Minimizing Low-value, Uncompensated Work in Academic Infectious Diseases: A Six Step Program

Uncompensated work in academic infectious diseases (ID) may be high-value (e.g., important for academic promotion or necessary for advancement to leadership roles) or low-value (e.g., not aligning with or contributing to professional goals and aspirations). "Curbside" consultations, participation in hospital committees outside of professional interests, and other "citizenship" tasks are common examples of threats to our valuable time as ID providers. Herein, we define the scope of the problem of low-value uncompensated work in academic ID and outline a six-step program to minimize these threats. Collaboration with professional sponsors, such as division chiefs, to align individual and team goals and utilization of a "value vs. compensation" matrix to prioritize activities may help us establish our own agendas and reclaim our professional autonomy.