Transitioning between clerkship directors.

Objective: The authors report on succession-planning for mid-level academic positions.

Method: The authors describe the process of succession-planning between clerkship directors and the smooth transition resulting in one case.

Results: Gradually transitioning allowed a new faculty person to assume the clerkship-director position with minimal disruption of the clerkship. The respectful treatment of the exiting clerkship director encouraged other faculty to discuss future plans with the Chair, facilitating strategic planning.

Conclusion: The authors stress the need to study quantitatively the effect of transitions on training.