Teaching symposium highlights SIU’s historic scholarship, success

Since its founding in 1970, SIU School of Medicine has become famous for its willingness to do things differently, emphasizing hands-on training techniques and new curriculum in medical education. That pioneering spirit was ever-present at the 15th Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium at the Springfield campus April 17, hosted by the Academy for Scholarship in Education.

The day began with introductions from Dr. Boyung Suh and Dr. Aysha Rafaquat, the Symposium co-chairs.

An enchanting musical performance from residents Dr. Cecelia Lai and Dr. Navnoor Singh raised spirits and set the mood for the stimulating Keynote Panel, ‘Innovation: If It Ain’t Broke, Make It Better!’ A short video prefaced the group conversation, as the audience was treated to an oral retrospective of SIU School of Medicine’s origin, delivered by none other than our inaugural dean, Dr. Richard Moy himself, via video.

Hope Cherry and Dr. Sue Hingle co-facilitated the roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Debra Klamen, senior associate dean for education and curriculum, and chair of the Department of Medical Education; Dr. Chris McDowell, executive associate dean of SIU School of Medicine; and Dr. Kevin Dorsey, former dean of SIU Medicine. They shared stories of valuable lessons learned—and taught—by instructors who would become industry influencers.

Throughout the day, trainees, faculty and staff presented and shared medical education research and innovation ideas with participants and guests in breakout sessions. Many of these took place in the medical library. There, learners and faculty also shared new study results on posters and a special display showcased some of the medical school’s landmark educational achievements.

At midday, the Academy medical education program presented awards to the year’s student and faculty educators.

STUDENT AWARDS

Commitment to Teaching Honorees: Zelinda Taylor, Natalie McClure (pictured at right) & Adam Western

Outstanding Student Medical Educator of the Year: Ashley-Ann Walker & Djamina Esperance (pictured below with Dr. Debra Klamen)

FACULTY AWARDS

Academy Scholar: Meredith Volle, MD

J. Kevin Dorsey Outstanding Educator of the Year: Martha Hlafka, MD & Ayame Takahashi, MD (pictured below with Dr. Kevin Dorsey)

Debra Klamen Medical Education Innovation Award: Nicholas Weshinskey, PhD (at top of page, getting hugged)

After the awards presentations, a Story Slam built upon variations of the day’s theme, ‘If It Ain’t Broke....’ Students, staff and faculty members shared reflections on how they rose to embrace change at different times in their lives. As Dr. Rafaquat said in her introduction, “Our storytellers today are here ... to show us what it means to strive not just for what works, but for what could be better. That beautifully reflects the spirit of growth, resilience and innovation we have here at SIU.” 

Allison Mool, the Story Slam cohost and a Symposium committee student member said, “Thank you to our brave story tellers and to each of you for holding space for the journeys they shared today. We hope their stories spark your own ideas, renew your spirt, and remind you that even if things aren’t broken, they are still full of possibility.”

Great food, generous sponsors and a corps of volunteers also contributed to the symposium’s success.  View photos from the event on Zenfolio