This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2022 ACGME Awards. The awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place virtually March 30-April 1, 2022.
2022 Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Awardee Hemali Shah, C-TAGME, PACE, works as the administrative director of graduate medical education for the department of surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
ACGME: How did you become involved in academic medicine?
Hemali Shah: Wanting to expand my knowledge and skills from my previous experiences, I took a leap of faith when applying to UIC seven years ago, and have been extremely grateful for the opportunities and lessons provided to me.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Shah: This award means a lot to me. It demonstrates the encouragement of my current and past program director, department head, faculty, and residents - without them, I would never be able to receive such a prestigious award.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator?
Shah: The most rewarding part of being an administrator is the ability to help residents become the best doctors they can be and knowing that with just a little work, I can brighten their day, like they do daily for so many patients.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator?
Shah: The most challenging part is that the role can seem overwhelming at times. Just take a breath, make a list, and prioritize the levels of importance of tasks - and it will become a lot easier.
ACGME: What advice do you have to brand-new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Shah: I would give a few pieces of advice; One: join your specialty administrator organizations; Two: find a mentor (either in your specialty or at your institution); Three: ask questions. We've all been in your shoes and know how stressful/hard times may be.
ACGME: Is there anything else you would like to add I haven’t asked about?
Shah: Being an administrator takes a village - I would like to thank my village of my current PD, previous PD, department head, other faculty, and residents.
Learn more about the ACGME’s Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award and nominate a deserving program coordinator for the 2023 Award – nominations are due by April 6, 2022.