Faculty Development

I officially began my new role as Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Diversity in the summer of 2018. The goal of this position was to work with faculty on academic activities, providing mentoring and making all aware of the many opportunities at the University of Chicago. Additionally, I am assisting Dr. Dirschl with the robust recruitment process as we dramatically increase our faculty.

As part of this position, I also oversee our new grand rounds program, through which we invite distinguished orthopaedic surgeons to visit and to teach us. Our visiting grand rounds lecturers come every other month during the academic year, and each specialty takes a turn to invite a guest lecturer in their field. Recent speakers have included Ned Amendola, MD, of Duke University in sports medicine; and Seth Leopold, MD, of the University of Washington and editor in chief of Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, for adult reconstruction. Dr. Leopold is a graduate of the orthopaedic residency at the University of Chicago and was honored to return to speak.

Over the summer, I gathered data from each member of the faculty regarding their academic accomplishments over the previous academic year, and met individually with each to go over this information. I also worked on mentoring junior faculty in their academic development, including building a national presence with committee involvement, meeting presentations, and publications. In this role, I am also responsible for making sure faculty are aware of various research grants and opportunities both locally at the University and in the School of Medicine, as well as on the national level, including specialty societies, AAOS, and others.

During my career in academics, I have realized how important the role of mentoring is for success in academic careers. Everyone needs someone who can listen, evaluate ideas, help to solve problems, and share their experiences. No matter what level in academics, everyone can benefit from the input and perspective of a mentor – someone who puts your interest above their own. That is my goal for the mentoring aspect of this position, and I am honored to serve the department in this role.