Finding Joy Amidst Challenge
As we enter October, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this year has presented us all with a myriad of challenges. Whether in our professional lives or personal journeys, many (maybe all) have faced both uncertainty and change, and this month is certainly no exception. Our resilience and compassion—not just for others, but for ourselves—and our commitment to our mission continue to help carry us forward.
This month, I am heartened by the many opportunities for celebration and community. These events help remind us of the vibrancy and strength of our educational community, the amazing things our learners and colleagues do, and the reason we are here.
The Inaugural Goldstein Visiting Professorship: Exploring Big Ideas
We are honored to host the inaugural Goldstein Visiting Professorship on October 13th-16th. Samuel R. Goldstein established an endowed fund in honor of our beloved former Dean, Dr. William Peck. Initially, Dr. Peck chose to use these funds in support of excellence in medical education through the Goldstein Leadership Awards. Many of our most dedicated and celebrated educational leaders have received these awards. As the Academy of Educators was established, and faculty needs evolved, I decided to transition the use of these funds to support a visiting professorship in medical education. For our first visiting professor, I have invited Dr. Cornelius James from University of Michigan, who will discuss AI in medical education, with a specific focus on clinical reasoning. We hope you will join us for his keynote speech: Physicians in the AI Era: Redefining Tasks, Tools, Teams, and Teaching on Monday, October 13th at 4pm in EPNEC Auditorium. This event is open to all.
Education Day: Advancing Our Mission
Education Day is an annual highlight for our community, offering a platform for faculty, staff, trainees, and students to come together, share innovations, and inspire one another. Education Day is on Tuesday, October 14th beginning at 11 am starting with Speed Mentoring in EPNEC (including participation by Dr. James), followed by workshops, posters, and a reception. A keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Lia Logio, Vice Dean for Education at Case Western University. She will speak on Cultivating Joy and Meaning in Health Professions Education.
The EXPLORE Symposium: Celebrating Excellence
The EXPLORE Symposium is a terrific opportunity to witness the incredible work of our students and their mentors. The 5th annual EXPLORE Symposium is on Wednesday, October 15th at 2:45 pm in Connor Auditorium. The keynote will be delivered by our own Dr. Jeff Gordon. This event showcases research, scholarship, and creative projects that reflect the diversity and depth of talent within our school. We encourage everyone to attend and support your colleagues and students as they present their work.
White Coat Ceremony: Welcoming the Next Generation
On Friday, October 3rd, we came together for the Medical Student White Coat Ceremony, a cherished tradition that marks the beginning of our newest students’ journey in medicine. This symbolic event reflects our values of professionalism, compassion, and lifelong learning, while reminding us of our shared calling to serve others. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Amjad Musleh, Director of the MD Coaching Program. Speaking about service to others, Dr. Musleh said, “The evidence shows that no matter where you come from, no matter what your background is, service to others, gratitude, and investing in relationships is the grand equalizer. That’s what makes a life fulfilling. That’s the secret!”
This newsletter also includes a number of celebrations, shoutouts, and other wonderful events, including the annual Homer G. Phillips Lecture, which features our new Dean of the School of Public Health, Dr. Sandro Galea, on Oct 10th at 6 pm. We also celebrate Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Dussehra, and Halloween among others!
In closing, I invite you to embrace these moments of celebration and connection—at work and at home—finding joy and meaning even in these challenging times. Thank you for being an essential part of our community and for all you do to make WashU Medicine a place of hope and possibility.
With gratitude,
Eva