AACP strategy for addressing the professional development needs of department chairs.

Objectives: Characterize the skills and abilities required for department chairs, identify development needs, and then create AACP professional development programs for chairs.

Methods: A 30-question electronic survey was sent to AACP member department chairs related to aspects of chairing an academic department.

Results: The survey identified development needs in the leadership, management, and personal abilities required for effective performance as department chair.