A writing curriculum for physician faculty members

As part of a USA government contract in faculty development, the domain of written communication was analysed according to instructional systems methodology. The content of written communication was examined for its rationale, literature base, underlying process skills, products, audiences, and requisite competencies. The context for learning writing skills was reviewed in terms of learners' characteristics, requirements for learning, aspects of the delivery system, and optimal teaching formats and strategies. A wealth of literature was found to support 47 requisite competencies, which were further validated in three separate surveys. The analysis suggests that instruction is most appropriate for tenure-track faculty members and fellows. The recommended curriculum integrates expert consultation with seminars, retreats, and faculty publishing clubs. Most pivotal of these is the writing consultant, who works on-site as a coordinator, editor, and consultant to faculty authors.