Faculty Development Opportunities at UC-COM

The Office of Faculty Affairs & Development has created new development programming for our faculty in the areas of professional development, research development, teaching and education development, and wellness. Programs in these four tracks will be offered on a monthly basis during the academic year. Complete listing of development programs being offered 2026-2027 Programs (PDF).

November 2026

November 3, 2026: Tips and Tricks for Time Management: Productivity, Well-being and Beyond

Facilitators: Be Well UC employee wellness program
Via: Microsoft Teams
Time: 12-1:00 pm

Description: Want the best bang for your “time” buck? This interactive session will help you to plan and practice how to make the most of your day for your priorities. Learn practical strategies for more effective work-life balance.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify how time management impacts us professionally and our well-being
2. Highlight strategies to identify and manage priorities
3. Share related support resources

November 5, 2026: Understanding the UCCOM Budget Process

Facilitator: Neil Holsing, MBA
Via: Microsoft Teams
Time: 12-1:00 pm

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the different sources of funds
2. Understand the new budget model - Margin Model
3. Understand how department and college budgets are developed
4. Understand how faculty can assist with budget process

November 10, 2026: Getting Started in Clinical Research: Pathways to Industry-Sponsored and Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials

Facilitators: Emily Curran, MD and Hilary Perez, PHD
Via: Microsoft Teams
Time: 12-1:00 pm

Brief Overview: Interested in becoming involved in clinical research but not sure where to begin? This session provides an overview of two common pathways for conducting clinical research: participating in industry-sponsored clinical trials and developing investigator-initiated studies. Attendees will learn how investigators engage with sponsors and collaborators, identify opportunities, navigate institutional resources, and understand the key steps required to launch and conduct clinical research at UC and UC Health.

Learning objectives:

1. Differentiate between industry-sponsored clinical trials and investigator-initiated clinical research and understand when each approach may be appropriate.
2. Describe how faculty and healthcare providers can become involved in clinical research, including identifying opportunities, building collaborations, and engaging with sponsors or funding sources.
3. Identify the institutional resources, offices, and stakeholders that support study development, startup, and conduct at UC and UC Health.
4. Outline the major steps involved in developing, activating, and managing a clinical research study from concept through implementation.

November 17, 2026: Calm in the Storm: Understanding Anxiety, Stress, and Whole-Person Healing

Facilitator: Barbara Walker, PHD
Via: Microsoft Teams
Time: 12-1:00 pm

Description: The demands of academic medicine can create significant challenges to personal well-being, with stress and anxiety affecting individuals’ health, relationships, performance, and overall sense of fulfillment. This workshop explores the science of stress and anxiety while examining their impact on the mind, body, and professional life. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the physiological and psychological responses to stress, recognize factors that contribute to chronic stress and burnout, and explore evidence-based approaches to restoring balance and resilience. Through a whole-person healing lens, attendees will learn practical strategies to regulate stress, cultivate greater awareness, strengthen emotional well-being, and support sustainable flourishing in both personal and professional settings.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the physiological and psychological responses to stress and anxiety and their effects on health, well-being, relationships, and professional functioning.
2. Recognize personal and environmental factors that contribute to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout in the context of academic medicine.
3. Apply evidence-based strategies for regulating stress, increasing self-awareness, and strengthening emotional resilience.
4. Identify practical whole-person approaches that can be integrated into daily life to support sustainable well-being, balance, and flourishing.

December 2026

December 01 | Build your AI Assistant: A Hands-On Workshop for Creating Reusable AI Projects

December 10 | Admissions Metrics & Trends: Mid-Cycle Review

December 10 | Balancing Clinical Medicine with a Research Career: Why Bother?

December 17 | Admissions Metrics & Trends: Mid-Cycle Review