Clinical academic medicine desperately needs the continued infusion of talented young academicians, but many young faculty are not pursuing strategies that optimize their chances for academic survival. Many junior faculty are overburdened with clinical demands and do not have a well-focused research agenda. Such situations will hinder the full development of many talented young persons. In order to optimize chances for success, young faculty should clearly define their goals, carefully negotiate the terms of their employment, practice sound principles of time management, identify a mentor, and develop a focused research agenda.