Tag Archives: leadership

How I’ve Changed and Am Changing

Posted on April 28, 2016 by | Leave a comment

How the STFM Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship Influenced My Professional Development

  1. Step to the beat of a different drummer
  2. Bring your gift (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
  3. Support the rhythm of the group

—Hugh Blumenfeld

Amber Cadick, PhD, HSPP

Amber Cadick, PhD, HSPP

During the keynote address at the STFM Annual Spring Conference last spring, the presenter spoke about the Beatles and which band member everyone would be. Our table, made up of my small group, decided that we would be the “Ringos.” We are the quirky faculty members, the ones that aren’t quite like the others. However, much like Ringo, we keep the beat and know when the rhythm is starting to go astray.

Prior to starting STFM’s Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship, I felt very alone in my position. I had my predecessor to use as a support, but she was busy starting her new position in a different city. I had her files, her old calendar, and her desk, but I felt very alone and concerned that I had made a terrible mistake leaving the familiarity and regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs. My life was definitely a wild, irregular drum beat.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in Family Medicine Stories, Leadership

Tagged , ,

Election Paradox

Posted on September 6, 2013 by | Leave a comment
Stacy Brungardt, CAE STFM Executive Director

Stacy Brungardt, CAE
STFM Executive Director

If you read the actions from the August Board meeting, you saw a list of governance changes the STFM Board approved, including the move from a contested election to a slate. The reasons behind this change are complex and have been debated in robust fashion over the past year. Ultimately, the Board thinks it is better for STFM, its members, and the discipline for STFM to expand its Nominations Committee, have a more open and transparent election process, and move to having members vote on a slate.

A wise member, John Franko, MD, explained that the issue is not a problem, it is a paradox, ie, two different ways to approach an issue, neither of which are entirely right or wrong. This was a key learning from Ralph Jacobsen’s book about organizational processing of paradox. Jacobsen’s perspective is that leaders need to manage the tension created by paradox and use it to create and innovate.

What great insight to help us consider this issue.

There will be members who like the change to a slate and some who disagree. We heard both sides in our discussions with members, committees, Board members, and task force members. Each side has its pros and cons, and as we weighed both approaches, the opportunity to be more intentional about getting the best talent and the appropriate diverse composition on our Board won out. At a minimum, I hope it is apparent that this was a thoughtful process that recognizes the tension created by this paradox.

You’ll be seeing the specific bylaws changes related to these issues in early November.

As always, we welcome hearing from you.

Leave a comment

Posted in STFM News

Tagged , ,

My Experience Mentoring Behavioral Science Faculty: Getting Back Much More Than I Gave

Posted on August 30, 2013 by | Leave a comment

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” —William Arthur Ward

Kathryn Fraser, PhD

Kathryn Fraser, PhD

I honestly never imagined how rewarding it would be to help others who are starting out on their path as behavioral medicine faculty. In my own experience as a new behavioral science faculty member, I was sometimes ignored, criticized, and questioned straight to my face about my knowledge and my credibility. Fortunately, a series of very supportive program directors and fellow faculty helped me through some tough times and helped me find my voice. I often imagined what it might be like for new behavioral scientists who felt less than supported in their jobs.

My experience being a small-group mentor in the Behavioral Science/Family Systems Educator Fellowship (BFEF) was truly magical. My co-mentor and I were both focused on fostering an environment of growth and encouragement—we wanted to help the fellows to spread their wings and also feel well grounded in this unique field. Advising the fellows on teaching activities was only a small part of what we did. The bigger tasks were teaching them about self-care, helping them develop a strong professional identity as behavioral faculty, and helping them set professional boundaries. It is easy to feel like you are on the periphery since behavioral science is often considered by residents to be a small part of what they really need to learn. We try to help the fellows understand that their contributions are crucial to one of the cornerstones of family medicine—the physician-patient relationship.

The mentoring we received from the leaders of the BFEF was phenomenal. At planning meetings I felt like I was part of a think tank helping to pave the way for the future of behavioral science. This group helped bring out the best in me as a teacher and a mentor. Their support, warmth, and kindness made them excellent role models for the small-group mentors as we attempted to provide a safe, effective growing space for our up and coming fellows.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Posted in Education, Faculty Development, Leadership

Tagged , , , , ,