Elections: APDIM Program Administrators

Candidates

President-Elect

Michael Conrad, MS, PHR, C-TAGME

I am honored to be selected as a candidate for the APDIM PA Advisory Council Chair-Elect position. I have been involved in medical education for over 10 years now and served as a coordinator in both the UME and GME spaces. I began in UME as a MS1 and MS2 coordinator as well as a clerkship coordinator in our Internal Medicine department. I was then promoted to serve as our Resident Program Coordinator, in which I first became involved in Alliance. I started as a PA Survey Committee member in 2018 and am now in my second year as the committee chair. Serving in this role has allowed me to network with coordinators across the nation to hear their stories and craft surveys that will hopefully help us advocate for ourselves. 

After four years as a resident program coordinator, I was again promoted to our Institutional Coordinator and Director of GME. This role has allowed me to not only remain highly involved in our Internal Medicine programs but also with our other specialty training programs. It has been during this time that I have truly seen the importance of the role we play as coordinators/administrators for our programs. It was also during this time that I developed the vision of seeing the program coordinator/administrator role grow to receive the recognition it deserves. My hope is that we can create a wider understanding within the GME and UME world that coordinators/administrators are truly part of the leadership team and that our roles are more in line with management positions.

I have grown to love my time serving the Alliance and look forward to the possibility of taking on a larger role as the PAAC Chair-Elect. I also believe that my experience serving at multiple levels of our university has given me the opportunity to collaborate with key partners across medical education. Working closely with DIOs, department chairs, business administrators, program directors, and of course program coordinators/administrators has given me the unique opportunity to partner with key stakeholders to help us grow the coordinator role within GME and UME. 

Councilor

Dawn DeSantis, MS

I am honored to submit my nomination for the APDIM PA Advisory Council. With over 25 years of experience as a program coordinator, administrator, and manager, I bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the field of program administration. Having worked my way up from an administrative assistant to Division Administrator, I have had the privilege of working in two primary care fields— Pediatrics and Internal Medicine—across both a major university and a community hospital. This diverse experience has provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by program administrators in various healthcare settings.

Throughout my career, my passion has been in the development of the program administrator workforce, both individually and as a profession. I am deeply committed to supporting my colleagues, advocating for professional growth, and ensuring that the voices of program administrators are heard. During my time in Pediatrics, I served as co-lead of the mentor workgroup for the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD), where I contributed to the development of mentorship programs that helped to shape the careers of other program administrators. I was also selected by my peers as the first PA representative to the GMEC at UF Jacksonville, a role that allowed me to contribute to the governance of graduate medical education at the institutional level.

In my current role, I served as inaugural co-chair of the Program Manager Development Committee, where I worked to improve professional development opportunities for program managers. I am honored to have been the first to receive my institution's Program Manager of the Year award, a recognition that reflects my commitment to excellence in program administration. Additionally, I am an active member of the APDIM PA Professional Development and Certification Committee, where I contribute to the development of resources that support program administrators in their ongoing professional growth.

As a mentor to several program administrators, I find the most fulfillment in helping others succeed and build their careers. In my role on the APDIM PA Advisory Council, I will continue to advocate for mentorship opportunities and support the growth of the program administrator community. I understand the importance of representing a diverse range of perspectives, and I am committed to ensuring that individuals from various backgrounds are included in discussions and decision-making processes.

Looking to the future, I hope to contribute to the council’s vision of prioritizing the professional development of program administrators at all stages of their careers and strengthens the collective voice of program administrators within the broader healthcare community. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of our profession and to work alongside others who share my passion for the development and success of program administrators.

Thank you for considering my nomination. I look forward to the opportunity to represent my APDIM colleagues and contribute to the important work of the APDIM PA Advisory Council.

Councilor

Ashley Johnson, C-TAGME

It is an honor to provide my statement to the APDIM PA Council to further explain how I would represent the council’s interests. My GME professional journey began in 2020, and I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation. In my role as a Program Coordinator, I successfully gained TAGME certification, presented a poster abstract at AAIM Week 2023, and developed a women’s mentorship group within my residency program. In addition, I recently started my term with the APDIM PA Program Planning Committee, I will be presenting a workshop at AAIM Week 2025, and I am thrilled to announce that I have been named the recipient of the APDIM Program Administrator Rising Star Award.

I have a personal aspiration to achieve my utmost potential and be the best I can be in my professional and personal life. I strive to serve and grow as a leader, make a positive impact by empowering others, and pursue ongoing professional development.
The council provides an environment of open communication where ideas flourish, initiatives are executed, and I am committed to the growth and success of the council. If selected, I would be a representative of rural community programs, with a vision of using AAIM’s education to equip coordinators with the skills, knowledge, and passion to thrive in their programs.
If chosen, I would bring a collaborative approach to foster teamwork, and you will see someone who is passionate about her job and is eager to share ideas. Being the only Program Coordinator at my institution, I am involved with every aspect of the program and my attention to detail and organizational skills have allowed me to streamline administrative processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced administrative burdens for residents and faculty. I take pride in my ability to adapt to changing demands, solve problems creatively, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as your representative on the council. My passion and goals align with the mission and vision of AAIM. Through participation in the council, I am eager to leverage my skills to contribute to the advancement of academic internal medicine and excited about the professional development opportunities.

Thank you for taking the time to read my statement and reviewing my application. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Councilor

Kira Rizer, C-TAGME

Hello! My name is Kira Rizer and I am a Program Administrator for the Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. I started in this role in August 2021, after previously working as a high school math teacher and a sales associate at a tech start-up. I have been extremely fortunate to have started my GME career with such an amazing, supportive, and very experienced team at the University of Maryland. Their passion has cultivated my drive for this to be my “forever career” and to continuously grow in my role.

Experience: During my 3.5 years in my current position, I have had many roles across the residency that keep me busy!  

I am responsible for resident recruitment, onboarding, and orientation for our categorical, preliminary and research pathway, and residents in our Pediatrics – Medicine and Emergency Medicine – Internal Medicine programs. Additionally, I serve as the program liaison with our local VA hospital. I also aid in administrative work for our programs including visas, verifications, ACGME/Fastrack updates, and resident evaluation.  Lastly, I have experienced in UME, previously serving as an interim co-coordinator for our sub-internship and clerkship programs.

I have enjoyed innovating and improving our program. In order to better serve our residents and streamline many routine administrative tasks, I developed and implemented a new digital signature pathway utilizing DocuSign, which has been adopted by other programs across the institution. I have worked to improve the efficiency of our recruitment process, including the development of an optimized interview day schedule for applicants, implementing a resident contact program for applicants, and filming and editing informational videos for our program’s website.

Continuing Education: One of my favorite aspects of my current job, and being involved with AAIM, is the chance to continue to learn and grow from many colleagues. I have greatly enjoyed being a mentee in the AAIM Mentoring Program and being a part of my institution’s Medicine Sub-Specialty Administrators (MSSA) group as ways to continue to develop my professional skillset. I am very proud to have obtained my C-TAGME certification in July 2024.

Goals & Why: I would be honored to serve you as a Councilor on the APDIM PAAC. I will bring my passion for education, mentorship, and innovation to continue to advocate for our members as our roles continue to grow and change. As Councilor, I would aim to further strengthen the relationship between our community and AAIM, and develop resources for our members to share best practices and learn from each other. 

Thank you for taking the time to vote!

Councilor

Abby Ward, MEd, C-TAGME

I am excited to pursue candidacy as a Councilor for the APDIM PA Advisory Council, representing the interests, development, and advocacy needs of Program Administrators. I am drawn to the APDIM Program Administrator Advisory Council because of its role in shaping best practices, developing resources, and providing professional development opportunities for program administrators. I believe the work of the Council is critical not only in supporting individual program administrators but also in continuously advocating for and recognizing the role of PAs among the administrative leadership team. As an experienced program administrator with a passion for medical education, leadership, and advocacy I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the Council’s mission of advancing and fostering the growth and roles of the Program Administrator (PA) role within academic medicine.

My experience ten years ago as a new coordinator in a new community-based, university affiliated small residency program provided me with a vast array of experiences and opportunities. I have seen firsthand how essential a strong and effective PA is in supporting residents, faculty, and the overall success of programs and fellowships. I have garnered a deep understanding of the unique challenges program administrators face in advocating for and obtaining support for their professional development and recognition. With a firm commitment to advancing and supporting the continued development and recognition of PAs, I am eager to contribute to the critical work of the Council in shaping the future of PA development. 

Over the course of my career, I have been privileged to work alongside a supportive team which values, listens to, considers, and appreciates my voice. During the past four years serving on the APDIM PA Survey & Scholarship Committee, and as a mentor for the past six years, I have learned that this support, development, and consideration is not extended to all PAs. Should I be elected as a Councilor, I seek to continue and expand upon the foundational advocacy work previously initiated by the Council, supporting the recognition of PAs as a leadership role. 

Throughout my career, I have placed a strong emphasis on mentorship and the continuous development of skills crucial to professional development, such as obtaining C-TAGME and IHI QI certification. I am committed to creating an environment where PAs are empowered to use their voices, lead with confidence, advocate for themselves, and contribute to the broader goals of academic medicine. I am particularly passionate about increasing the visibility of PAs in leadership roles and am eager to help foster an environment where PAs can thrive as mentors and leaders. By joining the APDIM PA Advisory Council, I hope to contribute to efforts that promote the value of the PA voice and role among the medical education leadership team and ensure that the unique strengths of PAs are recognized and integrated into academic medicine. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Councilor

Brant Weindorf

I am so honored and excited to be selected as a Councilor candidate for the 2026 ballot. I pride myself on the innovation that I have brought to my department and institution that I can bring to the Council. My perspective allows me to showcase the Council's interests in populations often overlooked. The first words I hear when I meet someone new at work are "I can't believe how young you are!" At 22, I provide the Council a young outlook that is hard to come by, especially in the field of Graduate Medical Education. I make technology work for me rather than working for it. With kindness and compassion, I educate faculty in and out of GME on ways to improve their productivity with my technological skill. My viewpoint is rooted in the present-day which makes me adaptable at moment's notice, a skill needed in an ever-evolving field like medicine.

Living in southern Alabama, as a member of the LGBT community, has provided me with its own set of challenges, but it affords me a perspective to share with some of my residents, and the Council, that others cannot. I am safe space and friend in a state that is contentious with progressive movements. I have used this aspect of my life to be a voice for a community that is a sizable portion of resident physicians and program coordinators alike.

In my almost two years at the University of South Alabama, I have established a strong digital marketing presence and brand for my program, developed an annual clothing drive for patients, co-created a wellness program for residency program coordinators, revamped the program's procedure logger and curriculum, developed a data tracking system for various patient-related admission and stay issues for both pulmonary/critical care and respiratory therapy, serve as a member of the University's sustainability committee, established a program recycling initiative, created a new evaluation process for nurses of residents in the inpatient and outpatient setting, created a patient evaluation to provide residents with direct feedback from their patients, serve as an AAIM Ambassador, and co-created a residency alumni newsletter and alumni fund.

Looking towards the future, I have two goals for 2026. One is to become TAGME certified, and second is to present an abstract at the AAIM Conference. I'm currently in discussions with coordinators across the country to develop a research project on the retention and turnover rates of program coordinators. Serving on the Council would provide me with the opportunity to connect with coordinators across the country and to assist them with starting research projects of their own.

Establishing relationships with professionals in the same role as mine in different states makes the GME world feel smaller and more attainable to drive positive change. I look forward to the ability to spearhead innovation within Graduate Medical Education as a Councilor on the ADPIM PA Advisory Council in 2026.

• President-Elect
• Councilor (DeSantis)
• Councilor (Johnson)
• Councilor (Rizer)
• Councilor (Ward)
• Councilor (Weindorf)