The Academy of Educators at WashU Medicine is an institutional collaboration dedicated to fostering a culture of educational excellence and an institutionally valued community of leaders in health science education.
The Academy supports educators’ continued skill development and educational growth through programs, workshops, grants, and awards.
“What an inspiring day it was—welcoming new Academy members, honoring our award winners, and engaging in meaningful community-building and networking. From reconnecting with long-time colleagues to meeting new ones, participating in engaging and educational workshops, and being inspired by our keynote speaker, the day reflected the vibrant, collaborative spirit that defines our Academy and community of educators at WashU.“
Abby Spencer, MD, MS, FACP – Director, Academy of Educators
Education Day Highlights
This year’s Academy of Educators Education Day was held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at EPNEC. The full day of events included oral abstracts, workshops, and breakout sessions with this year’s event focused on the theme: “Cultivating Joy & Meaning in Health Professions Education”.
The keynote speaker was Lia Logio, MD, MACP, FCP, Vice Dean, Medical Education, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Logio’s address focused on ways to “touch air,” find gratefulness, and learn to say no, emphasizing that prioritizing wellness can decrease burnout, increase joy and meaning in work, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Oral Abstract Presentation
Alison Antes, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics, presented the oral abstract: “Developing & Evaluating an Innovative Leadership & Management Training Program for Early-Career Researchers: Evidence of Program Success”. Her presentation highlighted Compass, a national, 20-week online NIH-funded leadership and management training program for post-docs and junior faculty, which was developed by her team of workplace psychologists.
New Department of Medicine Inductees
This year the Academy of Educators inducted six Department of Medicine Faculty members who were recognized at the Academy of Educators induction and awards ceremony.
New Department of Medicine Academy of Educators inductees:
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Award Recipients
Rising Star Award
Anthony Dao, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, received the Rising Star Award. This award recognizes a current early career Washington University faculty member who shows exceptional promise as an educator through contributions in one or more domains of educational service, leadership, or scholarship. The Academy shared that Dr. Dao “exemplifies the kind of clinician-educator who transforms systems through both teaching excellence and values-driven leadership” and “advances a culture of inclusion, feedback, and leadership development in everything he does“.
“The award is really meaningful to me because it helps me reflect how big of a team I have that supports me, cheers me on, and allows all the work I’ve done to be possible.”
Anthony Dao, MD
Exemplary Educator Award
Alison Antes, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics, received the Exemplary Educator Award. This award recognizes faculty in an academic setting who are actively building legacies as educators through contributions in one or more domains of education and mentorship. The Academy shared that Dr. Antes is a “sought-after and impactful educator” known for her expertise in research integrity, RCR, and leadership. She has built a national and international reputation in researcher training and development, reaching thousands of trainees and learners since 2014, and is “actively building a legacy as an educator whose activities are empirically informed“.
A poster presentation was also a part of this year’s Academy of Educators Day
Be sure to check out all of the Academy of Educators workshops, courses, grant opportunities, and vents to help you become the best educator and teacher. You do not have to be a member to participate and take advantage of all the amazing offerings. A special note of thanks to the DOM members on the awards and memberships committees that selected new inductees and award winners and contributed to the success of the day. A special note of thanks to Eileen Lee, MD, who co-chaired the Education Day comittee.