Our association is a robust and diverse set of educators, students, researchers, medical professionals, volunteers and academics that come from all walks of life and from around the globe. Each month we choose a member to highlight their academic and professional career and see how they are making the best of their membership in IAMSE. This month’s Featured Member is Amanda Chase.
Amanda Chase
Associate Professor of Medical Education
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern University
IAMSE Educational Scholarship Committee Chair
How long have you been a member of IAMSE?
Following great advice from a colleague, I submitted an abstract to the 2018 Annual Conference and became a member of IAMSE in 2018.
Looking at your time with the Association, what have you most enjoyed doing? What are you looking forward to?
I enjoy learning from amazing educators at IAMSE Café Sessions, Virtual Forums, and Annual Conferences. Participating as a member on IAMSE committees has been very rewarding as well. I feel a great sense of value and belonging in the presence of the IAMSE membership. I’m looking forward to future conferences where I can spend more time with my IAMSE family. The valuable mentorship that I receive from them is unparalleled.
What can you tell us about chairing the Educational Scholarship Committee? What does your committee do and what role does the chair play?
As Chair of the IAMSE Educational Scholarship Committee, I have developed meaningful skills in leadership and mentorship. The position has allowed me to learn more about the dedication and diligence of the individuals who make up the IAMSE Association. The Educational Scholarship Committee looks for ways to enhance the professional development of IAMSE members. Two important initiatives are the Medical Educator Fellowship Program and the Educational Scholarship/Curriculum Innovation Grant Program. Through these programs, we support the IAMSE Association in its goals to provide professional development for faculty and fund educational scholarship and curriculum innovation.
Tell us about the Fellowship Program. How has it changed over the years? How does it benefit those who go through the program?
The IAMSE Medical Educator Fellowship Program is a two-year program that provides peer mentoring and guidance while fellows develop and execute an educational research project. The main goal of the program is to develop well-rounded health education scholars with additional evidence of specialized achievement that enhances career development. Over the years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the number of fellows entering the program each year. In 2022, we moved to offer entry into the program twice per year. In addition, we’ve transitioned to mostly virtual meetings which allows us to diversify enrollment and expand to underrepresented countries. Joining the Fellowship Program kick starts your educational research and is a great way to become more involved in the IAMSE Association. Many of our previous fellows are now mentors in the fellowship program.
How has IAMSE benefitted your career?
IAMSE has meaningfully influenced my professional identity formation as an educator. At IAMSE Annual Conferences and Virtual Forums, I learn about best practices in scholarship, teaching, and learning. At IAMSE gatherings, I feel welcome to discuss issues affecting health science education and educators. The mentors and colleagues I’ve met through IAMSE are superb and this is why I call IAMSE my home.
Anything else that you would like to add?
I would like to thank past and present members of the Educational Scholarship Committee for their passion and dedication to the health science community. Please feel free to reach out to me if you are interested in learning more about the Fellowship Program for yourself or your colleagues.