FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VOLUNTEER PRACTITIONER-FACULTY VITALITY

This article describes the first phase findings of a longitudinal stud y designed to enhance the recognition and motivation of volunteer prac titioner-faculty. Volunteer faculty members (N=835) representing nine schools/colleges of pharmacy were surveyed to establish baseline data about factors motivating them to serve as preceptors and mechanisms of recognition most appreciated. The results indicate that although prac titioner-faculty members believe it is worthwhile to participate in ex periential teaching, they are neutral about whether they are appropria tely recognized for their contributions. ''Internal satisfaction,'' an intangible mechanism, was the strongest motivating factor. Incentives that require little or no direct allocation of fiscal resources were as much appreciated as those that do require appropriation of funds. H owever, practitioner-faculty members teaching PharmD clerkships assign ed greater value to tangible items such as textbooks than externship p receptors. Strategies identified for enhancing the recognition of volu nteer faculty members included: strengthening communications about the ir faculty appointment and other available benefits, provision of cont inuing education/tuition at no or reduced charge, and acknowledgement of teaching contributions by administrators and other faculty.