On Gratitude: Reflecting on Our Shared Commitment to Learning and Growth
In the fast pace of academic medicine, it is easy to move quickly from one milestone to the next without pausing to appreciate the collective effort that sustains our shared purpose. This season invites us to do just that—to recognize the people and experiences that remind us why we teach, learn, and serve together. I am profoundly grateful for our education community—faculty, staff, learners, and partners—whose dedication and creativity continue to elevate our work. Last month, that spirit of engagement was on full display through multiple hallmark events: the Goldstein Visiting Professorship, the Academy of Educators’ Education Day, the Elevating Excellence Leadership Day, and the She LEADS Symposium. Participating in each of these events left me filled me with gratitude for the community we have here at WashU.
During the inaugural Goldstein Visiting Professorship event, we learned from Dr. Cornelius James, whose lecture and workshop on the integration of artificial intelligence into medical education and clinical reasoning opened our eyes to new possibilities. His ability to translate complex technological concepts into practical educational strategies was both inspiring and empowering. Dr. James emphasized that while AI is transforming medicine, human wisdom and curiosity will guide how we use it to improve patient care and learning.
At Education Day, Dr. Lia Logio delivered a keynote that beautifully complemented this message. She spoke about finding joy and meaning in education, urging us to rediscover purpose in our daily work. Her reflections on connection, mentorship, and fulfillment underscored that excellence in education begins with compassion—for our learners, our patients, and ourselves. The theme was reinforced by a speed mentoring program, led by Dr. Joan Noelker, which gave me the opportunity to meet several junior faculty who inspired me with their enthusiasm and commitment. Workshops and posters, new member induction, and educator awards demonstrated creativity, commitment, and excellence in education at every turn. Thank you to Dr. Abby Spencer and the Education Day Committee for organizing such a meaningful day.
The Elevating Excellence Leadership Day by the Office of Faculty Promotions and Career Development under the leadership of Dr. Renée Shellhaas was another profound inaugural success. Filled with interactive workshops and an exceptional keynote by Dr. Jen Heemstra, I came away with a lot of new skills, ideas, and commitments for my own improvement as a leader. I was also fortunate to deliver a workshop with Drs. Abby Spencer, Jon Mullin, and Nichole Zehnder, who, as always, demonstrated exceptional education and facilitation skills. I am grateful for the opportunity to work and learn alongside these outstanding teachers.
The She LEADS Symposium, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Juliet Iwelunmor and the Composing a Life panel—including our community partners Dr. Kendra Holmes and Yvonne Buhlinger from Affinia Healthcare, and Dr. Erica Barnell, recent MSTP graduate and co-founder, CMO, and CSO of Geneoscopy—were equally inspiring. Their journeys illuminated the many ways to craft a meaningful life in patient care, education, research, and service. Their stories reminded us that success is not linear but composed through resilience, creativity, and collaboration.
I am equally grateful to our students, residents, and fellows, whose innovation and commitment to learning continually inspire us all to improve. Their ideas challenge us to be our best selves as physicians, scholars, educators, and leaders. I was particularly impressed by learner oral and poster presentations at the EXPLORE Symposium, as well as the five student oral presenters in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition during the She LEADS Symposium. Their clarity, poise, and intellectual rigor exemplify the bright future of academic medicine and higher education. A special note of appreciation goes to Dr. Joey Krambs, a fourth-year medical student, who demonstrated curiosity and leadership during our fireside chat at the She LEADS symposium. His thoughtful questions modeled the art of inquiry that lies at the heart of both great scholarship and compassionate care.
Finally, and most importantly, none of these events would have been possible without the dedication, commitment, and skills of our incredible staff, whose behind-the-scenes work ensures that our educational mission thrives. From organizing logistics and supporting speakers to creating welcoming spaces for dialogue and discovery, their efforts embody the spirit of teamwork and generosity that defines our community. A special shoutout this month to Jessica Cissell, Jessica Weldon, Kaci Lally, Kelly Noll, Megan Dietrich, Roz Bradshaw, Amelia Flood, Emanuel Chon Sin, and the EPNEC team who ensured the success of each of these amazing events.
As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your commitment to education—whether through teaching, mentoring, learning, supporting, or innovating—enriches our school and strengthens the fabric of our shared education mission.
May this Thanksgiving bring you moments of rest, gratitude, and joy in the company of colleagues, friends, and loved ones.