College Celebrates Seven Years of its Junior Faculty Mentoring and Career Development Program

For the last six years, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix has offered its flagship junior faculty mentoring and career development program, Leading and Inspiring Faculty Trajectories (LIFT). Designed to supplement and complement existing departmental mentoring activities, the program aims to equip faculty with the resources, tools and collaborative professional networks needed to thrive in academic medicine

In October 2025, faculty participants, mentors, and college leaders gathered to celebrate the sixth graduating cohort with an award ceremony followed by a “Pearls of Wisdom” panel discussion led by LIFT program leaders and faculty mentors. It was an event that embodied the spirit of the program, cementing the experience for its participants.

In discussing the program framework and curricula, program directors Linda Nelson, MD, and Jonathan Snyder, MBA, said, “Over the five-month runtime of the program, participants come together bi-weekly with college leaders, mentors, and faculty subject matter experts to learn about and discuss relevant and timely topics related to navigating the academic promotion process — building collaborative professional networks and developing as leaders capable of serving at the vital crossroads of academia and medicine.” 

Entering its seventh year, LIFT is seeking interested participants for 2026. To learn more about the program and submit an interest form to be considered, please visit the LIFT page. 

This program is most effective for faculty seeking academic promotion within the next two to three years, so priority is given to those nominated by their department chair or division chief. The program directors encourage interested individuals to speak with their department leaders to express their interest in participating and secure their support. 

Perspectives of LIFT Alumni

“What I really liked [about the program] was how diverse the group was. We had a lot of women and minorities in medicine representing partner institutions all over the valley, who all come from different places and walks of life. It was a strong peer group… I’m incredibly grateful to them.”

“As an introvert, I’ve always figured out the answers for myself where possible before asking others… As I continue advancing in my academic medicine career, I’ve learned that it’s all about building and sustaining collaborative relationships… It’s a collaborative environment where people like to help other people grow and advance. That’s one of the strengths of academia. LIFT taught me how to do that.”

“I really enjoyed my time in the program! The topics were relevant, and the sessions were highly interactive. I appreciated the emphasis on group discussions and workshops, especially when college leaders participated with us.”

“I appreciated the emphasis on learning how to navigate academia successfully. From promotions to networking to leadership development, the LIFT program helped align me with U of A’s standards for advancement.”