Blogs

AAIM Member Spotlight

Britt Simonson, MEd

Medical Education Program Manager
Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine Education
Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital

How long have you been a member of AAIM?

I joined the Alliance in 2010 after I started my career in medical education at Boston University School of Medicine as a Clerkship Coordinator. My involvement with the organization led to many new experiences, and I was able to develop new research skills and present my research at our annual conferences. These opportunities encouraged me to further my education. In 2014, I received a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University. In 2015, I was nominated to serve as Chair of the Clerkship Administrator Advisory Council. Since then, I stepped into a new role as the Medical Education Program Manager in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Describe your typical day.

In my role as the Medical Education Program Manager, I am responsible for the everyday operations for multiple Harvard Medical School courses, supporting several students and faculty. In collaboration with the Vice Chair of Education, the Director of Education, and other key faculty members, I help develop ongoing strategies that ensure high quality medical education programs.

What is your favorite part of the job?

The best part of my job is the opportunity to watch our students develop throughout their medical careers. Their education will lead to many opportunities and my role in helping them achieve their goals is very fulfilling. In addition to supporting our medical students, I enjoy leading journal club discussions with colleagues. Journal club is one of the best ways to stay on top of the growing trends in medical education that can turn into future research projects. I value this opportunity to be a lifelong learner.

How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career?

Becoming an Alliance member has allowed me to network with colleagues across the country. The organization has helped foster many wonderful relationships, and I have been able to present my work at multiple conferences, which has opened so many doors. Having the opportunity to present my research and organize workshops has allowed me to grow as a person and a professional. I am very thankful for the opportunities that my membership has brought me. 

What's your favorite moment of your career so far?

In 2013, I co-founded the Massachusetts Society of Academic Medical Administrators (MSAMA), a non-profit organization that provides educational programs across all subspecialties and trainee levels. AAIM provided me with the leadership skills and knowledge necessary to help create, develop, and direct this organization.

What was your childhood dream job?

Growing up, my dream was to become a professional choral singer for Disney animated films. In 2009, part of this dream was realized when my choir recorded for the Disney World of Color attraction. Two years later, when the AAIM conference was held in Anaheim, CA, I was able to bring my sheet music and listen to the recording live at the Disney theme park. Seeing families smile and hearing children sing along with our recording was an amazing experience.

How do you spend your free time?

In my spare time, I sing with the Marsh Chapel Choir (which you can hear every week on WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station) and I run marathons. I also enjoy traveling and being immersed in different cultures. Most recently, I ran the Paris marathon and recovered from it by enjoying the confit de canard and crème brûlée at one of our favorite bistros, La Petit Périgourdine.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Most people would not know that I have been a back-up singer for the Rolling Stones, Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, Jordin Sparks, and Michael W. Smith. In addition to singing at TD Garden and Breslin Center, I have performed in famous concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, the Hatch Memorial Shell, the Schermerhorn Nashville Symphony Hall, and the Ryman Auditorium.