
After receiving a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Illinois and postdoctoral training in cancer biology at Baylor College of Medicine, I joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine in 1972. I began to lecture in the general pharmacology course in the medical curriculum early in my career. It was my role as Course Coordinator for the department’s Medical Pharmacology course and my membership on the Medical Admissions Committee that marked the beginning of my interests and involvement in medical education.
The following experiences have contributed to my current medical education interests: (1) leadership roles in Baylor’s 1995 curriculum revision process, (2) initiation of Baylor’s Curriculum Database Program, and (3) directing Baylor’s problem-based learning program and (4) completion of Baylor’s Master Teacher Fellowship Program.
As Director of Baylor’s problem-based learning program, I tried to create an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. As a result, the IPS program has served as the basis for a successful National Board of Medical Examiner’s grant applications, an ‘In Progress’ publication in Academic Medicine, and two Research in Medical Education abstracts. I continued to innovate through the development of a course strategic plan, Web-based advanced facilitator training, introduction of teaming exercises, and creation of a peer assessment program.
These accomplishments, and my continued commitment to them, represent the basis for my continued interest in medical education in the areas of problem-based learning, curriculum databasing, and cancer prevention education.