College of Medicine

“ELAM was a pivotal moment to discern my professional pathway to now serving as chief diversity and inclusion officer at Emory School of Medicine. The heart of it: my learning community – Wise Women of 2008 – who still gather to share, grow and learn. Thank you, ELAM, for the professional and personal gift. It fills my soul.”
Sheryl Heron, MD, MPH, ELAM ’08

“I don't think I could have gotten the skills I acquired in any other setting. ELAM provided a safe space to stretch goals and grow, with experienced mentors helping. I learned where I needed to develop further and have used that knowledge ever since. I particularly credit ELAM with giving me the skills to step successfully into leadership roles in national organizations, which led to what I am most known for nationally: the creation of EMS medicine as a new medical subspecialty of emergency medicine. I truly used all of the skills ELAM gave me to accomplish that!”
Debra Perina, MD, ELAM ’08

“As the first ELAM fellow from a new community-based medical school, I was worried I'd be out of place in the cohort. How wrong I was! My Learning Community was and continues to be a source of immense support (and laughter), and not a day goes by that I don't use something I learned in ELAM in my personal or professional life. The faculty, the advisors and the togetherness of the cohort are the intangibles that make the program what it is. I miss the richness of the discussions (during and even more so after the formal sessions) and the breadth of topics covered. Being in ELAM is truly a highlight of my academic career.”
Radha Nandagopal, MD, ELAM ’23

“We can get stuck in the bubble of our own academic institution and lose sight of the bigger picture. ELAM completely revived me — new research collaborations, better understanding of the intersection of health care and academia, ideas for making positive change, intentional inclusivity — I am a better version of myself since completing the program. ELAM was a game-changer for me.”
Lisa Barroilhet, MD, MS, ELAM ’24