Use of individual development plans: experiences from junior faculty in the 'NURTURE' mentored research program at Makerere University College of Health Sciences

Introduction: Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a multi-component career planning worksheet that guides trainees through an iterative self-assessment. This paper provides the first investigation of IDP use and experiences among junior faculty at academic institutions in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where IDP is seldomly used by trainees. Methods: An online survey determined the utilization and impact of IDP among junior faculty trainees enrolled on “NURTURE” mentored research program to support career development for faculty at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) between 2016-2020. Responses were received between March and June 2021, a period of intense COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Results: Of 64 trainees 64(39%) were female and 60/64(98%) developed an IDP during the fellowship period; of whom 45/60(75%) had never been exposed to IDP. Trainees’ benefits included intentional thinking about own career goals and support to execute the goals as well as self-management skills of time management and communication, among others. Conclusion: IDP was well-received by junior faculty trainees, with several self-management and motivation benefits to the scholars. We recommend that academic programs and faculty at academic institutions in LMIC should consider taking on the IDP approach to promote focused career development for all trainees including junior faculty. Keywords: Individual development plan; career development; academic institutions; LMIC; junior faculty.