On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Dr. David Skorton, President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Dr. Skorton assumed leadership of the AAMC in 2019, where he introduced a comprehensive strategic planning process aimed at addressing major challenges in healthcare and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine. Prior to this role, Dr. Skorton served as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, overseeing 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and various research centers. He also served as president of two major universities: Cornell University and the University of Iowa.

In this episode, Dr. Skorton reflects on his journey from growing up in Milwaukee to becoming a leader in medicine and education. You'll learn how his immigrant parents shaped his education and career path, emphasizing their influence on his resilience and drive for success. You'll also hear about his unique combination of interests in medicine, engineering, and the arts, including his love of jazz and his experience as a saxophone player.

Dr. Skorton delves into lessons learned from clinical medicine that have profoundly informed his leadership style, particularly the importance of humility and listening. He provides insights into the critical role of diversity and inclusion in advancing healthcare outcomes and highlights the AAMC’s mission to prepare a healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Join us for this inspiring conversation on the intersection of medicine, leadership, and the humanities.

On today’s episode of Danforth Dialogues, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice sits down with Dr. David Skorton, President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Dr. Skorton assumed leadership of the AAMC in 2019, where he introduced a comprehensive strategic planning process aimed at addressing major challenges in healthcare and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine. Prior to this role, Dr. Skorton served as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, overseeing 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and various research centers. He also served as president of two major universities: Cornell University and the University of Iowa.
In this episode, Dr. Skorton reflects on his journey from growing up in Milwaukee to becoming a leader in medicine and education. You'll learn how his immigrant parents shaped his education and career path, emphasizing their influence on his resilience and drive for success. You'll also hear about his unique combination of interests in medicine, engineering, and the arts, including his love of jazz and his experience as a saxophone player.
Dr. Skorton delves into lessons learned from clinical medicine that have profoundly informed his leadership style, particularly the importance of humility and listening. He provides insights into the critical role of diversity and inclusion in advancing healthcare outcomes and highlights the AAMC’s mission to prepare a healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Join us for this inspiring conversation on the intersection of medicine, leadership, and the humanities.

COVID-19 turned life upside down for all of humanity literally leaving no one untouched or unimpacted. At the onset of the pandemic, Morehouse School of Medicine President and CEO, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and her leadership team recognized that the health crisis would be the ultimate teaching opportunity for MSM’s students and staff. The school returned to on-campus instruction early in the pandemic because as future healthcare professionals, they felt the students should model behavior that will prepare them to be on the frontlines of any future public health crisis. Morehouse School of Medicine implemented rigorous testing and contract tracing programs which, over the course of the pandemic, kept the school’s positivity rate under 1 percent until the emergence of the omicron variant. The school also launched a community vaccination program and hosted a “Civil Rights Leaders” vaccination event to inspire Black Americans to get the shots.

Given its unique role as a public health resource focused on underserved and minority communities, Morehouse School of Medicine has garnered some valuable leadership insights over the past two years in the battle to stem the impact of COVID-19. Coupled with her own extensive experience as a medical professional, public health expert, and academic executive, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice wants to share these lessons learned with both the school’s students and the wider educational and business community in hopes they might offer help to others.

COVID-19 turned life upside down for all of humanity literally leaving no one untouched or unimpacted. At the onset of the pandemic, Morehouse School of Medicine President and CEO, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and her leadership team recognized that the health crisis would be the ultimate teaching opportunity for MSM&rsquo;s students and staff. The school returned to on-campus instruction early in the pandemic because as future healthcare professionals, they felt the students should model behavior that will prepare them to be on the frontlines of any future public health crisis. Morehouse School of Medicine implemented rigorous testing and contract tracing programs which, over the course of the pandemic, kept the school&rsquo;s positivity rate under 1 percent until the emergence of the omicron variant. The school also launched a community vaccination program and hosted a &ldquo;Civil Rights Leaders&rdquo; vaccination event to inspire Black Americans to get the shots.
Given its unique role as a public health resource focused on underserved and minority communities, Morehouse School of Medicine has garnered some valuable leadership insights over the past two years in the battle to stem the impact of COVID-19. Coupled with her own extensive experience as a medical professional, public health expert, and academic executive, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice wants to share these lessons learned with both the school&rsquo;s students and the wider educational and business community in hopes they might offer help to others.

Leadership Lessons From The Frontlines Of The Pandemic

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