The Department of Surgery is expanding its faculty development offerings with the launch of Ascend, a new program designed to support mid-career faculty as they navigate milestone opportunities and challenges.
Led by Jennifer Ogilvie, MD, interim director of faculty development, Ascend complements existing programs across the faculty career continuum. One such program, the Life of a Surgeon series, is continuing its fourth year, supporting early-career faculty transitioning from fellowship to their first faculty appointment.
Ascend is extending this support to second-term assistant professors through associate professors. Instead of offering general mentorship, the program focuses on individualized coaching around a specific professional goal. Participants will identify a challenge or opportunity in advance and be paired with a mentorship committee of two or three members outside their division to provide fresh perspective, advocacy, and an actionable plan. The program includes an initial 90-minute coaching session and a 45-minute follow-up approximately six months later.
Ascend can support a range of goals, including refining a research or funding strategy, building regional or national visibility, launching or expanding a clinical program, addressing promotion readiness, or developing a strategic plan for a major academic initiative.
The inaugural pilot will include 5–6 faculty members, with sessions beginning in October 2026. Faculty interested in participating are encouraged to discuss their interest with their division chief. Chiefs will submit nominations in early September, with final participant selection made in partnership with department leadership.
Faculty with questions about Ascend or the Life of a Surgeon series may contact Dr. Jennifer Ogilvie at jennifer.ogilvie@yale.edu.