LETTERS: THE academic titles, namely associate professor and professor, are academic ranks that identify one’s scholarly position in academia. The word “professor” derives from Latin, which literally translates as “one who professes”.
To be promoted to these positions, one should be mature academically, having supervised and monitored graduate students at master and/or doctorate level, published numerous scholarly articles in index and prestigious journals, secured research grants at national and international level, be involved in community, professional and academic circles, participate at seminars and conferences, conduct impactful research and have a good peer-to-peer status.
From the perspective of dental academia in Malaysia, only a handful of academics have the
opportunity to attain full professorship during their services. Gone are the days when academic promotion was based on seniority. When compared with their colleagues in government service in the Health Ministry (MoH), in general, the associate professor is equivalent to a clinical consultant and the professor is equivalent to a senior consultant.
Currently there are 13 dental schools (six public and seven private schools) in Malaysia, offering both first and graduate degrees in dentistry. Over the years, there has been an increasing trend of retired consultants from MoH joining academia upon retirement. While most are enjoying their retirement, some have chosen to continue their services in academia.
After serving as consultant or senior consultant at MoH clinics and hospitals, one can imagine the experiences of the clinician. These experiences are invaluable and needed to guide our students in dental school.
However, when they join as teaching staff in dental schools upon retirement from MoH, they are promoted to associate professor or professor with minimal academic experience. Make no mistake that their clinical experiences are priceless, but the appointment of associate professor and professor are academic by nature and denotes one’s significant contribution to the academic and research field. There are retired consultants or senior consultants from MoH that deserve the appointment, due to their contributions through published clinical case reports, policy papers and national reports during their civil service stint.
However, one should not confuse between salary grade and academic appointment. One can be offered a competitive salary to JUSA C or B grade, with or without academic titles, depending on academic contributions. Although the appointment of associate professor and professor are within the university’s right, there should be a clear guide and reference to ensure quality and that qualified professors are appointed.
The Education Ministry, through the Dental Deans Caucus of Malaysia, should take the initial role in drafting the policy. One suggestion is through h-index screening. The h-index measures one’s impact and number of publications.
This index does not exclusively belong to academicians and researchers, but to all scholars. While it is almost impractical for the consultant or senior consultant to apply for research grants, there should be nothing to stop them from publishing case reports or case series. This common platform between clinician and academician should be explored and looked at thoroughly.
Definitely there will be more questions than answers, but it is better to start somewhere. Are there enough professors in our dental schools? Can they mentor the other lecturers? Can these professors contribute to academia and research? Will they make an impact? Perhaps, the most appropriate question which should be asked is: what has he or she professed?
DR AHMAD FAISAL ISMAIL
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times