Academy of Medical Educators

Mission

The CMU Academy of Medical Educators supports and promotes excellence and innovation in medical education. The Academy is a community of educators dedicated to enhancing medical education and practice through evidence-based innovations, the scholarship of teaching and learning, mentoring and developing future leaders. We value excellence in these areas:

  1. Teaching learners.
  2. Advising and mentorship.
  3. Instructional development and curricular design.
  4. Educational administration and leadership.
  5. Educational scholarship and research.

Members

Employed faculty of the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University and CMU Medical Education Partners are eligible for membership in the Academy of Medical Educators after completing one year of employment. Academy members are those whose passion and experience in medical education allow them to be a resource to their peers and advance the field of medical education.

There are three categories for membership: 

  • Associate membership.
  • Full membership.
  • Fellowship in the Academy.

Teaching

One of the primary missions of the Academy is to promote excellence in medical teaching. Distinguished members and faculty scholars of the Academy are expert and innovative teachers who have a passion for excellence in the learning environment. These academy members participate in faculty development programs that will help other faculty become better teachers in the classroom and in the clinic. Academy members also provide consultations for others looking to improve their teaching skills.

Faculty mentoring program

The Academy supports a formal mentoring program designed to promote professional growth and advancement among its members. Academy faculty are appointed at one of three levels—associate, full or fellow—based on their experience and accomplishments.

The mentoring program pairs associate members and interested full members with experienced fellows of the Academy. Full members may participate as either mentors or mentees, fostering a culture of continuous growth across career stages. Fellows serve as trained mentors, providing guidance, insight, and support as mentees refine their career goals and professional development plans. 

Mentor-mentee pairs meet regularly, either in person or virtually, to discuss progress, share resources and address opportunities and challenges in academic medicine. The program reinforces the Academy’s commitment to leadership development, scholarly advancement and sustained faculty success.

Research and scholarship

Academy members are accomplished researchers and active scholars. The Academy facilitates original research and scholarly works in medical education. Academy members actively pursue scholarly opportunities and are active members of professional organizations in medical education.

Academy members help others in their scholarly pursuits. The Academy has a peer-review process, disseminates training to faculty in medical education research, and sponsors Medical Education Research Certificate (MERC) workshops from the AAMC.

Leadership

The Academy supports the development of leaders in medical education including discipline chairs, department heads, course directors, program and clerkship directors, and others. The Academy provides support for current leaders and opportunities to develop future leaders in medical education.

How to apply

The Academy of Medical Educators welcomes applications from prospective members each year. Applications are received in January and February and announced at the annual faculty recognition and awards ceremony. Please contact the CMU Academy of Medical Educators at CMEDAME@cmich.edu for information on how to apply.

Membership criteria

Associate membership is for junior faculty who are emerging as scholars in their fields. This level is appropriate for assistant/clinical assistant professors and instructors.

Full membership is for more experienced faculty and/or senior administrative staff who have demonstrated contributions in the area of medical education, scholarship and/or professional development activities. Full members must be at least 3 years beyond training and one year employed at Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University or CMU Health/Partners.

Fellowship in the Academy is for highly experienced faculty who are full Professors and/or senior administrative staff in a leadership position who have made significant demonstrable contributions in the areas of medical education, scholarship and/or professional development activities in their respective field. Fellows of the Academy will be expected to mentor junior faculty.

Application materials

  1. Completed application.
  2. Letter of support from the discipline chair or a current Academy member.
  3. Current CV.