The energy in the room was palpable when Luanne Thorndyke, MD, recipient of the 2018 Woman Physician Leadership Award by the Massachusetts Medical Society, spent Friday, June 8, with over 70 EVMS faculty members at the 2nd Annual EVMS Women in Medicine and Science event (WiMS). Dr. Thorndyke, a dynamic speaker, actively engaged the attendees in activities around the themes of graceful self-promotion and understanding temperaments to create high-functioning teams.

Julie Kerry, PhD, the EVMS Distinguished Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Professor and Chair of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, appreciated the chance to work with and learn from her colleagues.

“This was a great opportunity to reflect on my own personal leadership style, and how to work more effectively in team situations,” Dr. Kerry says. “It inspired me to better mentor faculty to put the principles of graceful self-promotion into practice.”

Heather Newton, EdD, MEd, Director of GME Educational Programs, enjoyed the interactive elements of the program. “It was relatable, fun, engaging and really helped me to understand different leadership styles,” Ms. Newton says.

Dr. Thorndyke, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Professor of Medicine, has been honored with multiple leadership awards for her dedication to advancing the careers of women in academic medicine.

The annual event, hosted by EVMS Faculty Affairs and Professional Development, is part of the EVMS WiMS series of activities.