Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are having an enjoyable summer and have had some time for vacation, rest, and rejuvenation.
As the beginning of the academic year approaches, we are preparing for another fantastic year of Medical Grand Rounds and Research Seminars featuring world-class clinicians and scientists. The Medical Grand Rounds schedule is nearly finalized, and we will soon send a preview and highlights of this year’s series, including the kick-off date, speakers, and themes. We will also preview this year’s Research Seminar series in the coming weeks. Additionally, please mark your calendars for the Fall Department of Medicine Town Hall, which will be held on Monday, October 2, at 5:15 pm. Stay tuned for more details, and remember to check your email every Monday morning for the week’s Department events and announcements in the Need to Know, On the Go newsletter.
I am also delighted to highlight the work of Dr. Kathy Mazor, interim chief of Health Systems Science, who will be featured as this August’s Chair’s Spotlight. This month, she will “semi-retire” after having been at UMass Chan for over 25 years. Dr. Mazor has spent her career leading or collaborating on the development and application of numerous instruments assessing knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior in trainees, providers, patients, and the public. A critical part of her ongoing research has been utilizing qualitative methods to inform instrument development and to gain insights into patients’, providers’, and stakeholders’ perspectives on health and healthcare. “Patients’ stories have been particularly influential as they help frame my colleagues’ and my own research so that it is more relatable. Beyond the numbers and data are the stories of real people—people who are just like my co-workers, friends, and family,” said Dr. Mazor. I am grateful for her contributions as a leader, scientist, mentor, and colleague, and in particular, for her leadership as interim chief of Health Systems Science over the past year. On behalf of the Department leadership, I wish her all the best. Read Dr. Mazor’s spotlight where we feature highlights of her work, what has been most meaningful, and her plans as she begins her next chapter.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer – hopefully with a lot more sunshine and a lot less rain!
Sincerely,
Dave
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