Charles Odonkor, MD, MA

There is always an intangible feeling, a euphoria of sorts, that comes with giving back, whether volunteering to work with at risk youth in the community or mentoring young trainees and seeing the world through their eyes. Some would call it fulfillment, but I’ve found small joys in teaching. It is what pulled me back to academics after rigorous training at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and other institutions.

While a student at Yale, it was a privilege to serve as president of my medical school class. This afforded me several opportunities to meet with several key leaders at that time–the dean of the medical school, dean of medical education, and various deputy deans–and serve on several committees. I had a front row seat to shaping and contributing to an incredibly unique YSM experience.

Now that I’m on the faculty side as an assistant professor of orthopedics & rehabilitation and clinical director of research, I am thrilled to continue the many wonderful traditions imbued by my mentors and to pass on many pearls gleaned over the years. I bring an intricate understanding of the strengths versus shortcomings of the Yale System to my role as faculty. Since joining the faculty, I have served as research thesis advisor for Yale students, continue to serve as faculty director of the YSM physiatrist student interest group, and am actively involved in teaching medical students and Yale internal medicine, anesthesiology, orthopedics, and interventional radiology residents and fellows. Some of the pivotal highlights of my career include engaging interactions and learning opportunities with trainees. I find a beautiful synergy in the coach and “coachee” dyad where each brings value to the other. I am excited to work in a longitudinal fashion with students to build and maintain lasting relationships through this novel coaching program and to participate in the new YSM colleges program.