Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of Health Professions Education.
I always enjoyed teaching even as a medical student and resident. I knew I wanted to incorporate teaching into my career. However, when I accepted a faculty position at a residency program, I was intimidated by my lack of knowledge in how to design curriculum and pursue scholarly activities especially at a GME level. When I heard about the master’s program it sounded like the perfect way to improve my knowledge and skills and allow me to succeed in my career.
What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?
I heard about the program through one of my colleagues. I thought it would be a great way to further my education and prepare myself for my new academic role. I found the program had an ideal balance of focus on teaching, research, and leadership skills. The program is designed for busy health professionals with full-time jobs. The assignments and lessons I learned were always relevant to my career and I was able to apply them immediately.
Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about any internship/research/volunteer/work opportunities you took advantage of.
Through the program, I learned how to design curriculum, analyze data, and write a research manuscript. I was able to design several curricula for resident education including improving continuity of care, social determinants of health, and a senior resident boot camp. With help from the faculty, I was able to submit multiple manuscripts for journal publication.
Describe your experience working and studying with faculty within the program.
The most impressive part of the program is the program’s faculty. They are experts in their field and incredibly invested in their students. Alice Fornari, EdD, RDN, the program director, is completely dedicated to her students. She goes above and beyond and is always coming up with new and creative ways to teach her students. Shara Steiner, DO, MACM, is not only a wonderful teacher but is incredibly inspiring. She sees the potential in all her students and pushes them to accomplish more than they thought possible.
What are your long-term professional goals and how has the program helped you reach them?
Thanks to the knowledge and skills I learned in the program and the ability to apply them to my career, I was promoted to associate program director. My long-term professional goal is to become a program director for a family medicine residency program.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am so glad I enrolled in the HPPL program. I learned so many valuable skills, which helped me become a better teacher, mentor, and leader.