Meet Our Graduates

Meet Our Graduates

Chart showing diversity of specialties among MACM alumni

Sigmund Abelson, DDS, MACM (2010)
Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Chair of Department of Clinical Oral Healthcare, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA (retired)
“The Master of Academic Medicine program has provided me with the skills and knowledge needed for curriculum development, student assessments, leadership, and many other areas, allowing me to be more effective in my academic career.”

Ahmad Al-Awadhi, DDS, MACM (2013)
Assistant Professor, Kuwait University College of Dentistry, Jabriya, Kuwait

Rola Abdulrahman AlRabah, MD, MACM (2020)
Chair of Educational Quality and Patient Safety, Emergency and Medical Simulation Consultant, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Cynthia Anderson, MD, MACM (2013)
Department of Anesthesiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, CA (retired)

Khalid Ansari, MD, MACM (2011)
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Kevin Arce, MD, DMD, MACM (2013)
Chair, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“I can’t thank you enough for the education and the support you have provided me. As I have gone through the process where I have had to define my vision of education, leadership capabilities, and opportunities in this role, I have been able to use all the tools and education that the program has provided me.”

Arsenia Asuncion, MD, MACM (2011)
Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Associate Director of Pediatric Intensive Care, New York University Winthrop Hospital, Long Island, NY

Nida Awadallah, MD, MACM (2021)
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Professor, Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO

Sarah Badran, MD, MHFSA, MACM (2017)
Director of Pediatric Cardiology Education (Medical School and Residency), Co-Director of Interventional Cardiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Professor of Pediatrics (Clinical Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Amir Berjis, MD, MACM (2021)
Vice Chair, Department of Surgery; Director, Medical Education, DIO; Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, CA

Fatuma J. Barqadle, MD, MACM (2021)
Assistant Professor of Medical Education, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Fairfax, VA

Eunice E. Blackmon, MD, MACM (2019)
Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
“The program has increased my confidence in discussing medical education issues as a leader. I am comfortable evaluating curriculum and learners. It taught me to seek scholarship in multiple ways and account for those in my portfolio. I now keep records of what I have done so that I have documented what I need to further my career.”

Adria Boucharel, MD, MACM (2022)
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Associate Director of Education for Professional Development, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
“The Masters program offers a unique combination of expected teaching skills along with encouragement for continued personal growth in leading self and others. It is life altering as we build internal understanding and skills. The emphasis on organizational understanding also helps us be able to make a difference in our institutions.”

Tim D. Browder, MD, MACM (2017)
Professor of Surgery, Chief of Trauma, Highland Hospital, University of California San Francisco East Bay, Oakland, CA

Michael Brown, MD, MACM (2010)
Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology Fellowship Program Director, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
“The MACM program is an absolutely outstanding program that allowed me to develop the skills and background knowledge necessary to significantly improve our fellowship program, advance myself personally through the academic ranks at our institution and formulate a well-regarded fellowship program. Pursuing a degree in medical education and academic medicine was important in getting faculty buy-in on my expertise as an educator and my ability to transfer some of that expertise to their skill sets. The extra training and degree have allowed me to become the chief educator for our section and in that capacity, I am deferred to when it comes to decisions regarding our educational programs at the medical student, resident and fellow level. This has made the position of program director much more rewarding.”

Stefan Bughi, MD, MACM (2011)
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA (retired)
“We were fortunate to have great mentors and leaders to guide our steps along this amazing journey. The MACM faculty was always available to help us throughout this unique learning experience. Their enthusiasm encouraged and empowered us to enjoy being lifelong learners, to embrace and ‘preserve the passion’ for teaching and learning.”

Lavjay Butani, MD, MACM (2013)
Professor of Pediatrics, Chief of Pediatric Nephrology, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, CA
“The Master of Academic Medicine changed my life — personally and professionally. Not only did I gain skills pertaining to curriculum development, learning theories, and educational scholarship, I also learned how to better harness my strengths and develop my skills as a more effective leader and human being. The leadership course shook me up by the roots and kick-started the process by which I started to look at myself to build on my leadership skills and develop a more complete vision of who and where I want to be in my life.”

Karen Camero, MD, MACM (2024)
Attending Physician, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“I have more self-awareness about my strengths and areas that need improvement. I try to model that vulnerability for my learners and emphasize that we all need to grow. I have identified that the most important things that I want to teach my learners is attitude, mindset, and problem-solving skills.”

Dante Cerza, MD, MACM (2015)
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE

Edward Y. H. Chan, MD, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2021)
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital, TX

Todd Chang, MD, MACM (2014)
Vice Chair of Education, Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles; Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics (Educational Scholar), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Grant Christman, MD, MACM (2018)
Director of Education, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Arlene S. Chung, MD, MACM (2016)
Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
“My experiences during the MACM program laid the groundwork for much of my scholarly productivity early in my academic career. In my very first course, Dr. Nyquist helped me to develop a “cool idea” which grew into an innovation, an abstract, and finally a peer-reviewed publication. During my second year of the program, I was able to secure an institutional grant for $25,000, largely thanks to the mentorship I received. This has allowed me to pursue additional grant funding and continue to publish successfully. I find myself referring again and again to the material we learned and sharing it with my junior faculty. I also met an amazing group of other educators across the country and we have continued to collaborate after graduation.”

William G. Cloud, MD, CPPS, MACM (2011)
Chief Medical Officer, Baptist Memorial Health, Memphis, TN
“The knowledge, practical skills, and experience I gained from the Master of Academic Medicine Program have been extremely helpful in resident education. In addition, they have significant applicability in the areas of leadership, performance improvement, the development and assessment of quality and safety interventions, and defined culture building within healthcare organizations beyond academic medical centers. The program has given me a practical perspective and the language to be able to communicate about teaching and learning principles that I can apply no matter what the situation or topic. The most exciting part of the program is the people: the teachers and my classmates who together have become part of a university without walls.”

Jolene Collins, MD, MACM (2017)
Assistant Professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL

Sarah Collins, PhD, MACM (2022)
Instructor, Undergraduate Medical Education Program, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Meri Combs, MSN, RN, CCRN, MACM (2019)
Critical Care Nurse Manager, Hendrick Medical Center, Abilene, TX
“The MACM program taught me so many new and valuable skills in teaching and education. These new skills, added to my clinical experience as an RN, NP, and nursing administrator, give me the tools to help educate and mentor all disciplines within our hospital. I have made life-long relationships with both my fellow students and faculty that will assist my growth and development on both a personal and professional level. This is an added and wonderful benefit of the MACM program.”

Sabrina Cooley, MD, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2020)
MemorialCare Medical Group Urgent Care, CA

Britney L. Corey, MD, MACM (2020)
Director of Simulation and Director of Clinical Education, Department of Emergency Medicine, University Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV

Kathleen Crapanzano, MD, MACM (2015)
Section Chair, LSU School of Medicine, Baton Rouge Psychiatry; George A. Bishop MD Professor of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Baton Rouge, LA
“Participating in the Master of Academic Medicine program was a spectacular experience! As a new program director of a new program, I thought it would be helpful in my desire to craft a high quality residency experience, but it did much more than that. The program gave me the keys to be successful in academic medicine and also got me some lasting mentor and peer relationships.”

Mitzi D’Aquila, PA-C, MACM (2014)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine (Clinician Educator) and Director of the Physician Assistant Program, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Jack DePriest, MD, MACM (2010)
Critical Care Medicine Physician, Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group, Columbia, SC

Cynthia DeTata, MD, MACM (2016)
Clinical Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
“I started this program thinking I would be learning about educational theory and curriculum design. It turned out to be so much more! It expanded my knowledge of the history of medical education, the structure and function of medical schools, and tools to navigate the world of academic medicine. I also had the joy of interacting with others from all over the country who share my enthusiasm for education. The director of this program is a positive source of energy, takes interest in each student, and is clearly passionate about education herself. The faculty and guest instructors are incredibly encouraging and pour effort into making the material relevant. I have much appreciation for all involved in this program, and think there is something for educators from different fields with different levels of learners.”

David Disbrow, MACM (2011)
Director, CME and Instructional Design, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, PA

Victoria Dunn, MBBS, MACM (2023)
Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“Prior to the MACM program, I could share my ideas in general. I can now take an idea, assess the need, build a plan, and put it into action. Throughout the program, the course assignments helped me to develop materials that I was able to use immediately in my job.”

Melissa J. Durham, PharmD, MACM (2014)
Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, USC School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA

Elango (Ed) Edhayan, MD, MACM (2012)
Program Director, Department of Surgery Residency, Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI

Akshay “Sunny” Elagandhala, MD, MACM (2021)
Assistant Residency Program Director, Co-Director of Medical Education Fellowship, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX

Josephine M. Enciso, MD, MACM (2019)
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology; Director, Pediatric Fellowships; Associate Vice Chair of Medical Education, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
“The Master of Academic Medicine enabled me to gain in-depth training in medical education and leadership in academic medicine and helped me acquire skills that have enhanced my faculty role as a teacher, leader, scholar, and mentor. It expanded my knowledge regarding adult learning and evidence-based principles of learning. The coursework included the acquisition of knowledge and skills in assessing and giving feedback to learners, addressing policy and accreditation issues, developing and implementing a program evaluation, developing personal and team leadership skills, and designing, implementing, and studying medical education innovations. I am thankful for the invaluable experience I gained through the MACM program.“

Mark Faber, MD, MACM (2010)
Faculty, Nephrology Fellowship, Henry Ford Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
“The MACM program had tremendous positive impact on my ability to teach effectively and direct a fellowship. Perhaps even more importantly I experienced rapid growth in understanding and managing conflict and interpersonal communication in the academic medicine environment.”

Michelle Feltes, MD, MACM (2018)
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
“When I started the MACM program, I knew I liked teaching, but I had little understanding of education theory or research protocols. Now I feel comfortable developing educational projects, including how to conduct a quality assessment. Throughout the MACM program, the faculty were very supportive and approachable, despite my unusual travel schedule as a global health fellow.”

Monica Kaur Flora, MD, MACM (2018)
Adventist Health Simi Valley, CA

Andrea Pinnick Gamble, DDS, MACM (2012)
Local Smile Co., Pediatric Dentistry, Redondo Beach, CA; Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Anna Ganster, MD, MACM (2019)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“Being part of the community of the MACM program was one of the most inspiring journeys of my life so far, not only professionally but also personally. It helped me to become a better educator, a better leader and mentor, and maybe most importantly of all, to fully embrace a growth mindset. The extremely knowledgeable faculty mentors are nurturing, challenging where they need to be, and just plain wonderful. They didn’t only teach me how to be a better teacher and give me the tools needed to survive on an academic educational track, but also to find grit, resilience, and to stoke the fire and passion to keep great medical education going.”

Javier O. Garcia, MD, MACM (2017)
Chairman of Psychiatry, Southside Hospital; Assistant Professor, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY

Frederick Giberson, MD, MACM (2011)
Program Director, General Surgery; Vice Chair of Surgical Education, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE
“The Master of Academic Medicine Program at Keck has significantly impacted my knowledge and skills as an educator and a residency program director. I have been able to immediately apply many of the learned concepts to improve my teaching and management of an educational program through writing meaningful goals and objectives, developing curricular elements, and employing effective teaching strategies. The Master’s program faculty members are experts in the topics and teach in a collaborative way that maintains my enthusiasm. I and my residency program are clearly better for my participation in the Master’s program.”

Lisa Gray, DO, MACM (2023)
Clinical Assistant Professor, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Ericka Greene, MD, MACM (2022)
Professor of Clinical Neurology, Program Director, Neurology Residency and Neuromuscular Medicine Residency, Houston Methodist, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX
“The program helped me think beyond myself as an educator and clinician, to prioritize the growth and development of others. I gained in the process as I grew to take on new challenges that were not just about me.”

Brittany Guest, DO, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2020)
UCLA Health, Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Jordana Haber, MD, MACM (2014)
Director of Simulation and Director of Clinical Education, Department of Emergency Medicine, University Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV

Nora Haghparast-Hassas, DDS, MACM (2011)
Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Yuya Hagiwara, MD, MACM (2017)
Program Director, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship; Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, IA
“I was able to get multiple poster, paper presentations, and manuscripts published through my course work. My academic focus is now curriculum development and evaluation within the field of Palliative Medicine. The program was also crucial for my promotion to Program Director.”

Michael M. Haglund,MD, PhD, MACM (2016)
Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery, Neurobiology, and Global Health; Vice Chair Education, Duke Department of Neurosurgery; Division Chief, Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
“I spent almost two years searching the country for the best program in Academic Medicine and settled thankfully on the MACM Program at USC led by Dr. Julie Nyquist. It was the best decision I ever made regarding my work in education. I learned so much not only about educational principles but about myself and leading change in our department and nationally. The USC MACM Program changed my academic trajectory in education and has given me the foundation necessary and the innovative ideas required to take my role as an educator to the next level. My master’s thesis on Vygotsky’s Social Learning Theory in Competency-based Surgical Education is being used by multiple neurosurgical programs across the country. I could not recommend this program more highly for anyone that wants to delve deeper and broaden their educational vision.”

Michele Favreau Haight, PhD, MSEd, MACM (2009)
Professor of Medical Education, University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI

Lesley Hamilton, DAOM, LAc, MACM (2011)
DAOM Research Advisor, Accreditation Consultant, AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Austin, TX
“The Master of Academic Medicine propelled my career from a provider and part-time faculty member to a full-time academic and administrative position. Without this education, I would not be where I am, and doing the work I do. The program is a lot of work — but with high-quality outcomes!”

Danielle E. Hart, MD, MACM (2015)
Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency, and Co-Fellowship Director, Simulation and Education Fellowship, Hennepin County Medical Center; Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
“The MACM course taught me everything I needed to know to be a medical educator. Not only did we cover medical education and research, but we also delved into professional development, which has been invaluable in my leadership positions. I chose the MACM instead of one of the other MHPE programs because it seemed to cover everything the MHPEs covered, but the electives seemed more applicable to someone who wanted to be a program director in the future. I was able to gain invaluable skills, many of which I use on a regular basis. I strongly recommend this program for anyone interested in medical education, and especially for those interested in program leadership.”

Barbara Heywood, MD, MACM (2009)
Accreditation Field Representative, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Houston, TX

Natalie Hohensee, DDS, MACM (2019)
Assistant Professor, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA
“My knowledge has increased exponentially. The job and responsibilities I hold now involve areas I had little to no exposure to before the program. The attitudes and character growth where I’ve noticed the most change are in my confidence and belief in myself and my strengths — knowing that I have something to offer, I am now able to stand up for my beliefs. It has also given me a jumping off point to continue my growth, learning, and personal development!”

Hans House, MD, MACM (2011)
Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Ming-Chen Hsieh, MD, EdD, MACM (2012)
Deputy Director, Department of Medical Education, The Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital / Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
“This master’s program truly seeks to transform medical education in the service of advancing the health sciences and healthcare internationally. We were guided through research, skill building, and innovation. It changed my view on clinical teaching and made me more aware that what works for me in medical education may not work for others. It is a wonderful learning journey!”

Tara Humphrey, DO, MACM (2019)
Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology (Clinician Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“The MACM gave me skills to be a more purposeful educator and evaluator.  I gained confidence in presenting as well as creating objectives, curriculums, workshops and evaluations for resident and fellow education. Reflection and assessment of my career path lead me to purposeful networking and to become more involved in National Societies.  I look forward to passing on my education to others to help improve our program’s educators.”  

Sunitha V. Husson, PA-C, MACM (2017)
USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Reem Itani, MD, MACM (2024)
Pediatric Pulmonology Fellow, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA
“I have grown the most, both professionally and personally, in my life through the MACM journey. This program gave me the skills to lead, understand myself and teach in ways that I never thought possible by utilizing and understanding the power of a growth and 21st century mindset. The relationships you make in this class are the most inspiring and I am so proud and blessed to call my classmates my friends. The instructors and leadership in the program care about each and every person as though they were the most important individual, and one can see the unique growth in each and every student.”

Asma Bano Jafri, MD, MACM (2010)
Chair, Family Medicine Department, San Joaquin General Hospital Family Medicine Residency, French Camp, CA
“As a direct result of my studies in the MACM program, I was able to implement a faculty assessment program where faculty began with a self-assessment and then their direct supervisors were given the tools to do a thorough assessment of the faculty member, thus providing significant feedback with goals and objectives for faculty improvement in identified areas.”

Aarti Jain, MD, MACM (2022)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine (Clinician Educator); Assistant Program Director, Emergency Medicine, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Samir Johna, MD, MACM (2013)
Clinical Professor of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional/Kaiser Fontana General Surgery Residency Program; Elected Director, SCPMG Board of Directors, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Fontana, CA
“Five years out of the USC Master of Academic Medicine, I still believe it was the best decision I have ever made to join and complete the program. This is a well-designed, hands-on program that I found extremely helpful in understanding the world of education. It provided me with all the tools and skills I needed to establish a free-standing, community-based general surgery residency program, and lead it through to success. The program is unique in its ability to provide its students a wide range of skills and knowledge in teaching, setting curricula, and coming up with evaluations. It also touches upon the business of medicine. It is a must-do program for all involved in medical education.”

Rima Jubran, MD, MPH, MACM (2012)
Designated Institutional Official and Director, Graduate Medical Education; William H. Hurt Chair in Medical Education in honor of Philip Rothman, MD, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Professor of Clinical Pediatrics (Educational Scholar), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“Participating in the Master of Academic Medicine program was transformational for me professionally and personally. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a leader in graduate medical education or academic medicine.”

Imad Kafilmout, MD, MACM (2017)
Clinical Faculty, Family Medicine/Women’s Health, and Director of Advanced Obstetric Fellowship, San Joaquin General Hospital, French Camp, CA

Kala Kathirgamanathan-Wong MD, FRCPC, MACM (2023)
Cardiologist, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant specialist, KMH Cardiology, Mississauga, ON, Canada
“The MACM degree program taught me innumerable concepts and pedagogical principles that I use daily. Furthermore, the leadership course was instrumental in my growth as a person. The knowledge I gained through this course now serves as a rudder, guidings my thoughts, words, and actions. The MACM program is truly transformational on both a professional and personal level.”

Gina J. Kim, MD, MPH, MACM (2022)
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Amanda Jurvis, DO, MACM (2021)
Emergency Medicine at Hennepin Heathcare-Minneapolis, MN

Albert J. Kim, MD, MACM (2015)
Assistant Residency Director and Education Fellowship Director, Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
“As an Education Scholarship Fellowship Director, I recommend my fellows complete the USC MACM for the balance it provides in education theory, education scholarship, practical knowledge, and career development. The program does an amazing job making the content applicable to one’s practice environment and current projects. In fact, I would recommend this program to any medical educator irrespective of career stage. The knowledge and skills attained in class are applied to one’s current efforts, teaching, and research. It is a fantastic way to infuse new energy and life into one’s active projects.”

Danny Doyun Kim, PharmD, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2018)
Private Practice, Pharmacy, CA

Rory O’Callaghan Kim, PharmD, MACM (2018)
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, USC School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA

Kristin Koehn, MD, MACM (2017)
Division Director, Pediatric Residency Associate Program Director and Associate Professor of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO

Mojca Remskar Konia, MD, PhD, MACM (2012)
Executive Vice Chair and Program Director, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
“The Master of Academic Medicine was a life changing event for me. It gave me knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful and happy in my career and it allowed me to build a network of professionals, which was essential in my path forward.”

Nafisa Kuwajerwala, MD, MACM (2016)
Medical Director, Breast Surgery Program, Ascension Providence Hospitals, Southfield and Novi Campuses; Surgery Clerkship Director, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine; Clinical Assistant Professor at AUC, MSUCOM, and the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI
“The MACM program adds not only to your professional, but also your personal, growth. It enhances the skills of being an educator, a lifelong learner, a leader for yourself, your program and your community. It encompasses all elements of research with cool ideas, leadership, and explores some of the inherent biases/personalities we all have. Dr. Julie Nyquist helps you to harness your strengths and work on your weaknesses. You also get to collaborate with educators from all over the country and brainstorm ideas. Ultimately the education and experience you gain enriches your daily life and the students you interact with, and gives you avenues for future pursuits in the field of medicine.”

Adrian Lawrence, MD, MACM (2015)
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Karen Lind, MD, MACM (2013)
Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital, Hayward, CA

Alan Liu, MD, MACM (2022)
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medical Education, Associate Director of Clinical Skills Education and Evaluation Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“I was very junior as a teacher and leader when I began. I initially focused on learning teaching skills, but found that gaining understanding of all my roles helped me grow and be able to help my learners much more effectively. I especially appreciated the focus on understanding mindset, self-compassion, motivation, and leading self and others.”

Jennifer Maniscalco, MD, MPH, MACM (2017)
Designated Institutional Official, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL

Allyson McDermott, MD, MACM (2020)
Director, Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship, University of Connecticut; Clinical Director, Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Connecticut Children’s, Hartford, CT

Yailis Medina-González, MD, MACM (2017)
Assistant Professor and Clerkship Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
“This program was as essential as the MD for my academic career. It changed my perspective of academic medicine and gave me tools to become a better teacher, mentor, and leader. I met wonderful people from across the country and opened doors for personal and professional development. Forever thankful!”

Rudy Melson, DrPH, MHA, MACM (2013)
Consultants for America’s Veterans, LLC
“I am a proud graduate of the USC MACM Program! The successful combination of talented students, inspirational faculty, and an enriched curriculum, all provided a truly meaningful experience in cultivating skills and abilities to teach and inspire others in the profession of medicine, both in clinically- and non-clinically-based environments.”

Nancy Mesiha, MD, MACM (2013)
Program Director, General Cardio Fellowship, Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI

Garrett J. Meyers MD, MPH, MACM (2012)
Department Chief, Family and Community Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX
“The MACM program was a great experience! After several years I still rely on the foundational skills I built in the program in program evaluation, curricular development, personal and team leadership, faculty development, and innovation.”

Deborah E. Miller, MD, MACM (2009)
Vice Chair for Administrative and Academic Affairs, Department of Family Medicine, NorthShore University Health System; Program Director, University of Chicago NorthShore Family Medicine Residency; Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Glenview, IL
“The MACM program at USC allowed me to further build my knowledge and skills as an educator and academic administrator. I learned a lot about adult learning styles and how to engage my residents in their own learning. I also very much appreciated the diversity of medical specialties among my classmates. I found the varied perspectives enriched the conversation making the experience that much more rewarding. I have been a residency program director now for many years and I owe much of my success to what I learned in this program.”

Richard Mink, MD, MACM (2010)
Professor of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles; Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; Director, Subspecialty Pediatrics Investigator Network (SPIN), Los Angeles, CA
“Although I had been a program director for many years, I was not aware how little I knew about teaching until I completed this master’s program. It really is true…you don’t know what you don’t know! The program also gave me the knowledge and skills to conduct medical education research so that I now direct a large medical education research network across the pediatric subspecialties (SPIN). I am also involved in several national ‘education’ committees.”

Maria Munoz, MD, MACM (2023)
Assistant Dean of Clerkships, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
“The MACM program helped me look at challenges as opportunities. It helped me grow in developing my skills as an extrovert – to speak up when needed – to be able to put my new knowledge into words. I am able to see silos and help people work together more effectively. I am a better teacher, mentor, and educator. I am a better person overall, more vulnerable, with self-acceptance and a growth mindset.”

Victoria Niklas, MD, MA, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2017)
Vice President of Innovation and Medical Communication, Prolacta Bioscience Inc.; Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
“There is no substitute for the depth of clarity this program provides for understanding one’s leadership in academic medicine and imparting the best of it all to the next generation of clinicians, educators, and leaders.”

Joan Noelker, MD, MACM (2017)
Assistant Program Director, Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
“The master’s program helped significantly with my own professional development and goal setting. I had vague ideas about my professional 5- and 10-year plans but I honestly didn’t know which direction to take when I began, or even what all of my options were. Since finishing the program I have taken on leadership roles in our EM residency and was asked to join a new committee within our medical school to plan and design a large scale curriculum renewal. I would definitely never have made the connections I needed or have gotten an opportunity like that so soon after residency without the aid of the master’s course. At the same time, I loved how practical the whole course was — I almost never felt like I was doing busy work for the sake of a grade since every project/assignment was directly relatable to work I was doing to train residents and students. I was able to use most skills right away and had usable products for all of my work roles.”

Holly Olson, MD, MACM (2017)
Associate Professor and Deputy Designated Institutional Office, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI
“This program gave me so many useful tools and challenged me to become a better faculty member and administrator. I use the skills I learned in the MACM program every day, both in clinical settings and in my leadership role in the GME programs.”

Michelle M. Olson, MD, MACM (2012)
Vice President of Graduate Medical Education and DIO, Methodist Health System, Dallas, TX
“I began the Master of Academic Medicine program to hoping to enhance my knowledge and skills as a surgical educator and grow my credibility as a Residency Director. On reflection, it’s clear to me that I have been able to leverage the knowledge and skills I developed in this program to expand my leadership roles over time both in educational and clinical arenas. I am so grateful for the experience of the MACM program and for the opportunity to meet and work with an exciting and diverse group of faculty and other learners, each of whom helped to broaden my thoughts and point of view.”

Natthida Owattanapanich, MD, MACM (2021)
Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Glenn Paetow, MD, MACM (2018)
Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency Program, and Medical Director, Interdisciplinary Simulation and Education Center, Hennepin County Medical Center; Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
“Participating in the MACM program was a formative experience in my career as a medical educator. The faculty are exceptional and support you through a rigorous program, focusing on the fundamentals of medical education theory, domains of scholarship, and leadership principles. The program yielded many exciting networking opportunities and connected me with mentors across the country, many of whom I collaborate with to this day. I can’t recommend this program highly enough!”

Brandon Palmer, MD, MACM (2024)
Associate Program Director & Assistant Professor of Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
“The MACM program has a multifaceted curriculum that will help you become an expert teacher, mentor, scholar and leader in healthcare. However, the magic of the program is how it is structured to help you network and connect with other healthcare professionals in the program. You form relationships that persist beyond graduation. I have gained a huge amount of knowledge and skills that have already helped me to become an educational and academic leader. But most of all I have gained amazing friends and colleagues that I know I can count on forever.”

Palak Patel, MD, MACM (2022)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Co-Director Simulation Curriculum, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
“I expected concrete content. I also found personal growth that is shaping me as a person, family member, teacher, and leader. I am more well rounded and can handle challenges much better.”

Rebecca Petersen, MD, MACM (2017)
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Program Director, Neonatal Medicine Fellowship, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

Kimberly Pierre, DM, MPH, MACM (2017)
Director of Client Services, Kelly Education Services; Competency-Based Education Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
“The MACM program changed the trajectory of my academic interests and pursuits. Since completing the program in 2017, I have consulted with several colleges and universities and contributed to the development of coursework and assessment in healthcare administration, leadership, and management. In addition, I have been able to support higher education institutions, in the fields of medicine, public health, and allied health with various workforce solutions based on the knowledge gained through the program.”

Suraiya (Simi) Rahman, MD, MACM (2015)
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Voluntary), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“The MACM Program came at a pivotal period in my personal and professional life, and Dr. Nyquist’s vision of flourishing as a leader in medicine, the faculty, the program, its graduates, the annual Innovations in Medical Education Conference, the material, and the mentorship were essential to giving me the tools and the support to undergo the mid-career transformation I needed to at the time. Finding my direction and creating my own meaning and purpose as an educator in medicine was an iterative process that began during the courses and continues to evolve as I mentor and coach students and branch out on my own in private practice. Empowering physicians in this way is essential to the growth and transformation required of the entire academic healthcare system, and what I learned in this program has given me the grounding and confidence to do so for others.”

Sujatha Ramachandran, MD, MACM (2016)
Professor of Anesthesiology; Vice Chair of Education, Department of Anesthesiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
“Entering the MACM program was one of the best choices I have made. It transformed my thought process on education and provided me with the knowledge and skills that I needed for curricular innovation. I have met a wonderful group of educators who have strengthened my motivation and drive in academics. The best part of the program is meeting Dr. Nyquist and benefitting from her passion and expertise. I highly recommend the program to anyone considering a career in medical education.”

Sheela Rao, MD, MACM (2015)
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Clinician Educator Track, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“This program helped empower me to define five- and ten-year plans for my career development. It engaged me in applying the lessons in my daily work with learners at all levels. I became a different clinician as a consequence of thinking through SMART goals and objectives with residents and medical students and even patients. I also became connected to a larger community of mentors who encouraged me to explore new directions with curricula. The online platform forces everyone to become at ease with the tools of the digital native generation, and it helps all of us to expand how we define the boundaries of our real and virtual classrooms.”

Chad Rasmussen, DDS, MACM (2022)
Assistant Professor of Dentistry, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine; Vice Chair for Education, Vice Chair for Research, and Program Director – Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Department of Dental Specialties, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“I thought the program would teach me “how,” but it also focused on me — who I am and how I function — so I can enhance my roles as teacher, leader, scholar, and mentor.”

Sabrina Reed, MD, MACM (2024)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & The Behavioral Sciences (Clinician Educator); Associate Psychiatry Clerkship Director/Medical Student Education, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“I approach things with a growth mindset and have more confidence in where I see my career going. I’ve valued everything I’ve learned about how to approach scholarship and leading a team.”

Anita Richards, MACM (2016)
Simulation Assessment Specialist, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, CA (retired)

Michelle Rickard, MS, MACM (2013)
Education Coordinator, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago Department of Medicine, IL (retired)

Adam Rieves, MD, MACM (2021)
Associate Emergency Medicine Program Director, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN

Melanie Rudnick, MS, MACM (2020)
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University; Associate Pediatric Clerkship Director, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT

David Saloum. MD, MACM (2015)
Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director, Medical City Arlington, TX
“Participating in this master’s course was truly transformative.  The course material was practical and easily transportable from class to the work environment which has helped propel my professional development.  The faculty was supportive and smart — offering advice that I find myself repeating time and again.  Meeting and working with an amazing group of fellow students, who like me were trying to find where their passion for education would take them, was an unexpected and much appreciated bonus.”

Randall M. Schell, MD, MACM (2010)
Academic Vice-Chairman and Program Director in Anesthesiology; Professor of Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, and Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
“The Master in Academic Medicine program reignited my passion for teaching, provided the foundation for developing new curriculum and evaluation methods in my residency training program, helped me develop leadership skills, and provided the tools for success in a new and rewarding form of scholarship – educational outcomes research.”

Ann Schultz, PA-C, MACM (2014)
Assistant Professor, Clinical Education Coordinator, PA Education, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA

Mark A.J. Selleck, DPhil, MD, MACM (2023)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Catherine Rodziewicz Schulz, MD, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2017)
Private Practice, Anesthesiology, CA

Lauren A. Scott, MD, MACM (2015)
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA

Ali Shakir, MD, MACM (2013)
Associate Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University; Faculty, St. John Hospital Cardiology Fellowship; Past President Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Medical Staff, Detroit, MI
“The MACM program really changed my lens on my professional and personal life. The course was so practical that I use those concepts on a daily basis to this day. I cannot thank Julie, the faculty, and the program enough.”

Sylvia Shaw, MD, MACM (2011)
Private Practice, Endocrinology, CA

Jean A. Simonson, MD, MACM (2016)
Associate Professor and Associate Vice Chair for Patient Safety and Quality, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE
“The Master in Academic Medicine program at USC was transformational, professionally and personally!  As a Residency Program Director while in the master’s program, it provided the foundation of understanding as well as the impetus to question the status quo of academic medicine.  It opened my eyes to the possibilities of educational research and program renewal.  The faculty mentorship, interactive classrooms, and collaboration with professionals from other specialties and interests were extraordinary.  The program was definitely challenging, causing me to stretch beyond my usual comfort zone, but I absolutely looked forward to each and every class and assignment.  Now, as I work in quality and patient safety, I continue to realize how the curriculum and many lessons learned are applicable not only to the spectrum of academic medicine, but to all of healthcare.  I am so glad I found the USC program.”

Vanila Singh, MD, MACM (2015)
Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA; Immediate Former Chief Medical Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
“One of THE best decisions I ever made was deciding to jump into the MACM program for professional development. It gave me much more than I could have ever imagined. My objective was to further my skills and knowledge in research and curriculum development, but like many unexpected moments in life, the four years of part-time MACM gave me so much more including a wonderful mentor in Dr. Julie Nyquist. The courses taught me about leadership and I gained a better understanding of myself through the MBTI. I found it to be a gift to get to know amazing people and find colleagues in the other students, and to watch them go on to improve many aspects of health care. I learned from everyone and I learned about myself.”

Franz Smith, MD, MACM (2017)
Associate Professor of Surgery, Associate Dean, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Newark, NJ
“The MACM has been invaluable in my development as a teacher, leader, and mentor. When I became a program director, I immediately recognized that I needed to improve my skills as a medical educator in order to be effective. Post-fellowship, the MACM has had the most significant impact on my ability to lead change in my institution and in my career development.”

Kimberly Sokol, MD, MACM (2020)
Director of Medical Simulation, Kaweah Health; Co-Director of Clinical Teaching and Simulation Fellowship, Vituity, Visalia, CA

Karen Souter, MB, BS, FRCA, MACM (2012)
Professor of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA

Ann Spangler, MD, MACM (2013)
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
“Thank you for this outstanding Master of Academic Medicine program. It has opened amazing opportunities for me and others in my class. I began the program as the Program Director for our residency program and was doing a good job but did not understand the educational theory underlying all that I was doing. Through this program, I now have a new understanding of how our residents learn and progress, and have gained the tools to be innovative, not just following someone else’s instructions. Best of all, I was recently named to the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Radiation Oncology. None of this would have been possible without the knowledge and experience I have gained through this program. It is truly life-changing.”

Ansley Splinter, MD, MACM (2011)
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
“The skills I learned from the Master of Academic Medicine program have propelled my career in medical education forward tremendously. Initially I took a job at a brand new medical school and then contributed to the creation of an active learning curriculum. I am at a different institution now and use my skills to add value and function to the fourth year of medical school through the creation of Advanced Competency Rotations and Clinical Tracks.”

Shara D. Steiner, DO, MACM (2014)
Faculty at Florida International University College of Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, University of New Haven, A.T. Still University – College of Graduate Health Studies, University of Warwick, and the Keck School of Medicine of USC
“The MACM program was a personal and professionally life-changing experience for me. The program equipped me with the training and heightened sense of self-efficacy I needed to reinvent my career and reach goals I hadn’t ever even imagined.”

Maureen Strohm, MD, MACM (2018)
Program Director, Addiction Medicine Fellowship, HCA Healthcare Sunrise Health GME Consortium, Southern Hills Hospital, Las Vegas, NV

Ramin Tabatabai, MD, MACM (2019)
Program Director, Los Angeles General Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program; Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine (Clinician Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Jen Talbot, BA, MACM (2014)
Contracts and Grants Analyst, University of California Riverside Graduate School of Education, CA
“As a graduate of the MACM program, I have the confidence to express my opinions and expertise as they relate to academic medicine in the health profession and in higher education. I have continued learning and staying current through my professional and personal activities. I have also been able to utilize my knowledge and expand on them to support my efforts as a leader, scholar, and mentor in the K-12 and higher educational systems. It has allowed me to support efforts and collaboration in medicine and education. I feel that this degree transcends the defined objectives and provides any life-long learner with the knowledge and capacity to transform the educational and healthcare landscape.”

Pedro P. Tanaka, MD, PhD (Medicine), MACM (2014), PhD (Education)
Vice-Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Clinical Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine; Associate Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education; Associate Program Director, Anesthesia Residency; Fellowship Director for Advanced Training in Medical Education, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
“The Master program was eye-opening to the infinite possibilities that we can achieve from fostering learning. I appreciated the dedication and commitment from all professors during the course.”

Michelle Thompson, MD, MACM (2016)
Director, Pediatric Residency Program, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator), Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA
“Thank you for your thoughtful approach to creating the curriculum for the MACM program. I often refer back to many of the assignments from semesters past, including my philosophy of teaching and mini portfolio, and my personal mission statement. Having my thoughts down on paper and reflecting on my journey since then is a great help in expressing my past, current and planned contributions. So grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the program.”

Karina Torralba, MD, MACM (2011)
Professor of Medicine, Chief and Fellowship Director, Division of Rheumatology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
“The MACM program was very vital when I needed it the most. I serendipitously ended up being both fellowship director then division chief at my institution. I doubt that I could have handled being both without the skills and knowledge that the MACM program gave me. I was able to define and simplify for our junior faculty the role that each played in our fellowship program in a way that it could help their long-term careers. I was able to navigate conflicts more astutely. The MACM program made me learn more about myself and this has helped me appreciate others’ needs and attributes to attain an overall win-win for everyone.”

Caroline Tougas, MD, MACM (2021)
Associate Program Director, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship, Children’s Mercy Hospital; Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO

Julie Truong, PharmD, BCACP, MACM (2015)
Clinical & Quality Improvement Strategist, Inland Empire Health Plan, Los Angeles, CA

Cdr. Mark P. Tschantz, DO, MACM (2015)
Program Director, Associate Professor of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA

Stephen E. Villa, Jr., MD, MACM (2021)
Medical Student Director, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

Dale Vincent, MD, MPH, MACM (2013)
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI (retired)
“When I was in the MACM program, not a day went by when I wasn’t amazed that the material we were discussing and studying was immediately applicable and relevant to my role as a Program Director. ‘See one, do one, teach one’ happened on a daily basis. I’m forever grateful for the care that went into planning on such a terrific curriculum.”

Ana Buendia-Lopez Wannarka, DDS, MACM (2010)
Yakima Velley Farm Workers Clinic, WA

Tedd (TJ) Welniak, MD, MACM (2016)
Associate Professor and Associate Residency Program Director, Department of Emergency Medicine; Program Director for UNMC EM Fellowship in Medical Education, Technology, and Innovation (METI), College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE

Lisa Willett, MD, MACM (2015)
Professor and Vice Chairperson, Department of Medicine, General Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL

Alison Williams, DDS, MACM (2020)
Private Consultant, Sustainability, CA

Sanda Win, MBBS, PhD, Certificate in Academic Medicine (2019)
Assistant Professor of Research Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA

Ivan Wong, MD, MACM (2013)
Associate Professor, Departments of Surgery, Physiotherapy, and Human Health and Performance; Director, Joint Preservation, Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Reconstruction Fellowship; Director, Sports Medicine Research, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Fantastic master’s degree in Academic Medicine. Helps put the academic physician on the right path to success.”

Velyn L. Wu, MD, MACM (2021)
Assistant Professor, Family Medicine; University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL

Rochelle Zarzar, MD, MACM (2019)
Assistant Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN

Stephanie Zia, MD, MACM (2015)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics (Clinician Educator), Assistant Dean for Career Advising, Director of Medical Student Coaching, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA