September was a month of celebration of the outstanding teaching that is the legacy of this institution, as well as the new opportunities in education going forward. On September 24th, we celebrated the graduation of our first class of 14 Teaching Scholars. This program, led by Steve Taff, PhD, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA trains an interprofessional group of faculty on best practices in education, curriculum design and program evaluation. The scholars complete a project that is aligned with their interests and roles in education. The graduation ceremony was followed by a wonderful keynote address by our visiting professor, Abbas Hyderi, MD, MPH, who spoke to us about the importance of gratitude and lifelong learning in education. His speech kicked off the induction ceremony for the new Academy of Educators, led by Dr. Mary Klingensmith. The Academy welcomed 42 members, who were recognized for their achievements in education but also for their ongoing commitment to supporting the educational mission through teaching, advocacy, mentorship and faculty development. The Academy will also launch the Foundations in Teaching Skills Program, which begins this month.
As we enter into fall, we have much to be thankful for. We are part of a community of truly outstanding and generous teachers, mentors, and role models. We have the privilege of teaching and interacting with some of the best medical students, residents and fellows in the country. Each day, we have the ability to learn and grow in our work.
Later this month, we will have the opportunity to recognize some of our outstanding student teachers at the Distinguished Service Teaching Awards on October 24 in EPNEC. These awards recognize outstanding teachers, course directors and departmental student education. See here for current and past awardees.
Progress towards the implementation of the Gateway Curriculum continues to be an exciting time for us all. I am forever thankful for all of the hard work everyone is putting forth in designing Phase 1. We are nearing the completion of this stage and there will soon be chances to apply for new positions for Phase 1. We will also begin opening opportunities to participate in curriculum design for Phase 2, and develop innovative selective and advanced clinical content for Phase 3 The opportunities abound for further engagement in our new curriculum.
For more information about the new curriculum, don’t forget that the Gateway Curriculum website is continuously updated and provides an opportunity to leave questions and concerns. In addition, I am happy to speak with departments interested in learning more about the specifics of the Gateway Curriculum. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us on the Office of Education Team for more information. I leave you with this quote, which springs from the lessons taught by Dr. Hyderi in his keynote:
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
–Melody Beattie