We are so excited to showcase some of our brilliant UME educators in the department of medicine and across our AHEC sites. For many of us there are certain teachers in our past who left a mark on our lives and are highly valued. For some they may be the reason you went into medicine or the specialty you are in. The DOM along with the AHEC sites have many highly regarded educators who are closely involved in teaching and mentoring our students. Thus, we want to feature some of our educators so that we can all get to know them better.
– Drs. Koyal Jain and Ashley Henderson
Tell us a little about how got interested in education and your background (including any formal training)? 
I grew up in Alabama and went to UNC for undergrad where I studied biology, chemistry, and marine sciences. I earned my medical degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, then went to the University of Cincinnati for Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency. After graduating, I took my first attending job as a Med-Peds hospitalist at the University of California, San Francisco, where I worked for four years prior to returning to UNC in 2021 as an adult hospitalist in the Division of Hospital Medicine. I have always been interested in education, which I credit to the many amazing educators I have had the privilege of working with over the years, from my formative elementary school years and on. During residency, I was part of the Master Teacher pathway where I learned a lot about the theory and practical application of adult learning theory, and during my time at UCSF I taught students, residents, and attendings in small group settings, developed transitional hands-on courses for graduating medical students, obtained a simulation teaching certificate, and used high-fidelity simulation to train all levels of learners in acute care scenarios. I love thinking about how to optimize the learning environment, whether it is the culture we create or the educational tools and approach we use to teach, as well as how we develop ourselves and our peers into lifelong learners.
How did you get involved in your current role?
My current UME role is Co-director of the Case Based Learning (CBL) curriculum in the SOM TEC 2.0 Foundation Phase. I feel like I serendipitously fell into my current position. Shortly after I joined UNC, recruitment began for the team developing the TEC 2.0 curriculum. One of my fellow hospitalists suggested I apply for the CBL case writing role based on my interests and experiences. I had very little expectation that I would be chosen – I was new to UNC, an unfamiliar name, and only had four years of experience. However, my experience was directly applicable to the new curriculum, and I was fortunate to be selected as a case writer. That role led to the assistant director of CBL role, which has now led to the Co-Director role. A combination of the right experience, right timing, and wonderful supportive colleagues who sponsored me for positions and promotions culminated in my current role.
What do you enjoy in your free time or outside work?
I have a wonderful husband and two lovely little boys who keep me on my toes. We are outside any chance we can get, spending time hiking, swimming, and exploring the great outdoors. I think we could single-handedly keep the Durham Museum of Life and Science in business (my sons are both mini-me science/nature lovers). I love to read, am trying my hand at gardening, and am an avid crossword and puzzle enthusiast.
What advice would you give to a 1st year medical student? 4th year student?
Know that the path before you has infinite possibilities and no single “right way” – I never would have expected to be where I am today when I was in medical school. Find 1-2 things that you feel passionate about and center your experiences around these. Say yes to things even if they are not exactly what you want to do if they expose you to important skills or people that you can build upon for the future. Be brave enough to give up things that are not filling your cup or helping you realize your goals. Apply to opportunities even if you do not feel like you are qualified. Find a good mentor, but also find sponsors who will nominate you for roles and encourage you to try for things even if you do not feel qualified. Stay engaged and curious – take advantage of the many lectures, fascinating people, and opportunities we have access to in academic medicine. Develop lifelong learning skills early – they will serve you for your entire career. Finally, set aside time for yourself and the people outside of medicine who are important to you (I can’t remember a single study break that I regretted taking)