The Association for Hospital Medical Education (AHME) declared Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 as its inaugural GME Professionals Day to recognize program coordinators and GME administrators who work to help make residency and fellowship training programs successful.
UAB’s training programs have more than 90 professionals across the institution who contribute daily to the school’s mission in graduate medical education.
“Our program coordinators and administrators serve vital roles in supporting our residents and fellows and making our training programs strong,” said Alice Goepfert, M.D., associate dean for Graduate Medical Education. “They are critical to the success of our programs and our program directors.”
In addition to working in their own program areas, program coordinators work together and with the GME leadership to advance the school as a whole, said Jennie Craft, MPPM, director of Graduate Medical Education. Craft said this showed particularly in the changes to the 2020 interview season.
“It was inspiring to see how the group came together not only to share best practices and tips for creating virtual interview sessions but to encourage each other to find creative solutions,” she said.
In recognition of GME Professionals Day, meet just a few of the staff leaders working in residency and fellowship programs across UAB.
Kandice Collins
Education Administrator, UAB Selma Family Medicine Residency Program
How long have you been in your program coordinator role?
7.5 years
How long have you been at UAB?
9 years
How did you get into your role as a residency program coordinator?
My predecessor recommended me to the Program Director for consideration due to my long history with the program. My mom just retired this spring from UAB SFM with 41 years of service, so I literally "grew up" at UAB Selma Family Medicine. I say coordinators don't pick this job—the job picks them.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
10 percent coffee, 40 percent herding cats, 50 percent fun!
What do you enjoy about your job?
The relationships developed with the residents are for life, and something I deeply treasure.
What do you want to say to your fellow GME professionals?
Thank you for ALL you do, seen and unseen! You're absolutely essential to the success of your program!
Lauren Hanhauser, MA
Education Administrator, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program
How long have you been in your program coordinator role?
I started in this role in May 2017. I am now working with my 5th set of new residents.
How long have you been at UAB?
I have been at UAB since January 2015. I also completed my bachelor's and master’s degree at UAB.
How did you get into your role as a residency program coordinator?
I have a background in higher education and worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions right after college. A friend of mine worked in the GME world and told me more about her role and working with trainees. I saw an opportunity in PM&R and really found a great department and group of people to work with!
What does a typical day look like in your role?
A lot of my daily routine involves troubleshooting and planning for the future. I have an open-door policy for our residents for them to pop by if they need anything, or if they just need to talk. A typical day can involve building reports for accreditation purposes, taking the time to talk to an interested medical student or really anything in between. I also provide a lot of historical contexts for how and why we do certain things per the ACGME and GME office to support our program, faculty, and trainees.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Working with the PM&R residents is always a joy. I love seeing the cycle of them entering specialty training and graduating after a rigorous three years. Plus, being affiliated with the only PM&R training program in Alabama provides me with hearing wonderful patient stories and outcomes.
Beth Parker
Program Coordinator, Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program
How long have you been in your program coordinator role?
Almost three years
How long have you been at UAB?
I have been at UAB a long time, many years in Radiology – left and returned to Surgery after being away for two years.
How did you get into your role as a residency program coordinator?
The role just sort of dropped in my lap.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
There are really no two days that are exactly the same – just when you think you have everything figured out, you receive another curveball and you just have to smile and get it done!
What do you enjoy about your job?
I truly enjoy all of the faculty and residents – even when I have to hound them about entering their case logs and duty hours.
What do you want to say to your fellow GME professionals?
I want them each to know that YOU are amazing, YOU are appreciated, and thank you for what YOU do!
Martha Veazey, MBA, C-TAGME
Program Coordinator II, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program
How long have you been in your program coordinator role?
I have been in a program coordinator role since May 1, 1987.
How long have you been at UAB?
I have been at UAB for 35 years.
How did you get into your role as a residency program coordinator?
I began working at UAB in Temporary Services in July of 1986. I was fortunate to start in Cardiology in December and was made a permanent employee in May.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
We really don’t have “typical” days and this is what makes our job exciting! One day we are onboarding incoming fellows; the next day, we are completing a report for the ACGME, getting ready for interview season, etc.
What do you enjoy about your job?
One thing I enjoy about my job is welcoming new fellows into our program each year and helping them succeed and be their best over the three years of the program. I also enjoy getting to know their families. I’m also very thankful for a wonderful, supportive program director!
What do you want to say to your fellow GME professionals?
The GME community is a family and we are here to help each other. I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support over the years!