Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges
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Three distinguished academicians share their thoughts on tenure and its future in academic medicine. Paul J. Friedman, from the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, explains and defends tenure as practiced in medical schools. ⋯ Finally, Richard A. Cooper, from the Medical College of Wisconsin, states that tenure should not continue, because the purposes of tenure (e.g., ensuring freedom of expression; providing long-term financial security and stability) should be and can be accomplished in other ways for all faculty, not just tenured faculty. A different system is needed, one that respects the value of all faculty, that responds to their diverse objectives, is fiscally responsible, and fosters the continuing culture and vitality of medical schools.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)