This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2020 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 were honored at the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 27-29 in San Diego, California.
2020 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Awardee Gabriella (Gabey) Gosman, MD is the chief medical officer for UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the associate designated institutional official (DIO) for UPMC Medical Education. She has previously served as the residency program director for obstetrics and gynecology at UPMC Medical Education in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Gosman: Without planning it! I came to Magee as a trailing spouse and an all-day-every-day clinician. In this role, I missed the extra academic activities I had done as a resident and fellow. So, I asked my leadership for additional projects. These additional activities eventually led to major administrative roles in academic medicine!
ACGME: What does receiving this award mean to you?
Gosman: This award means “Team” to me. I win this award in the same year as my program manager (residency coordinator), Ms. Diana Brucha! Words cannot explain how talented she is. As a team, we have been relentless improvers. The program manager and director team is the heart of the residency. When institutions optimize this team, programs and residents really thrive.
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job the program director has?
Gosman: The program director needs to build a relationship with each resident. This morphs over time as our incoming residents, their society and upbringing evolve. Curiosity, humility, humor and caring guide the program director through this.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Gosman: Residency administration is a team sport. One of the most rewarding parts has been working with Ms. Brucha and our whole team to create outstanding doctors and an outstanding experience for residents.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Gosman: Helping the residency as a group adapt to the major unexpected events that take place. Things like significant health issues, a resident leaving the program, a co-resident with performance problems happen of course. These events have group impact. It is so important to help the group in a way that is respectful, authentic, and appropriate.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Gosman: Ask your leaders how you can help them. Say “yes” to their offers, give it your best effort, and it can lead to a great career!