Photo above was obtained from https://dukeahead.duke.edu/.
In each upcoming issue we will highlight a different Academy. This issue: Duke University's interprofessional Academy, a newly-formed group headed by Diana McNeill, a member of our Academies Collaborative Steering Committee.
Academy Spotlight: Duke AHEAD
The Duke Academy for Health Professions Education and Academic Development (Duke AHEAD) provides a community for health professions’ educators at Duke University. Founded in 2013, Duke AHEAD was formed by collaboration between the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy programs. Directed by Diana McNeill, M.D., FACP, this partnership has the central mission to “promote excellence in the education of health professions by creating a community of education scholars, fostering innovation in health professions education, supporting outstanding teachers, providing faculty development programs, and facilitating quality education research (https://dukeahead.duke.edu/). Emphasis is on an inter-professional community of education scholars that brings together perspectives from their respective fields, support excellence in teaching, and facilitate education research and faculty trainings. This Academy also serves to recognize teaching faculty and spotlight excellence in education.
Duke AHEAD utilizes a two-tiered membership system: member and distinguished member. There is also a third membership level for learners, Associate Membership, which is composed of medical students, residents, and graduate students. Membership is open to all Duke University faculty and professional staff who have a role in health professions education. The general and associate membership is for two years and renewal of membership is based on attendance at academy events, contributions to education of learners, assisting other members with education tasks, and research activities, among other criteria. Distinguished members have demonstrated commitment and service to Duke AHEAD, excellence in education within Duke, and educational contributions both at Duke and externally. Members enjoy participation in professional development activities and Academy programs, networking, education-based interest groups, eligibility for internal education grants, eligibility to receive a letter of support for faculty promotion, and research support. Its membership is inclusive and voluntary (https://dukeahead.duke.edu/membership).
The academy has other compelling features, such as a certification program in health professions education, committees and subcommittees, and interest groups. There is a set of core competencies that the Academy, through its Steering Committee, has delineated. The competencies include assessment, curriculum design, educational theory, and leadership, among others. The academy has also recognized that innovation and collaboration often occur outside the university. Therefore, funding is available for collaborative activities, ranging from athletic events and meals to workshops and community service. Through these initiatives and plans, Duke AHEAD strives to be a pioneer by developing a community of inter-professional collaboration, promoting educational research, and fostering an environment of excellence in health professions’ education.
Duke AHEAD utilizes a two-tiered membership system: member and distinguished member. There is also a third membership level for learners, Associate Membership, which is composed of medical students, residents, and graduate students. Membership is open to all Duke University faculty and professional staff who have a role in health professions education. The general and associate membership is for two years and renewal of membership is based on attendance at academy events, contributions to education of learners, assisting other members with education tasks, and research activities, among other criteria. Distinguished members have demonstrated commitment and service to Duke AHEAD, excellence in education within Duke, and educational contributions both at Duke and externally. Members enjoy participation in professional development activities and Academy programs, networking, education-based interest groups, eligibility for internal education grants, eligibility to receive a letter of support for faculty promotion, and research support. Its membership is inclusive and voluntary (https://dukeahead.duke.edu/membership).
The academy has other compelling features, such as a certification program in health professions education, committees and subcommittees, and interest groups. There is a set of core competencies that the Academy, through its Steering Committee, has delineated. The competencies include assessment, curriculum design, educational theory, and leadership, among others. The academy has also recognized that innovation and collaboration often occur outside the university. Therefore, funding is available for collaborative activities, ranging from athletic events and meals to workshops and community service. Through these initiatives and plans, Duke AHEAD strives to be a pioneer by developing a community of inter-professional collaboration, promoting educational research, and fostering an environment of excellence in health professions’ education.