Podcast appearances and mentions of Darrell G Kirch

This week, the Faculty Factory Podcast sits down with David J. Skorton, MD, to explore his remarkable journey, filled with insights on leadership, mentorship, and the value of a continuous learning mindset—themes that resonate throughout the interview. Dr. Skorton is the current President and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), serving professionals throughout the world. Alongside these values, Dr. Skorton's rich background in science, music, and education has aided him throughout his journey in navigating the complexities of academic medicine and leadership. Initially aspiring to be a session musician, his father's insistence on pursuing a college education set him on a trajectory that eventually led him to medical school. He emphasized the importance of learning from all individuals, regardless of their formal titles, telling us, "Mentors come in all shapes and sizes."  A core theme that emerged from the podcast was the concept of embracing a "beginner's mind." Drawing from Zen philosophy, Dr. Skorton reminded listeners that, "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are few." In the interview's closing moments, Dr. Skorton reflects on handling difficult decisions as a leader. He advises us all to remain open and adaptable, recognizing that no one leader can possess all the answers. By valuing collective wisdom and carrying an open mind to learn from everything and anyone, you may just wind up achieving goals that are otherwise unimaginable. Learn More Faculty Factory Website. The AAMC - Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA) Website. As mentioned in this episode, Darrell G. Kirch, MD, President and CEO of the Association of AAMC from 2006 to 2019, joined our show in 2024, and you can listen to that interview here: https://facultyfactory.org/darrell-kirch/.

Transitioning to a life after full-time faculty work without losing your identity is what we're discussing with our guest Darrell G. Kirch, MD, on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. Dr. Kirch has an formidable ability to lead and build teams having served as the President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) from 2006 to 2019. He is an educator, biomedical scientist, clinical neuroscientist, clinician, and psychiatrist. He has held several major leadership positions at academic medicine institutions throughout North America and beyond. We are honored to call Dr. Kirch “a friend of our show” and he previously joined us for an episode recorded in 2019.  You can revisit the first episode with Dr. Kirch from a few years back here: https://facultyfactory.org/best-of-the-faculty-factory-podcast-an-interview-with-darrell-g-kirch-md/   As the end of a full-time faculty career approaches, many of us instinctively think about retirement. However, there's an alternative mindset that can pave the way for a fulfilling future: preferment. Rather than solely focusing on retirement as an endgame, let's consider how to curate a "Preferment Portfolio"—a balanced mix of passions, pursuits, and projects that ignite our enthusiasm and secure our identities. It's not uncommon for someone to struggle with finding an identity beyond their CV. After all, the demands of working as faculty in academic medicine can be so powerful that they overshadow many other aspects of our life. The good news for those struggling with this phenomenon, which often coexists with burnout, is that Dr. Kirch has excellent wisdom to impart in today's interview for building this portfolio. This approach could help you future-proof your priorities and create a life safeguarded from burnout. You can start today by reflecting on the aspects of your academic life that have brought you joy and fulfillment. How can you integrate these elements into your future beyond your traditional full-time role when the time comes?

We are taking a break this week from releasing a new episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast as we enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. However, we are featuring a “classic episode” of our podcast for those that may have missed it when it originally aired.  Darrell G. Kirch, MD, is president emeritus of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). He served as President and CEO of the AAMC from 2006 until 2019, and was AAMC President and CEO when this interview was conducted and first published. Dr. Kirch is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He has held several, major leadership positions including scientific director at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).  In April 2019, Dr. Kirch joined us for an in-depth, candid interview that we are making available today for those that may have not been a part of our audience when it first aired. This was episode No. 14 of the Faculty Factory.  As we inch closer to our 100th podcast (we’re up to No. 97 as of November 20, 2020) we thought it would be fun to take a look back and share with you this classic episode. 

On June 2, Darrell G. Kirch, MD, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, delivered the keynote address to UMass Medical School graduates during the 46th Commencement.

Darrell G. Kirch, MD, is president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Dr. Kirch is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He has held several, major leadership positions including scientific director at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Learn more about this episode by visiting www.FacultyFactory.org/Blog

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. Darrell G. Kirch, MD, President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) discusses The Future of Academic Medicine