This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2022 ACGME Awards. The awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place virtually March 30-April 1, 2022.
2022 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Awardee Vance Sohn, MD, works in strategic operations for US Army Medical Command in the Office of the Surgeon General, US Army. Dr. Sohn specializes in general surgery and surgical oncology.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Vance Sohn: I was fortunate to be in a position after fellowship to begin my career in academic medicine. I always had a passion for teaching and when I was the afforded to opportunity to step into an associate program director role where I had completed my residency training, it felt like a very natural transition.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Sohn: While I am humbled for this personal recognition, this award really is a testament to the sacrifices and dedication of countless educators who have helped to support the educational mission of the General Surgery Services at Madigan Army Medical Center. Our nation has been war for over 20 years and throughout this time, we have maintained an incredible educational program to support the unique mission of our graduates. This award is a recognition of the efforts of dedicated educators not only within the military health care system, but also the vital support that military programs receive from civilian partners who have come alongside the military to train and support our residents and fellows.
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job the program director has?
Sohn: This is a great question… I believe the most important job of the program director is to provide perspective to the learners. General surgery is a long, consuming, five years, and a lot of “life” happens in that time. I think there are times to inspire, there are times to be empathetic, and then there are times just to be a life coach and to provide perspective.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Sohn: Absolutely, it’s sharing life with the residents and fellows. Whether it’s sharing in the celebrations of life events, or helping navigate tragedy, I have found that this has been by far, the most unexpected, but certainly the most rewarding aspect of being a program director.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Sohn: There are so many challenges that residents face and there are factors that as educators, we can only influence so much. For me, the greatest challenge has been to understand what aspect of training is difficult yet being unable to help.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Sohn: Academic medicine is an incredible opportunity to impact the next generation of surgeons. As a resident, we’ve all been in a teaching capacity, whether it’s to medical students or other residents. Before considering a career in academia, reflect on this time to see what part of residency you enjoyed the most. If teaching was something you valued, then explore what a career in academia can look like. Find mentors early and learn from others—you won’t regret it!
Learn more about the ACGME’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award and nominate a deserving program director for the 2023 Award – nominations are due by April 6, 2022.