The privilege of teaching

As we recognize the AAMC’s Academic Medicine Week, I have been reflecting on one of the most important responsibilities we share as a medical school community: teaching the next generation of health professionals. 

Teaching is an integral part of our mission and I’m grateful to our dedicated professionals shaping the future of medicine. Every interaction with a student, resident, fellow or trainee is an opportunity to provide not only clinical knowledge and technical skill, but also professionalism, compassion, accountability and purpose. 

This time of year, reminds us of that responsibility in a particularly meaningful way. Across our institution, we are welcoming new residents, preparing students for clinical clerkships and helping learners transition into new stages of training. These moments are exciting, but they also carry tremendous importance. Learners are watching us closely. They’re observing how we lead, collaborate, communicate and show up for one another. 

Accountability in teaching matters. 

It does not mean perfection; it means recognizing that each of us plays a role in the educational environment we create. It means understanding that teaching is not confined to a classroom or lecture hall. It happens in clinics, operating rooms, hospital hallways, laboratories and team meetings. It happens both formally and informally. And it requires engagement from all of us. 

Over the past several months, I have been meeting with departments across our school to reinforce the importance of medical education and to discuss how we continue strengthening our teaching mission across the continuum. I have heard thoughtful conversations about the evolving demands placed on our faculty, the realities of limited time and the challenges of balancing clinical care, research and education. These are real pressures, and we must continue to work together to identify solutions that support our educators while maintaining excellence in teaching. 

At the same time, we cannot allow the teaching mission to become secondary. Academic medicine depends on faculty who are willing to invest in learners, model professionalism and remain engaged in mentorship and instruction. Our learners deserve faculty who are present, committed and invested in their growth. 

As we celebrate pride and purpose this month, I believe there is no better example of purpose than teaching. We have the privilege of shaping the future of medicine and science. Few responsibilities have a greater long-term impact on patient care, discovery and our communities. 

I also believe we should do more to celebrate the educators who embody this mission every day. Across our school there are countless examples of faculty and staff going above and beyond for our learners, striving to create supportive environments, finding innovative ways to teach despite time constraints and demonstrating extraordinary dedication. Those stories deserve recognition and I encourage you to consider nominating them for a School of Medicine Excellence Award later this year.  

Academic Medicine Week is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the values that define our institution. It is a reminder that teaching is not simply an obligation tied to academic medicine, but an honor and a responsibility to contribute to the future of healthcare. 

I am grateful to our faculty, staff and leaders across our school who continue to elevate this mission every day. We will continue building a culture that values teaching, supports educators and prepares the next generation to lead with excellence, accountability, compassion and purpose.