The Wayne State Empowerment for Academicians in Medicine, or WE AIM, welcomed its third cohort of nine faculty with a lunch and discussion led by School of Medicine Dean Wael Sakr, M.D., on Sept. 23 in the Shiffman Medical Library’s Stapleton Conference Room.
The WE AIM program was developed in 2022 as a collaboration between the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development to empower faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
The program is designed to support junior and mid-career faculty, particularly those underrepresented in medicine, by equipping them with essential skills for success in academic medicine. The program’s focus on professional growth and empowerment garnered national recognition from the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2023, highlighting its impact on fostering a more inclusive and effective academic environment. It is open to all faculty at the rank of assistant and associate professor.
“I am thrilled to welcome our third cohort of dedicated academicians. This year’s group brings a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives that will undoubtedly enrich our learning community. I look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of each participant as we embark on this journey together,” said WE AIM Course Director and Professor of Pediatrics Dena Nazer, M.D.
This year, WE AIM consists of seven sessions held once a month through April 2025, and addresses topics such as:
- The culture of academic medicine and defining individual success
- Formulating a career development plan
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Improving teaching and presentation skills
- Preparing for promotion and tenure
- Grant development and administration
- Strategies of successful professional writing
The WE AIM committee increased the focus on wellness and coaching this year through the involvement of Teena Chopra, M.D., M.P.H., assistant dean of Faculty Development and Coaching, and Travis Van Dyke, the WE AIM committee wellbeing representative, who led the faculty in a meditation session at the Sept. 23 meeting.
2024-25 WE AIM members include:
For additional information on WE AIM, contact Dr. Nazer at dnazer@med.wayne.edu