Photos above was obtained from http://gsm.utmck.edu/about/academyofscholars.cfm.
In each newsletter issue, we will highlight a different Academy. This issue features the University of Tennessee's Academy of Scholars, a newly-formed group headed by James Lewis, a member of our Academies Collaborative Steering Committee.
Academy Spotlight: University of Tennessee Academy of Scholars
One Academy's Journey
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JAMES LEWIS, MD, CHAIR
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Our academy formed by accepting faculty applications in the fall of 2012. Considerable ground work and meetings were held prior to doing so. After an external peer reviewed process, the original 13 members were selected. We have met quarterly since inception. Early on, we appointed a chair (12 stepped back, and I remained still, I mean stepped forward). We are entirely an order of MD’s consisting largely of chairman (2), program directors (3), associate program directors (2) and deans or associate deans (2). One of our members is now in emeritus status.
I have “penned” this testimonial to take you on one academy's brief journey, for better or for worse. I will begin with the ending though, and happily, our most recent decision was to join The Academies Collaborative. In our first year, we refined the metric medical students use to identify exemplary resident educators. Later, we created an annual residents' scholar award. We are involved in the selection process of the GME Faculty teaching award, and we have a significant presence at the GME resident research day.
We have struggled with identity though, with goals of moving from a largely award-based platform to more of a faculty development model. There are opportunities to expand and partner with the University of Tennessee main campus faculty, and, interestingly, our medical school is 350 miles away. There are faculty, residents, and medical students at two other campuses that are largely disconnected from each other.
Over the last year and a half we have suffered from loss of momentum. We have consulted again with an outside expert to redefine and clarify our goals. The clinical component of all our practices is like Kudzu trying to choke out the academic embers. As chair, I have recognized a need to connect with other organizations and develop vision.
To help with leadership and direction, as chair, I have applied and been accepted on the steering committee of the Academies Collaborative (AC). Our academy, with the Dean’s approval and our members, unanimously agreed on our application to the AC.
The process couldn’t be simpler.
The process was simple, but also rewarding. Joining the AC represents the opportunity for growth and collaboration. Whether your academy is thriving, struggling, or just needs a few tweaks, the AC represents a connection with similar organizations and like-minded educators. As a new member of the steering committee, I look forward to being able to contribute to such an honorable endeavor. As far as our small academy, we are privileged to be part of this community.
Thank you,
I have “penned” this testimonial to take you on one academy's brief journey, for better or for worse. I will begin with the ending though, and happily, our most recent decision was to join The Academies Collaborative. In our first year, we refined the metric medical students use to identify exemplary resident educators. Later, we created an annual residents' scholar award. We are involved in the selection process of the GME Faculty teaching award, and we have a significant presence at the GME resident research day.
We have struggled with identity though, with goals of moving from a largely award-based platform to more of a faculty development model. There are opportunities to expand and partner with the University of Tennessee main campus faculty, and, interestingly, our medical school is 350 miles away. There are faculty, residents, and medical students at two other campuses that are largely disconnected from each other.
Over the last year and a half we have suffered from loss of momentum. We have consulted again with an outside expert to redefine and clarify our goals. The clinical component of all our practices is like Kudzu trying to choke out the academic embers. As chair, I have recognized a need to connect with other organizations and develop vision.
To help with leadership and direction, as chair, I have applied and been accepted on the steering committee of the Academies Collaborative (AC). Our academy, with the Dean’s approval and our members, unanimously agreed on our application to the AC.
The process couldn’t be simpler.
- I confirmed with our academy and Deans that this was acceptable (Not only did I receive an affirmative, it was enthusiastic).
- I completed the form on the home page.
- We received a welcome email the same day, along with pats on the back from our Dean and DIO.
The process was simple, but also rewarding. Joining the AC represents the opportunity for growth and collaboration. Whether your academy is thriving, struggling, or just needs a few tweaks, the AC represents a connection with similar organizations and like-minded educators. As a new member of the steering committee, I look forward to being able to contribute to such an honorable endeavor. As far as our small academy, we are privileged to be part of this community.
Thank you,
Jim Lewis, MD, FACS
Associate Professor of Surgery
Chair, Academy of Scholars
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Knoxville Tennessee
Associate Professor of Surgery
Chair, Academy of Scholars
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Knoxville Tennessee
