Michelle Herbers
Program Administrator
Department of Medicine
Hennepin Healthcare
How long have you been a member of AAIM?
I have been a member of the Alliance since 2008.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is two-fold. I immensely enjoy helping the trainees reach their professional goals. I also enjoy mentoring new administrators to help them make the most of their professional careers. I did not make a conscious decision to become a program administrator. I was working as an administrative assistant with the general medicine division and was asked to apply. I have never looked back. Graduate medical education is a vast and interesting entity. It is never boring and ever changing.
What or who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by many people – physicians, trainees and support staff in my institution and the APDIM community who work hard every day to care for those who are less fortunate and lack resources. I am also inspired by my mother, who recently passed away. It wasn’t until she was gone that I realized how many people from differing lifestyles and communities she touched, many times in small ways, by reaching out and making people feel cared for and validated.
What advice would you give to those who wish to pursue a career in this industry?
The advice I would give to those who wish to pursue a career in academic medicine, in any capacity, would be to connect with a mentor and take advantage of the many resources available to you through the different academic communities, to make the most of your career, but more importantly, to always remember to live your best life and maintain balance. Continue to grow beyond your job, taking the time to pursue interests and learn new things, and make time for family. You never know when your journey will be coming to an end.
What is your favorite book or movie?
I love many books, it is hard to choose a favorite. The Master and Marguerite, obscure and silly, may be my favorite, but I recently read Educated and enjoyed it greatly. My favorite movies are Princess Bride and The Scarlett Pimpernel. I guess I really am a child at heart.
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