The Veteran Educator

Dr. Gerry Cox discusses the significance of collaborating with a team of professionals, the courage to pursue new opportunities, strategies for balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and the advantages of working at the VA.  Dr. Gerry Cox is the Associate Deputy Under Secretary for Health in the Office of Quality & Patient Safety at the Veterans Health Administration.

Dr. Erik Alexander emphasizes the significance of pursuing activities that one is passionate about, establishing a solid foundation for one's career as a clinician, and making time for reflection and contemplation about one's career and professional endeavors. Dr. Erik Alexander is a Professor of Medicine and the Associate Dean for Medical Education (BWH) at Harvard Medical School, and the Vice President of Education at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. 

Dean Karen Antman emphasizes the significance of curiosity, the importance of not procrastinating, and the value of reinventing oneself over the course of a career. Dean Karen Antman is the Provost of the Boston University Medical Campus and the Dean of the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Dr. Mel Anderson identifies key aspects of professional development including making yourself indispensable, collaborating with others, having self-forgiveness and patience, and being courageous to engage in tasks that are difficult. 

Dr. Wendy Ward talks about finding one’s joy in work, the importance of self-assessment, and being aware of own’s own blinders when considering professional opportunities. Dr. Wendy Ward is the Associate Provost for Faculty and the Director of Interprofessional Faculty Development at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.     

Dr. Douglas Rett speaks about his leadership role in Optometry, how teaching keeps him curious and humble, and how he has chosen the “harder path” at various times in his career. Dr. Douglas Rett is the Chief of Optometry at VA Boston Healthcare System.  

Dr. Theresa Liao describes her approach to personal and professional life changes, the importance of self-compassion, and how she developed a national leadership role in Whole Health education. Dr. Theresa Liao is the National Lead for Whole Health field based education and a National Clinical Champion in the VHA Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation.  Dr. Liao is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at  Oregon Health & Science University. 

Dr. Adam Rodman discusses his role in digital education and how to develop one’s “academic mission statement.” Dr. Adam Rodman is an internal medicine physician and co-director of the Innovations in Media and Education Delivery (iMED) Initiative at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA.

Kat White speaks about the benefits to Veteran healthcare of strong partnerships between VA and schools of nursing as well as strategies she uses as an educational leader. Kathleen White is the VA Boston Associate Chief Nurse for RN Residency Programs & Clinical Placements.

Dr. Chizoba Nwosu talks about her role in nursing education leadership, the role of coaching and mentoring in career development, and her thoughts on “creating a small legacy” as an educator. Dr. Chizoba Nwosu is the VA Boston Associate Chief Nurse of Academic Affiliations, Operations, and NP Residencies.