As a faculty member, many (if not most) of your external interactions will be with a variety of other academic entities. These OrganizationsacademicOrganizationsprofessionalmay include other universities, hospitals and clinics, research institutes, editorial boardsEditorial boards, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Such interactions become more important as you progress through your academic career and can help to establish your regional, national, and international reputation required for promotion and advancement. They will also provide you with important contacts that can serve as reliable references and sponsors. However, you must be careful to apportion your time carefully so that you do not jeopardize obligations to your own institution or hinder your academic productivityProductivity and clinical responsibilities. Excessive commitments can be harmful, particularly to faculty who are early in their career. On the other hand, such activities can be intellectually stimulating, professionally rewarding, important for advancing science, and very gratifying.