Foundations of Academic IM for Department and Division Administrators (FAIM-DDA)

September 9, 9:00 AM - December 9, 2026, 12:00 AM | Course

Course Description

Now in its fourth year, this educational offering is a 13-week course for new department and division administrators (DDAs) developed by experienced administrators from Alliance member institutions. The course is designed for administrators who are in the first three years of their role or those looking for a refresh!

The virtual course will consist of four live Zoom sessions where learners will hear from experts in the field, discuss key topics, and benefit from office hours with the instructor. Self-directed learning makes up the required weekly study time between live sessions, including reading, videos, and interactive exercises. Attendance at the live Zoom sessions is highly encouraged but not required. All live sessions will be recorded and available in the digital learning center for course participants within 3 business days.

 

 

Primary topic areas include:

  • Overview of medical school and teaching hospital components
  • Department and division finance basics
  • HR and faculty affairs
  • Medical education and research missions of DDA role
  • Clinical care mission of DDA role
  • Personal and professional wellness

    Participant Expectations

    To receive a certificate of completion, all learners are expected to:

    • Attend in real-time or watch the recording of all four live events and complete all event evaluations.
    • Respond to at least four (of nine) weekly discussion posts
    • Turn in at least four (of nine) worksheet assignments
    • Complete both the pre- and post-course self-assessments

      Course Schedule

      (subject to change)

       ProgramHours

      Week 1
      Live Event
      Wed., Sept. 9
      1-3PM ET

      		Introduction to Dept. & Div. administration2

      Week 1
      Post-Event Tasks
      Sept. 7-13

      Supplying event feedback, examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.

      0.5 - 1

      Week 2
      Sept. 14-20

      Dept. & Div. finance basics

      2

      Week 3
      Sept. 21-27

      Faculty affairs

      2

      Week 4
      Sept. 28-Oct. 4

      Education mission

      2

      Week 5
      Live Event
      Wed., Oct. 7
      1-3PM ET

      Discussion of weeks 2-4

      2

      Week 5
      Post-Event Tasks
      Oct. 5-11

      Supplying event feedback, examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.  

      0.5 - 1

      Week 6
      Oct. 12-18

      Research mission: basics and pre-award

      2

      Week 7 
      Oct. 19-25

      Research mission: post-award and compliance

      2

      Week 8
      Oct. 26-Nov. 1

      Human resources, well being, and engagement

      2

      Week 9
      Live Event
      Wed., Nov. 4
      1-3PM ET

      Discussion of Weeks 6-8

      2

      Week 9
      Post-Event Tasks
      Nov. 2-8

      Supplying event feedback; examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.

      0.5 - 1

      Week 10
      Nov. 9-15

      Clinical mission: basics

      2

      Week 11
      Nov. 16-22

      Clinical mission: finance basics

      2

      Nov. 23 -
      Nov. 29

      		Break - Thanksgiving Holiday


      Week 12
      Nov. 30-Dec. 6 

      Clinical mission: metrics & comp plan basics

      2

      Week 13
      Live Event
      Wed., Dec. 9
      1-3PM ET

      Discussion of Weeks 10-12

      2

      Week 13
      Post-Event Tasks
      Dec. 7-13

      Supplying event feedback, examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.  

      0.5 - 1

       

      REGISTER TODAY

      Registration for the 2026 course will close Sept. 4.

      Registration Fees

      AAIM Members $500
      Nonmembers $800

      Important Dates

       July 14
      Registration opens

      September 9 (Zoom)
      Course begins

      October 7 (Zoom)

      November 4 (Zoom)

      December 9 (Zoom)
      Course ends

      Course Dashboard

      If you are registered for the online course, you can access the course dashboard to see the course schedule, review asynchronous and live event content, and view supplemental materials. If you require any technical support to access your account or the course, please email aaimsupport@forj.ai.

      Access Course

      Questions?

      Email learning@im.org or call 703-341-4540.