academic portfolio in research, teaching excellence, clinical innovation, leadership, and service.
To learn more, please review the general guidelines and expectations for advancement.
Preparing for Promotion
Once you believe you meet the criteria for promotion, please get in touch with the administrator for the Orthopaedic APT Committee. The promotion preparation process includes the following required documents:
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Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Duke format
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Intellectual Development Statement (IDS): The IDS should present a thoughtful overview of your academic contributions, trajectory, and future goals. It must be no more than five pages in length, followed by the required tabular summary. The document should be single-spaced and formatted using a 12-point Times New Roman font.
After submission, the Orthopaedic APT Committee will review your application. If approved, the committee will request letters of reference from internal and/or external reviewers, depending on the promotion track. This review and reference process typically takes 12 months.
Promotion Tracks
Primary promotion tracks at Duke include:
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Faculty Career Track – Upon initial hire, Clinical Sciences faculty at Duke are appointed at a rank determined jointly by the faculty member and the Department Chair, typically Medical Instructor or Assistant Professor, without an assigned track. The tenure clock begins upon appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher and spans ten years. Faculty may choose to pursue the Faculty Tenure Track—generally between years 4–6—if deemed potentially eligible for tenure, with mutual agreement required for track assignment. Per University Bylaws, tenure is automatically granted if no decision is communicated by the end of the tenure clock.
Faculty on this track are expected to:
- Demonstrate excellence in their primary domain of expertise.
- Engage in scholarly activity.
- Make substantive contributions in at least one additional domain.
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Tenure Track – Designed for academic faculty, it is intended for clinical department faculty within the Duke University School of Medicine who hold advanced degrees such as MD, MD/PhD, DO, DO/PhD, MD/DVM, PhD/DVM, or PhD. This track is intended for those pursuing promotion based on unique and innovative contributions to science and medicine across a range of disciplines, including basic science, translational research, clinical research, health services research, and education. All scholarly work must be aspirational, innovative, and distinctive, with demonstrable impact beyond Duke.
Promotion evaluation includes a broad spectrum of scholarship domains, such as: biological sciences, population health sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, informatics, health services, quality and performance improvement, community engagement, pre-clinical and clinical trials, and educational research and methodologies.
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While there is some overlap between tracks, faculty may request to change tracks with the Department Chair's approval.
- The Medical Executive Committee reviews Career Track promotions following approval by the Orthopaedic APT Committee.
- The University APT Committee reviews Tenure Track promotions after departmental approval. Final approval requires a vote by the Duke University Board of Trustees.
Timeline and Expectations
Due to the involvement of multiple review bodies, the promotion process may take 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on the need for revisions. We encourage faculty to begin preparing early and to reach out for guidance throughout the process.
Questions?
Contact Cindy Sparrow.