Hosted by TRANSFORM Evolution, this fireside chat brings together institutional leadership and the broader research community for a timely conversation on the future of academic medicine.
Academic medicine is operating in a period of significant structural change. Evolving federal research priorities, funding volatility, shifting global research ecosystems, workforce and financial pressures, and changing societal expectations of science are reshaping the context in which we teach, discover, and deliver care. These dynamics introduce uncertainty, but they also present opportunities for institutional reflection and renewal.
In this conversation, Dr. Katrina Armstrong will reflect on the stewardship of a complex academic health center during periods of transition. Drawing on her experience leading mission-driven organizations, she will discuss how leaders approach decision-making under conditions of ambiguity, how institutional values are sustained amid external pressures, and how long-term strategy is balanced with immediate operational realities. Ultimately, this session aims to provide perspective on the broader forces influencing academic health centers and to foster a shared commitment to advancing scholarship, patient care, and community engagement in an evolving landscape.
TRANSFORM Evolution is a community of current and alumni KL2 and Irving Scholars who support one another throughout the journey of academic medicine. The program hosts educational and social events throughout the year and fosters a network of scholars dedicated to both personal and professional growth. Evolution is co-chaired by Marisa Spann, PhD, Herbert Irving Associate Professor of Medical Psychology in Psychiatry; Badri N. Vardarajan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurological Science; and Bernard P. Chang, MD, PhD, Associate Dean of Faculty Health and Research Career Development.
Lunch will be served. Please register in advance.
