Wendy Madigosky, MD, MSPH, of the University of Colorado is part of Macy’s 2012 Scholar Class. As a Macy Faculty Scholar, Madigosky developed a curriculum in safety and quality improvement for all health professions students at her institution. We sat down with Dr. Madigosky to hear about her time as a Macy Faculty Scholar.
What has being a Macy Faculty Scholar meant to you?
The Macy Faculty Scholars program gave me the opportunity to focus on my professional development through leadership training and exposure to new, innovative ideas. It was remarkable to be able to collaborate with a group of like-minded individuals who were also working on their own projects and research. With the Faculty Scholars, I felt like I was part of a community. It has been an amazing experience and helped me move my research forward.
How did being a Macy Faculty Scholar impact your career?
The Macy Foundation has helped me thrive as an educator and has advanced my career in so many ways. Since becoming a Faculty Scholar, I have two new roles in interprofessional education at the University of Colorado. I’ve been appointed as the representative from the school of medicine to our Interprofessional Education Council, and I now serve as the Director of the Interprofessional Education and Development Course—a role that is at our Vice Chancellor’s level.
What’s next for your project?
My project involved developing a curriculum in safety and quality for the University of Colorado’s interprofessional campus. As with most curricula, you’re never quite done developing it. We are currently analyzing learning outcomes from previous students and adjusting some of the coursework based on their performance. We are also hoping to share their successes soon with the general public. The next step for us is focusing on the curriculum outside of the classroom and delving into students’ clinical years. We want to create a structured and robust experience for students while they’re caring for patients in a clinical practice setting.
Another project that I’ve been contributing to is through the Academy for Emerging Leaders and Patient Safety. I’ve been developing a safety training program for students and residents with a focus on communication and transparency. This work is ongoing and further expanding. Previously the training was only available in Telluride, Colorado, and now we have multiple sessions on the East and West coast. It’s exciting!
What advice do you have for educational innovators today?
My advice would be to relish the learning and the wisdom that comes from looking beyond your normal view and environment. Look to other educational frames for inspiration and ideas, including business, economics, and K-12 education. Diversify your thinking and the people you interact with, and find the innovations that are sustainable and will make a difference over time for our learners.
Learn more about Dr. Madigosky’s work at the University of Colorado.