Amy Addams

Creating synergies between theory and practice (education and learner support) in support of equitable and inclusive medical education

Use my background in access, diversity, and admissions to 1) collaborate with key medical education stakeholder groups on creating conceptual frameworks and practical guidance for transitioning to competency-based admissions and 2) develop related guidance and materials for prospective applicants, with a particular emphasis on applicants from under-resourced institutions.

Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement an integrated strategy and approach to learning, engagement, and communication. Conceptualized and developed key information, guidance, and background that support the adoption and implementation of holistic review principles and processes.

Coordinated all components of the campaign’s work, including invigorating the pilot site component of the campaign, building substantive relationships with program coordinators at four pilot sites and establishing myself as a trustworthy, knowledgeable, responsive resource and thinking partner; soliciting, editing, and updating Web site content to provide pertinent, useful, and inspirational information for potential medical school applicants with the goal of helping students deepen their understanding of how to navigate the admissions process and recognize and communicate their strengths and value; developing and implementing a multifaceted outreach strategy targeting the campaign’s primary audience and secondary audiences; and creating a comprehensive advertising plan for the campaign. Served as the primary campaign representative for prospective applicants, pilot site coordinators, and other key stakeholders. Led the five-month transition from one position to two (Campaign Coordinator, Communications Specialist), trained both successors, and continued to serve as a sounding board and resource well after leaving the project.

Conceptualized, edited, and wrote articles for two publications: 1) On Campus with Women, which focuses on gender and higher education and 2) Diversity and Democracy (previously Diversity Digest), which focuses on diversity (broadly defined) and higher education. Affirmed the contributions and achievements of women, people of color, and other marginalized populations in colleges and universities through the presentation of research, success stories, and data. Conceptualized, commissioned, and edited all materials to coherently and inclusively attend to the selected theme for the issue. Wrote research summaries, book reviews, and other copy; as needed, conducted additional research and consulted with subject matter experts. Finalized on-line aspects of the journals. Also staffed a CDC-funded project to re-engage colleges and universities in education and advocacy around HIV and AIDS: conceptualized, organized, and implemented a series of student leadership activities around student health and peer education in partnership with a graduate student intern using diversity frameworks that affirmed student identities as change agents, built community through collaborative learning, and cultivated leadership to pursue desired goals; and served as project editor. Provided programmatic, intellectual, and administrative support for Campus Women Lead, a national multicultural women’s leadership project committed to fostering leadership from everywhere. Conceptualized, organized, and implemented, in collaboration with a colleague, a series of student leadership activities that explored the relationship between students’ intersecting identities and their role as change agents and highlighted the possibilities for engaging with diversity and inclusion regardless of position/location.

Mentored, advised, and conducted Individual Education Plans with undergraduates from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds to support and enhance their intellectual and professional development in pursuit of post-baccalaureate degrees. Co-wrote, edited, and revised program reports and materials. Collaborated with the Assistant Director to assess and improve student, faculty, and program evaluation methods. Contributed to redesigning and developing program components, objectives, and structure. Collaborated with a team to develop and organize informational and developmental workshops and seminars for students.

Contributed to program development for the Summer Research Program in Biology, a National Science Foundation funded Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Served as an advisor and resource for undergraduate students from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Edited and provided constructive feedback on student research proposals, paper drafts, and presentations. Participated in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute New Scientist Training Program, in which I wrote and refined my definition of a mentor and was regularly challenged to enact and evolve that role in my relationships with students. Compiled and edited the final student research journal and the student handbook. Analyzed program evaluations and wrote summary reports. Collaborated in planning research ethics discussions for program participants and integrating diversity components into research ethics scenarios.