Is it possible to change track?

Yes it is! The DOM has five promotion tracks. In addition to tenure track for basic science and physician scientists (BS and PS), there are clinical educators (CE); research faculty (RS); clinical practice (CP); and adjunct faculty (ADJ) tracks. If a faculty members wants to come off the tenure track onto one of the other tracks (CE or CP only for MDs, RS for MDs and PhDs), this process has to be initiated before the end of their 6th year on the tenure track in consultation with their division director and approval of the chair. This has to be approved by the school of medicine's Executive Committee of the Executive Faculty (FYI: this link indicates how this committee fits into the process for faculty appointments and promotions). In fact, it is a requirement that by the end of the 6th year of their probationary period, each tenure track faculty member's progress towards tenure must be formally evaluated by his or her primary department. In rare cases where a decision cannot be made at the end of the sixth year, the Chair may request in writing a one-year postponement of the decision. Any such written request must contain a detailed explanation of the reasoning for the requested postponement. Choice of this option will not alter the probationary period (your tenure clock). Regardless of the timing, any proposal for track change must be supported by evidence of the evolution of the faculty member's career focus and delineation of the amended portfolio of his/her professional effort in the future.

As a backup, the DOM Committee on Appointments and Promotions (COAP), which meets monthly, will review each faculty member's reappointment at Years 3, 5 and then annually thereafter. COAP will review the faculty members progress at this time. Tenure-track faculty members should be recommended for reappointment only if their performance provides a reasonable basis on which to project continued progress that could ultimately enable them to qualify for tenure. The evidence needed becomes more weighty with continued time in rank. Some degree of evidence is needed at each renewal period. If COAP determines that the faculty member is not making adequate progress on tenure track, they will communicate their opinion with your division director who will then discuss this with you.