This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2026 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These 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 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 19-21, 2026, in San Diego, California.
2026 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Awardee Amber Whited-Watson, DO is the residency director for family medicine at The MetroHealth System in Cleveland, Ohio.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Dr. Whited-Watson: As a child, I was diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. I was constantly in and out of my pediatrician’s office. This early and frequent exposure to medicine inspired me to pursue being a physician. In high school, I took a class where we went into elementary schools and taught basic health education. In this class, I fell in love with teaching but knew that I still wanted to become a physician. During residency, I realized I could combine my passion for medicine with my love for teaching. After I graduated from residency, I spent a few years in private practice before returning to academic medicine. I felt I needed to get my feet under me, so to speak, before I could adequately teach. I have been in academic medicine since that time, and it has been the most rewarding career.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Whited-Watson: This award is such an honor. I was shocked to be nominated for the award, and I’m humbled to be the recipient. To receive an award for doing what you love is absolutely amazing!
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job the program director has?
Whited-Watson: I always tell my residents that my goal/job as a program director is to help them discover and pursue their passions. I love to see residents find joy in medicine.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Whited-Watson: The most rewarding part of my job is when graduates call and tell me that the education they received has adequately prepared them for their current position. They often say they feel that they could be dropped in the middle of nowhere and would be well prepared to take on anything that they encountered. It is so rewarding to know that we have created a program that provides a solid education.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Whited-Watson: It can sometimes be challenging to work with a struggling learner. However, I love this challenge. I love to find ways to help learners succeed. Each situation is unique, and I love coming up with a plan that is individualized to the learner.
ACGME: What advice do you have for residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Whited-Watson: Do it! I highly recommend you consider doing a faculty development fellowship. Being a good teacher is not always intuitive, and going through a fellowship program can really give you the tools in your toolbelt to become the best teacher possible.
Learn more about the ACGME’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award here.