Quantitative evaluation of the requirements for the promotion as associate professor at German Medical Faculties

BACKGROUND First quantitative evaluation of the requirements for the promotion as associate professor (AP) at German medical faculties. MATERIAL AND METHODS Analysis of the AP-regulations of German medical faculties according to a validated scoring system, which has been adapted to this study. RESULTS The overall scoring for the AP-requirements at 35 German medical faculties was 13.5±0.6 of 20 possible scoring points (95% confidence interval 12.2-14.7). More than 88% of the AP-regulations demand sufficient performance in teaching and research with adequate scientific publication. Furthermore, 83% of the faculties expect an expert review of the candidate's performance. Conference presentations required as an assistant professor as well as the reduction of the minimum time as an assistant professor do only play minor roles. CONCLUSION The requirements for assistant professors to get nominated as an associate professor at German medical faculties are high with an only small range. In detail, however, it can be seen that there still exists large heterogeneity, which hinders equal opportunities and career possibilities. These data might be used for the ongoing objective discussion.