Empowering junior faculty starts with meaningful mentorship. From my editorial experience, I’ve found that guiding them through reviewing papers is a great first step—it builds their critical thinking and academic writing skills. From there, collaboration on research projects helps them develop expertise while contributing to their field. Leading by example is key: balancing teaching and research demonstrates how to prioritize and manage both effectively. Providing opportunities, sharing insights, and supporting their growth creates a foundation for their professional success.

The younger generation needs more than "just" mentoring and workshops. While these measures are great, these digital natives also require digital upskilling and diverse path to learning. They want to upskill whenever and whereever they are, on the topics that are relevant to them right now. For this, universities need to offer a variety of learning paths, that include digital and in-person learning as well as synchronous and asynchronous offers!

I empower junior faculty by encouraging them to lead interdisciplinary projects with guidance from senior mentors. I also promote reverse mentorship, where their fresh ideas shape our strategies, and create spaces for them to explore innovative teaching methods, helping them grow with confidence and creativity.

🔴In our university we designed and implemented the junior faculty development program based on using Kern's six-step approach to curriculum development in medical education. Junior faculty development program in the following manner: Step 1: Needs Assessment Mentoring program We administered an electronic survey to junior faculty to identify research, professional, and personal interests, as well as mentorship needs for career and/or research. Step 2: Learning Activities We reviewed the results of the needs assessment with the department chair and used them to create three learning activities: (1) a monthly seminar series, (2) a new faculty orientation, and (3) a mentoring program. Step 3: Program Evaluation

The Collaborative teaching projects where 2 can teach one course. Empowering through Simulations to engage students. Personal grooming mentorship to enhance the impact of their personas. Most importantly, helping them understand the cultural sensitivity of the region, taboos, etc.

Mentorship Programs: Pair junior faculty with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer advice on career development. Professional Development Workshops: Encourage participation in workshops, seminars, and conferences to broaden their knowledge and networking opportunities. Feedback Culture: Foster a culture of constructive feedback where junior faculty feel comfortable seeking and receiving feedback on their work. Leadership Roles: Provide opportunities for junior faculty to take on leadership roles in committees, projects, or initiatives to build their leadership skills. Innovative Teaching Methods: Create spaces for them to explore and implement innovative teaching methods.