Stop by and introduce yourself to @Meredith Herman (she/hers), a pathology resident at the University of Michigan. Meredith is passionate about medical education and mentorship, and we are thrilled to share her incredible work this month! Join us in exploring our #MemberSpotlight and diving deep into Meredith’s insightful journey!
If you’re viewing this Member Spotlight as a non-member of the community, won’t you consider joining us?
Why do you think engaging in the AAMC Virtual Community is important?
Learning goes up and down the medical hierarchy. As a resident, I have perspective as a recent medical graduate and also an interest in learning from those who are more advanced in their careers.
Do you have a professional skill or expertise that might interest your peers in this community? Are you the “go-to” person at your institution for advice or expertise in a particular subject?
Pathology education initiatives, mentorship programs to DO/MD/IMGs, social media outreach and engagement, digital design and medical illustration. I am involved with the AAMC Organization of Resident Representatives, College of American Pathologists, Digital Pathology Association, and Student National Medical Association.
What should people in the virtual community contact you about?
I have many passions in medical education: outreach, teaching pathology, mentoring students, and making education accessible through student interests' groups, websites (matchtopath.com) and social media (insta: @meredith_herman, @matchtopath; X: @meredithkherman). I am also involved with digital pathology and medical illustration as an artist (White Coat Artistry, LLC). While a newly minted physician, I have many goals and ideas in academic medicine and am open to collaborations!
What’s the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
"Know what you do not know."
We must know our limitations and always seek answers. This makes us life-long learners and effective leaders. We must lean on each other to find solutions.
What’s the worst piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
You should quit because you don't have what it takes.
Failure is inevitable in medicine. The profession expects perfection, but we are only human. I faced hurdles being the first in my family to go to medical school. I didn't have all the resources to succeed or prior knowledge. I worked really hard to get to where I am today. I was told to not go to medical school and quit altogether. I stuck with it and am glad I didn't quit! We grow through failures and setbacks. My "failures" are my greatest accomplishments.
What do you think is the best, most challenging, or most unique thing about working in academic medicine (or your field or specialty specifically)?
The constant search for answers...and getting to answers in a better way. In pathology, we create and utilize AI, digital pathology, and advanced molecular testing to provide more optimal patient care. In Academic medicine, we have a highly skilled team across all areas of medicine and the capabilities to expand our medical practice. We are at the forefront of medical advancement and that is truly exciting!
Did you have an unusual path to your current career? Tell us about it.
I nearly applied to optometry school when I realized that what I enjoyed most was working at a microscope. Let's just say I had an "eye" for detail! I loved studying cells under the microscope and using those details to find answers about one's health.
Thinking about all the conferences, workshops, webinars you have attended in the last few years, was there a speaker or session topic that stands out as your favorite? Who? Why?
I've enjoyed the Learn Serve Lead conferences with the AAMC. I especially enjoy the topics for improving medical education and curriculum, as well as mentorship.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
As a pathologist, I am misconceived as someone who is "introverted, quirky, dark, likes dead people." In reality, pathologists are some of the most devoted, caring people I have met in medicine. We love to learn and work with others. In pathology, I am involved in patient care every day and help guide our clinical colleagues' next steps. I get to use my creative side to look at "art" under the microscope and study DNA at a molecular level. Pathology is extremely versatile and fun to learn. We love working with students, clinical colleagues and our staff.
What drew you to work in medical education curriculum? What aspect of your curriculum work do you enjoy the most, and why?
I serve on the AAMC Organization of Resident Representatives as well as several committees within pathology societies. This has opened up doors to explore how I might contribute as a faculty at a medical school one day. In medical school, I became more concerned with medical education in regard to pathology education. I realized that people didn't know what happened to patient specimens or how to approach the laboratory. 70% of clinical decisions are based on laboratory results and yet it was a "black box." I worked with my medical school and residency program to bring pathologists to the forefront. It is my hope as a future pathologist faculty to make future doctors better by knowing the science behind the laboratory and how to utilize results to guide patient care.
Is there a mentor or person you particularly looked up to, who has inspired and shaped your career? How so?
Yes! My mentor is a pathologist and philanthropist. He gifted me my first microscope and took time to teach me about medicine before I went to medical school. He taught me the value in histology and basic sciences, as well as the importance of giving back to others. We have since established two endowed scholarships at our alma mater to support students with financial need.
Thinking about our collective scholarly knowledge of medical education curriculum, what research question do you wish the field could address? What research area in curriculum do you think deserves more attention than its currently receiving?
How are students learning nowadays in an era of AI, ChatGPT, digitization and social media? How can medical education adapt and change our approaches to teaching medicine in a more hands on, integrated way?
What curriculum projects are you currently working on, and what curriculum projects are currently happening at your school?
I am working on a couple projects that explore medical student perceptions towards pathology through 1) required autopsy experiences at U of Michigan , and 2) using social media as a tool for promoting the specialty. One submitted project explores perspectives about pathology amongst MD and DO students at Michigan State University. At my alma mater, I have been working with leadership to a create a virtual pathology elective and revamp the pathology curriculum for osteopathic students.
How did you maintain your wellness and resilience during the pandemic? Any tips to share with others?
I painted. I found relaxation and joy painting with acrylics and watercolor. Actually, one of my pandemic paintings was recognized in the International Royal College of Pathologists art competition (2020). I was later recognized again in 2023 for my piece "the lives we hold." Find a hobby and make time for it every day.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An art teacher
What was the best book you most recently read (or TV show/movie) that you watched?
Best book: Robbins ;) Best show: Bridgerton, of course!
Three words to best describe you:
Enthusiastic, creative, personable