Issue 94, February 2026

After the spring tornado, I wrote about the challenges faced by our students and community and the support we were able to provide in the face of that disaster. This February, the month of heart health, love, Black History, and more, I am writing about a more insidious problem: food insecurity. It is an issue we don’t often think about or talk about in graduate and professional education, yet one that is critical to equitable student success. Unlike a natural disaster, food insecurity often unfolds quietly – out of sight, persistent, and no less disruptive to our students’ health, learning, and sense of belonging. | Full Excerpt

The SAFE Learning Modules 2025-2026 (IL State Licensure) launched last year in Workday Learning. This course meets the IL requirement for 1 hour of Implicit Bias education (see IL State Licensure requirements) and comes with a certificate of completion. In addition, for incoming faculty, the course fulfills the SAFE Learning Modules requirement. To opt into the course, go to SAFE Learning Modules 2025-2026 (IL State Licensure), login to Workday, and click Start Course. With support from the Office of Education, free CME credit is available for all WashU physicians, nurses, and physician associates who complete the 2025-2026 modules; you will receive additional information from the CME office regarding how to claim credit within two weeks of completing the modules.

Graduate Courses in Applied Health Behavior Research
These courses 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 through our courses, you can contribute even more effectively to WashU research initiatives. | Learn More

Opportunities Through the Clinical Research Training Center
The CRTC prepares scholars at all training levels! We offer a summer undergraduate program, a two-year postbaccalaureate program, and other advanced training opportunities in clinical investigation. Our seminar series with Dr. John Abramson and Career Development seminars are open to the WashU community, offering valuable resources and professional development opportunities. Contact the CRTC | More Information

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026 (Notified by: March 15)
Event: April 13, 2026, 11:15AM-1:15PM
Location: Eric P. Newman Center, 320 S. Euclid | Submit Here
The Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics(I2DB) is pleased to announce a call for abstracts for the Poster Session and Lightning Talks at the 2026 I2DB Scientific Symposium. This is an opportunity to share research, projects, and ideas with colleagues across disciplines. We welcome completed and work-in-progress submissions from faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and collaborators at all stages. Questions? Contact I2DB. 

Developing Faculty Competencies in Assessment
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:59PM
Additional Details & Application

Small Grants Program
Application Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026, 11:59PM
Questions? Contact MERE | Requirements | Application

Implementation & Dissemination in Education Scholarship
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 11:59PM
Additional Details & Application

Dates: February 9-13, 2026 | More Information
A week of presentations and workshops around all things data, presented by Becker Medical Library, WashU Libraries, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI2) Accelerator, School of Public Health, Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB), Brown School Library, Continuing & Professional Studies, and The Graduate Center. All are welcome.

Date/Time: March 26, 2026, 6PM
Location: Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center, Danforth Campus | Register
Register to attend the 2026 In Our Words: Gratitude event aimed at building community and fostering connection. Trainees, students, faculty, and staff from WashU programs dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people and communities are invited. Attendees will hear selected personal stories and view artwork presented by their peers, showcasing personal growth, insight, wisdom, and vulnerability from experiences as healthcare researchers, caregivers, and students.

Date/Time: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 11AM-6PM
Location: Conner Auditorium, FLTC Atrium | More Information
The Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences is co-hosting the 4th Annual INSPIRE Conference (Interdisciplinary Conference for Networking, Supporting, and Promoting Inclusive Research Endeavors). This event aims to connect the WashU and the greater St. Louis science community with historically underrepresented scientists and promote professional development for all trainees. This event is in collaboration with WashU Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Association of Black Biomedical Graduate Students; Graduate Association of Latinx, Native American and Caribbean Students; and Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.

Date/Time: Monday, March 30, 2026, 5-7PM
Location: Eric P. Newman Education Center, Main Auditorium
We are pleased to announce this year’s annual Distinguished Service Teaching Awards (DSTA) Ceremony. This student-led event honors faculty for their outstanding contributions to medical education. We hope you will join us in celebrating these achievements. RSVP is not required. | More Information

Dates: May 6-9, 2026 | Submit an Abstract
Location: Eric P. Newman Education Center | Register
WashU is excited to host the 1st International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Cognition, Aging, and Speech Communication (CASC). This conference brings together researchers from across the world who focus on cognitive aging, hearing loss, and speech communication. Intended for any individual interested in age-related changes in speech perception, production, and understanding, this conference is appropriate for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and other scientists working in the fields of aging, cognition, and communication sciences and disorders. | Attendance fees: Faculty $650, Post-doctoral Fellows & Graduate Students $350 | Questions? Contact Kate McClannahan, AuD, PhD | More Information

Foundations in IPE
Date/Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 8:45AM-3:30PM RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY 24, 2026 | Register
Location: Farrell Learning & Teaching Center | Details upon registration

Medical Improv Skills
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 11, 12-1:30PM | Register
Location: Details upon registration

The Culture Lab: Experimenting with Trust and Connection
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026, 12-1:30PM | Register
Location: Details upon registration

View details & register for all events here. 

Education Scholarship Series: Begins Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Teaching w/ Joy & Creativity Series: Begins Monday, March 30, 2026

We are delighted to share that the abstract “Socioeconomic Status and the Likelihood of Receiving Honors in Pediatric Clerkships: A Multi‑Institutional Study” has been selected, and is among the top 10 submissions for presentation at the Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Presidential Plenary during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 meeting in Boston.

Led by Eve Colson, MD, MHPE and Eva Aagaard, MD, at WashU Medicine, this project represents a collaboration with colleagues across seven medical schools nationwide. The study examines how socioeconomic status influences the likelihood of receiving honors in pediatric clerkships, even after accounting for academic performance and demographic factors. Reviewers praised the work as “excellent,” “timely,” “high‑quality,” and “methodologically sound,” noting its large sample size, elegant design, and important implications including the need to better understand the social determinants of learner outcomes in medical education. 

The Washington University Institute for Surgical Education (WISE) and the Surgical Education Research Group (SERG) continue to set new standards in surgical training, research, and community engagement. WISE achieved a historic milestone this year, serving over 4,500 learners and 1,200 events across the continuum of medical education. Recent capital improvements include new laparoscopic towers, wall-mounted OR monitors, new ultrasound machines, pediatric models, and extensive instrumentation to accommodate the growing demands of specialty labs. SERG also had an exceptionally productive year. Surgical Education Fellows Drs. Blake Beneville and Abby Hatcher demonstrated leadership in curriculum development, serving as co-leads for the Curriculum Committee and SERG. SERG researchers have focused on the intersection of technology, equity, and well-being. Key areas of investigation included artificial intelligence, robotic simulation, and resident well-being and equity. Looking ahead, AY26-27 initiatives aim to heighten our profile by increasing national presentations, expanding training efforts in support of postdoctoral fellows and researchers and growing our social media presence by transforming WISE into a hub for educational content.

Ambler

Konrad

Woldenberg

Norton, Randolph, Holleran, Burgess, Konrad, Tylka

APTA Academy of Education Grant Awarded for National Educator Competency Framework
Steve Ambler, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH and Jeff Konrad, PT, DPT, PhD are part of a multi-institutional team awarded a grant from the APTA Academy of Education to support their project, "Development of an Academic Physical Therapy Educator Competency Framework: A National Model for Excellence." The project aims to establish a comprehensive, nationally applicable framework to define and support excellence in academic physical therapy education.
Woldenberg Featured in Ladue News Article on Pain Science
Corey Woldenberg, PT, DPT, DHSc, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Orthopaedic Surgery, was featured in a Ladue News article titled, "What drives pain beyond injury? St. Louis doctors offer insight." The article explores contemporary perspectives on pain science and highlights expert insights from local clinicians and researchers.
PT Faculty Presents at iTeach 2026 Conference
WashU Medicine Physical Therapy faculty presented last month at iTeach 2026, WashU’s annual teaching and learning conference created by faculty, for faculty. The presentation, titled "Innovative Assessment Practices," highlighted forward-thinking approaches to learner assessment within physical therapy education. Presenters included Barbara Norton, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Jessica Randolph, MS, EdD, Carey Holleran, PT, MPT, DHS, NCS, Meg Burgess, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, Jeff Konrad, PT, DPT, PhD, and Stacy Tylka, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT-LANA.

Last month the Academy of Educators hosted Teachfest Royale 2026, which was a remarkable celebration of exceptional teaching at WashU Medicine, involving over a dozen departments as participants or judges. Even more departments engaged as attendees to support their colleagues and learn "Lessons from Left Field: Teaching Pearls from Unexpected Places." Congratulations to Dr. Aaron Schuh, MD, MPH, from the Department of Pediatrics for winning the prestigious GOAT trophy! Additionally, hearty congratulations to Dr. Erin Kane, MD, MHPE, from Emergency Medicine for securing the distinguished runner-up spot as well as Dr. Marit Watson, OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C, from Occupational Therapy and Dr. Bria Giacomino, DO, from Medicine-Cardiology, who both tied for third place. Thank you to all the participants, judges, and supporters for making Teachfest Royale a resounding success!

Morgan

Baum

Lee

Morgan Joins MO Foundation for Health Board
Dr. Kerri Morgan, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, has joined the board of directors for the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). The mission of the Missouri Foundation for health is to eliminate underlying causes of health inequities, transform systems, and enable individuals and communities to thrive. During her first year as a Board member, Dr. Morgan will also serve on two committees: the Finance committee and the Programmatic Strategy committee. | More about the Board

Baum Receives Lifetime Award from AOTF
Dr. Carolyn Baum, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, and Professor Emeritus of Occupational Therapy, Neurology and Social Work will receive the AOTF Lifetime Achievement Award in Anaheim, CA on April 25 during the AOTF awards ceremony, part of the annual American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) annual conference. | All Award Recipients

Lee Recognized as Outstanding Reviewer
Congratulations to postdoctoral research associate Dr. Yejin Lee, PhD, for being honored with an Outstanding Reviewer Award from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. This award is presented to a select number of reviewers each year and is based upon the quantity, quality, and timeliness of their reviews during the calendar year.

Note: Many of the articles in Good Reads can be read through various subscriptions made available for free to WashU employees and learners. | Explore Subscriptions | Additional Details

Department of Surgery faculty members recently had manuscripts accepted for publication in the Journal of Surgical Education:

CIPE’s SPTE Team Leads’ paper "Use of a Standardized Patient Team Experience to Improve Student Interprofessional Collaboration and Teamwork" has been published in MedEdPORTAL. The SPTE was developed for medical, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapy students to simulate care planning for a patient poststroke. The module described shows how SPTE is implementable at other institutions in content and practical in size. Congratulations, SPTE Team!  

In this Atlantic article, Arthur Brooks reinforces the idea that leadership quality and human relationships are the primary drivers of satisfaction and retention. While titles and salary certainly have their place, they are a short-lived quick fix when employees are evaluating workplace satisfaction and do not support long term happiness. | The Atlantic | Internet Archive

In this 2025 TEDEd Talk, David Epstein discusses the value of a sampling period of deliberate practice before specialization when pursuing success. The key is varied exposure before diving deep into a selected passion.

In this 2025 TED Talk, education entrepreneur Priya Lakhani explains why being challenged is essential for meaningful knowledge acquisition — and how AI can be designed to strengthen, rather than weaken, the learning, teaching, and thinking processes.

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