Issue 91, November 2025

In the fast pace of academic medicine, it is easy to move quickly from one milestone to the next without pausing to appreciate the collective effort that sustains our shared purpose. This season invites us to do just that—to recognize the people and experiences that remind us why we teach, learn, and serve together. I am profoundly grateful for our education community—faculty, staff, learners, and partners—whose dedication and creativity continue to elevate our work. Last month, that spirit of engagement was on full display through multiple hallmark events: the Goldstein Visiting Professorship, the Academy of Educators' Education Day, the Elevating Excellence Leadership Day, and the She LEADS Symposium. Participating in each of these events left me filled me with gratitude for the community we have here at WashU. | Full Excerpt

The Master of Population Health Sciences degree prepares you for distinguished clinical research careers by accelerating and deepening your expertise in population health and clinical outcomes research. This program is designed for physicians and clinical doctorates, including MD, DO, DPT, PhD, and PharmD, and those currently enrolled in a doctoral program. | Learn More

Graduate courses in Applied Health Behavior Research, Biostatistics, and Biomedical Informatics at WashU Medicine are your gateway to unlocking incredible career opportunities. These courses, along with the new MS in Biomedical Data Science & AI,  provide powerful tools to help you elevate your professional skills, enhance job fulfillment, and achieve career goals in groundbreaking research. By gaining advanced skills and knowledge, you can contribute even more effectively to WashU research initiatives. Select spring courses (held on the Medical Campus) are open to WashU employees for enrollment as a non-degree seeking student and are eligible for the HR Tuition Benefit. | Course List | More Information

The WashU Medicine Clinical Research Training Center is offering several opportunities to cultivate an engaged and informed community of clinical investigators at WashU and beyond. Educate future leaders in medicine as an ASPIRE mentor. Discover ICTS Resources at our upcoming Career Development Seminar. Enroll now in courses for Spring 2026. Explore programs for all training levels, including the TL1 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Programs. Contact the CRTC with questions. | More information

Student Awards:
Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship: Provides financial support for first- and second- year medical students to conduct mentored research. Proposals are due to Dr. Allyson Zazulia, WashU Medicine AΩA Chapter Councilor, by Friday, December 12, 2025. WashU medical students have won this fellowship from 2016-2021 and 2023-2025!

Helen H. Glaser Student Essay Award: Up to 5 essays will receive a $1,500 award (each recipient). All students are eligible. Submit online to the National AΩA office by Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Residents & Fellows Awards: Postgraduate Fellowships are awarded for research or scholarly projects in the spirit of the AΩA mission. Up to 5 projects will each receive a $6,000 award.  Applicants must be nominated by their residency or fellowship program director. Please notify Dr. Allyson Zazulia by Monday, April 27, 2026, if you plan to make a submission.

Additional Award Opportunities: National AΩA Website

Letter of Intent Deadline: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Application Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
The Society of Bedside Medicine, in partnership with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Northwestern University Center for Bedside Medicine is now accepting letters of intent for its Bedside Medicine Scholars Program. The one-year scholars program provides a $35,000 stipend (plus an additional $5,000 for travel) to support a project at the scholar’s home institution that promotes diagnostic excellence and the reduction of diagnostic error. Letters of intent will be judged by the applicant’s demonstrated interest and commitment to bedside medicine and the quality of the project. Projects can be based in either the outpatient or inpatient setting. Full proposals will be invitation only. | More Information

Application Deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025, 11:59PM
This AoE course is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to excel in leadership roles across WashU Medicine's educational programs. LEAP offers an introductory leadership curriculum that covers essential skills and knowledge, including: Change Management; Negotiation; Coaching, Mentoring & Sponsorship; Funds Flow in Education; and Grit & Resilience. The course is tailored to support emerging leaders in health professions education and administration, equipping you with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive success in your career. | Additional Details & Application

Application Deadline: Monday, January 5, 2026 for full-time applicants and Monday, July 15, 2026 for part-time applicants
The Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics (I2DB) is now accepting applications for two new programs: a Master of Science and a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Data Science and AI. These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for experts at the intersection of data, technology, and healthcare. These programs offer interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on research, and flexible scheduling, and are eligible for HR Tuition Benefits. | More Information

Application Deadline: Monday, January 15, 2026
The Internship in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (BIDS@I2DB) is a funded, 11-week internship that allows undergraduate and master’s students to explore the field of biomedical informatics. Under the guidance of faculty mentors and research scientists, interns focus on supporting and elevating biomedical informatics through research translation and practice. | More Information

Notification of Participation Deadline: Monday, November 17, 2025
Join us for Teachfest Royale: An 8-Minute Didactic Challenge on January 27, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM! This year's theme, "Lessons from Left Field: Teaching Pearls from Unexpected Places," promises to be an exhilarating exploration of where and how we identify teachable and learnable moments. To participate, email the Academy of Educators. Further instructions will be provided to all participants.

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:59PM
This highly interactive AoE course supports faculty skill development in learner assessment (including direct observation, feedback, and more) and in designing and enhancing assessment programs. It is intended for faculty program leaders and front-line faculty assessors across all WashU Medicine health professions and who work with learners at any developmental stage. Whether you work with students, residents, or fellows, if you’re looking to improve your assessment and feedback skills, this course is for you! | Additional Details & Application

Date/Time: Dinner on Medical Campus, Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5:30-7PM | RSVP
Location: Cori Interactive Classroom in the McDonnell Medical Sciences Building, 8565 McKinley Ave.
Join us as we celebrate National First-Generation College Celebration Day (Nov. 8) with a full week of events (November 3-8) honoring first-generation college students’ achievements and experiences. Join us in celebrating this incredible group of trailblazers. The First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes. The celebration is meant to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. | View All Events 

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 5:30-7PM | RSVP
Location: McDonnell Medical Sciences Building, 8565 McKinley Ave.
The Health Professional Student Leadership Council (HPSLC) will be hosting a case study night, focused on approaching a common disease process from the standpoints of each of the different professions of HPSLC (MD, PT, OT, Pharm, Nursing, Genetic Counseling, and Audiology) allowing for participants to see how each profession would approach the case. These events foster interprofessional collaboration through built understanding of each profession’s role and expertise as well as how the patient experiences each profession.

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 12-1PM | Zoom Link
The Institute for Excellence in Education at Johns Hopkins University presents Grand Rounds with Kimberly Lomis, MD “Navigating the Future of AI in Health Professions Education.” Lomis is the Vice President, Medical Education Innovations of the American Medical Association. | More Information 

View details & register for all events here. 

Assessment Workshop Series
Dates: November 5, December 1, 2025 (times vary)
Location: In-person (Calendar invite sent with location)

Effective Teaching Series: Instruction & Assessment
Dates: December 2, December 8, 2025 (times vary)
Location: Mid Campus Center, 2nd Floor, Meeting Room 2057

View details & register for all events here. 

Art of Resilience with CIPE's Guided Tour
Date: Friday, November 14, 4-5:30PM
Location: Saint Louis Art Museum
Explore the Saint Louis Art Museum to find expressions of resilience in art (representing components of Purpose, Perseverance, Self-reliance, Equanimity, and Authenticity) with Melanie VanDyke, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Saint Louis Art Museum Volunteer Guide.

#SciComm Seminar: Sharing your medical expertise with the general public
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 3, 3-4PM
Location: Virtual (Link provided at registration.)
Explore public scholarship, its value for researchers and the public, and how the Office of Public Scholarship can help you share your expertise. This event is open to all, but registration is required. 

Power & Positionality
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 9, 12-1PM
Location: Virtual (Link provided at registration.)
Delve into the different types of power, and how and when to use yours when working with others.  

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the remarkable success of the Academy of Educators: Education Day 2025! The impressive statistics speak for themselves: 140 attendees, 18 Speed Networking Mentors and 30 Mentees, 3 Oral Abstract Presenters, 1 Keynote Speaker, 15 Breakout Presenters, 21 newly inducted Academy Members, 9 award recipients, and 19 presented posters. The commitment and impact of WashU Medicine educators on our campus are truly inspiring. Mark your calendars for Education Day 2026 on Thursday, October 8th, 2026! | Recordings and photos can be found here.

EXPLORE thanks the WashU Medicine students and community for a successful Symposium. This was the 5th annual showcase of medical student and MSTP scholarly projects. A new record was set for Symposium submissions this year: 115. The Symposium opened with a welcome from Dean Eva Aagaard, followed by an introduction from EXPLORE Director Dr. Terrance Kummer. Dr. Jeffrey Gordon delivered the keynote address: 'Developing microbiome-directed therapeutics for childhood undernutrition.' Four students then gave fascinating oral presentations of their work. A stimulating poster session and reception followed to celebrate WashU Medicine academic achievements. Thanks to all for participating, and especially to the students for your terrific work! | 2025 EXPLORE Symposium Project Booklet

Cornelius A. James, MD, a leading expert in AI and medical education, presented a grand rounds discussion on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and medical education on Oct. 13 as the inaugural Goldstein Visiting Professor of Medicine. James is an assistant professor in the departments of internal medicine, pediatrics and learning health sciences at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and is involved in many AI and medical education initiatives. The University of Michigan is among the nation’s first to develop its own generative AI tools for faculty, staff, and students. | Medicine & AI at WashU

WashU Medicine Physical Therapy Participates in PT Day of Service
WashU Medicine PT proudly participated in PT Day of Service on Saturday September 27th, with learners, staff, and faculty volunteers serving at six different sites across the St. Louis area. Thanks to the hard work of our organizers, site leaders, faculty, and volunteers, we came together to give back to our community and embody the spirit of service that defines our profession!
Congratulations to Dr. Hyo Jung Jeong
Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Hyo Jung Jeong, was awarded an NIH K99 grant to fund her research, “Identifying Early Signs of Foot Complications in Childhood-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.” This prestigious award recognizes her innovative work and potential to advance understanding and care for individuals with diabetes.
Meyer Receives Second NIH R01 Grant
Dr. Gretchen Meyer, was awarded a new NIH R01 grant for her project, “Role of Lysine Acetylation in Skeletal Muscle Contractile Function.” This marks Dr. Meyer’s second R01 and stands as a testament to her rigorous and impactful research.
McPherson Awarded Grant from Longer Life Foundation
Dr. Laura McPherson, received a grant from the Longer Life Foundation for her study, “A Novel Neurophysiological Biomarker for MS Disease Progression.” Her research holds promises for advancing understanding and improving outcomes for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
Ambler Presents at the ENPHE Annual Forum
Last month, Dr. Steve Ambler represented Washington University Program in Physical Therapy at the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE) Annual Forum. He shared insights into the Program’s innovative work on curriculum design and development.
WashU PT at the Education Leadership Conference
From October 17-19, Washington University Program in Physical Therapy faculty traveled to Kansas City to share their scholarship, connect with colleagues, and represent WashU PT at the APTA’s  Education Leadership Conference (ELC).

Neuroscience Student Grant Competition
Yiru Chen (Kravitz Lab) has been named the recipient of the 2025 3rd Year Neuroscience Student Grant Competition. | Learn More

Needleman Pharmacology Award
Tornike Mamuladze is the winner of the esteemed 2025 Dr. Phillip Needleman Pharmacology Award. The Philip Needleman Award was established in 1991 by Ms. Sima Needleman to honor her husband’s commitment to scholarship and education. Thus, this award is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of Pharmacology. | Learn More

The Department of Psychiatry Early Emotional Development Program expanded its THRIVE research study at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year. The program, led by Joan Luby, MD, and Trish Kohl, PhD, MSW, is designed to work with school counselors and parents to support children’s emotional development through child-led play. The overarching goal of this study is to increase equitable access to preventative mental health support. “A focus on emotional development or emotional intelligence in early childhood is critical for both family and preschool settings to build essential skills and health foundations,” said Luby. This NIH-funded program serves children ages 3-7 and is currently in over 30 schools in STL County and City. The program is free to participating families and schools. Parents or school administrators interested in the program can contact Claire Baker. | Learn More

Kerri Morgan, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, was recognized by the State of Missouri's Governor's Council on Disability and the Office of Equal Opportunity at the statewide National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebration and Resource event in Jefferson City. This event highlighted the importance of equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities and recognized the contributions workers with disabilities bring to the workforce. Dr. Morgan was recognized for her achievements in sports as a world-renowned and Paralympic wheelchair racer and model to other athletes as well as her work in Occupational Therapy as a leader, researcher, and advocate for improving mobility, participation, and quality of life for people with disabilities. A hall of fame exhibit of notable Missourians with disabilities rounded out the event.

Abby Spencer, MD, MS, FACP has earned the 2025 Newcomb Alumnae Association Community Service Award from her alma mater, Tulane University. This award spotlights Dr. Spencer's work as a mentor, coach, and leader in medical education. She has delivered over 200 invited faculty development/educational courses and workshops locally, regionally, and nationally. "Developing and supporting others are the greatest joys of my career and I am honored to be recognized by the institution that gave me the foundation and inspiration to do so," said Spencer. | Read More

Second-year WashU medical students Mike Ferzoco and Andrew Liu, representing nonprofit City Greens Market in The Grove, distributed 75 dozen local Buttonwood Farm eggs and 75 packages of Big Heart Tea during Well-being Wednesdays. Mike also provided education for SPOTS, the medical student group Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students. 275 students on the Danforth campus stopped by.

In October, the WashU Medicine Clinical Research Training Center (CRTC) TL1 trainees had a chance to partner with the WashU Office of Technology Management (OTM), which is appropriately situated in the Cortex Innovation District. During their visit, the trainees were able to see firsthand the power of innovation and collaboration in translating scientific findings into impactful solutions for the world. | Full Story

WashU Medicine infectious disease specialist Dr. Nathaniel Nolan and the Street Med STL initiative is featured in this AAMC article. "The ailments experienced by the people living in St. Louis’ tent cities are many and varied: skin infections, frostbite, tooth abscesses, pneumonia, severe mental illness, and substance use disorders, among others. So every Saturday a group of volunteers, made up of physicians, medical students, and other health care professionals, posts up near an encampment and offers medical care — along with food, water, and a nonjudgmental ear." | Full Article

Author Arthur Brooks discusses the benefits of being able to take and give criticism well in this The Atlantic article. "We live in the age of popular criticism. Search a doctor’s name on the internet, and you will quickly find patient assessments of their abilities and bedside manner. Before buying an item even as humdrum as paper clips on Amazon, you can find hundreds of reviews, some extensively detailed, others succinctly vitriolic. You can post on social media that a celebrity’s haircut is bad, and you stand a decent chance that he will actually see your snark." | Full Article (The Atlantic) | Full article (Internet Archive)

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