Dawn DeWitt, MD, an internist and professor in the WSU Elson S Floyd College of Medicine, will speak on identity formation and professionalism across generations at the Association of Program Directors of Internal Medicine (APDIM) meeting in Atlanta on October 17.
This APDIM Presidential plenary invites internal medicine residency educators and leaders to explore the evolving landscape of professional identity formation across the generations. As educators and learners bring varied values, communication styles, and expectations to graduate medical education (GME), this session will focus on shared professional goals—such as clinical excellence, compassionate care, patient relationships and lifelong learning—as anchors for collaborative growth.
Through interactive dialogue and case-based stories, participants will gain practical strategies to teach across generations. These include fostering inclusive mentorship, building relationships and communities, leveraging digital tools for engagement, creating psychologically safe learning environments and designing reflective learning experiences.
The session will further highlight how GME leaders can intentionally grow their own professional identity as educators by embracing common generational values and goals as a source of innovation and self-growth. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to cultivate a cohesive educational culture that honors traditional goals while embracing change and innovation.