As a participant in the meetings of the Economic Security Task Force, and other discussions relating to restructuring of the School of Medicine, I offer these thoughts concerning the relationship of tenure and clinical faculty. I have little knowledge of the necessity of tenure for basic science faculty to be successful in their careers. I do not believe that any clinical faculty require tenure.
Most clinical faculty can earn as much as they require through private practice.
My experience, and that of many colleagues, confirms that an active private practice does not interfere with research, publications or teaching. The university should be comprised of the best and brightest-people who can manage their time and do whatever work is necessary to accomplish their goals and the goals of their department. The university should not be a haven for physicians afraid of the rigors of private practice, or who require lifetime salary through tenure. The only base salary necessary for clinical faculty is that required to receive benefits such as health care, pension plans, etc. There are clinical faculty in each department who do not do private practice.