What is your role at Yale School of Medicine?
As associate director of academic and administrative affairs, I support staff members and work on various human resources and faculty affairs functions in the different sections of the Department of Internal Medicine. I work with lead administrators, faculty, and staff to meet their needs, including aiding in managing their sections and providing advice and solutions.
Have you been involved in any projects that you are particularly proud of?
During my time with Yale Hospitality, I asked if I could take part in developing a formal culinary training program. It was a collaborative effort, and I was responsible for developing the curriculum, lesson plans, and program information, and presenting to the team. The program was designed with the idea that education and training are a lifelong journey, and the focus was on increasing employee skills and strengths for career development and retaining our experienced culinary talent.
I presented a condensed version of the program to small groups of our staff, and their enthusiasm and engagement were gratifying. Witnessing the progress the students achieved in a short period and the mentorship given by more adept team members to those starting out was inspiring. Observing this and hearing the wonderful feedback, I knew we had crossed the finish line after years of developing this program.
I have carried this training spirit with me in my new role in the Department of Internal Medicine. I have been fortunate to be tasked with training new staff and have developed new training guides, materials, and process checklists. I plan to expand on this.
Why did you decide to work at Yale School of Medicine (YSM)?
I was looking for a change after numerous years in the hospitality industry. I wanted to work in human resources, and the opportunity that presented itself was with YSM. I knew several people working at YSM, and their positive comments convinced me I wanted to be part of this campus.
How did you become interested in your line of work?
Throughout my career and at Yale Hospitality, I had several additional roles that supported our central human resources team. I valued those roles, and the HR bug emerged. I knew I would eventually transition from hospitality to HR.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I cannot pinpoint one thing. Many aspects roll up to the bigger picture of helping people get to their goals. Through faculty hires, processing training roles or reappointments, getting visas to be reissued … the list goes on. Our work helps the sections bring in the people and resources to perform their research, care for patients, and discover breakthrough medical innovations. It is gratifying to be part of the behind-the-scenes team.
Why do you love working at Yale?
Few can match what Yale offers. During my first few months here, walking through campus, I was in awe of what I saw. The architecture, museums, gargoyles, stained glass windows, Schwarzman Dome, Cushing Brain Tumor Registry, Woolsey Hall, Yale Repertory Theatre, Leitner Observatory and Planetarium … the list is endless, a new discovery every day. I encourage all to participate in what Yale has to offer.
Add to that the various career prospects available. You are not limited to one field. Your career and the trajectory you choose is up to you, and Yale offers many resources to support your choices. I am in a very good place right now because of that.
What is a fun fact about you?
I was asked to accompany a chef I once worked for to help execute an American Academy of Achievement award ceremony dinner, which took place that year at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. It was an incredible experience. I met very interesting people, some famous, others pioneers in their fields. On the second night, after a grueling day in the kitchen, the entire building awoke at about one in the morning because the hotel shook—an earthquake had hit California!
The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators, educators, and staff in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more, visit Internal Medicine.