Stop by and introduce yourself to @Laura Fothergill (she/her/hers), who has been an instructional designer at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine for almost four years. Laura is passionate about lifelong learning and is a great person to reach out to about incorporating universal design for learning into curriculum and courses. We are thrilled to share her impactful work this month! Join us in exploring our #MemberSpotlight and delving into Laura’s inspiring 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?
Connects to the broader academic medical universe professionally
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?
As an instructional designer I serve in a few capacities, as an educational technology specialist and as someone who connects teaching and pedagogy with technology and universal design for learning ideas. I also live to make work-life better through knowledge and skill as well as promoting positive and motivating workplace behaviors.
What should people in the virtual community contact you about?
I am great and finding and knowing about recent educational software and technologies that can enhance teaching and learning and student engagement. I am great to talk to about life in higher education and medical education (almost 20 years here) the pros/cons, love/hate and passion I have for lifelong learning. I am great to talk to about incorporating universal design for learning into the curriculum and courses.
What was the best book you most recently read (or TV show/movie) that you watched?
I am really hooked on 'Only Murders in the Building.' It seems like a mindless, relaxing tv show, but there are some subtle and beautiful insights into human behavior. It stars Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez, an unusual trio of generations who are funny, dramatic, and thoughtful. I think I also like it because it's not about violence (it is murder but more like a murder mystery) not focusing on violence. It's not about politics, it's about community and how we interact and intertwine our lives with our neighbors.
What’s the worst piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
"The grass isn't always greener you know" (Stated sarcastically). This was awful and horrible advice and words to say to anyone, I think. Perhaps in the right context and conversation this phrase may be helpful, but my experience says no.
I was meeting with a senior leader of my unit to discuss either leaving for a new job and to hear what opportunities and restructuring there was available for me to stay. After hearing that there wasn't really a plan or thought to my purpose or position, the offer was made that I could just stay working for the unit as a whole and they would find something eventually - no appreciation or respect for any work I was doing or had done or even transparency on what the future direction may be. I then mentioned that I had a job offer at another higher ed institution nearby. The response was, well "the grass isn't always greener you know" meaning going over to this other institution wasn't going to be better. I was infuriated at this point and felt incredibly let down by a department and organization that I really loved and gave many years to.
No matter where someone is on their professional journey, management and leadership have a responsibility to either stay completely neutral and say almost nothing OR the most successful organizations and leaders will work toward helping their employees become anything they want and do whatever they want, no matter what. Needless to say, I left for that other institution and have had incredible success and happiness in my professional life.
What do you think is the best, most challenging, or most unique thing about working in academic medicine (or your field or specialty specifically)?
I think working in academic medicine is unique and challenging because it can be an environment where something is changing all the time and it's the best because something is changing all the time. Whether it is institutional structures or specific medical issues there is a lot happening all the time. It can be so wonderful and exciting to witness what is around me, and it can also be incredibly time-sucking and stressful to work with so much all the time. It is an incredible gift to be a part of helping someone's dream and passion come true - in our case it is providing the knowledge, skills, and encouraging the attitudes to make healthy, successful doctors and the most advanced caretakers of our society.
What do you hope to gain from this online community?
I have been seeking groups to share my expertise with and to learn from. I really hope to see how disability services are improving for medical students and how I can be a part of solutions for all learners.
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?
In April 2023 I attended the Learning Solutions Conference in Orlando, Florida. All the speakers were great, but Steven Burns from the original airing of Blues Clues stood out. I was not necessarily looking forward to his talk because I felt too old to remember him as a kid on TV when the show aired in the 1990's. I also wasn't sure what importance he had connecting to learning. Wow, so amazed. It wasn't so much about his presence or speech, but what he uniquely embodies as a person. A couple key points I took from him: There is a pressure to define your dream and purpose in life and just do it especially as a young adult, as opposed to working on a lifelong pursuit or passion and following it or finding it. Your audience, your learners, your constituents, whoever you serve are the stars in your life, it's not the brand or logo or you as the (fill in the blank, doctor, teacher etc.). Finally, create an immediate and interpersonal experience with those you encounter, every day. Don't just ask "how are you and walk away" - ask it for real, give silence and space.
How do you prefer to start your day?
I prefer to start my day with coffee, breakfast, and a little quiet mindlessness to wake up. I try to do some personal affirmations and stretching as well.
How do you prefer to end your day?
I prefer to end my day relaxing watching football, baseball, sports championship or a favorite show with my husband and snuggling with my doggies.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
That we are experts at graphic design; that we are experts at information technology and fixing computers. We do neither, but maybe a little of both, sometimes.
How did you maintain your wellness and resilience during the pandemic? Any tips to share with others?
Crafting and Art! I really miss the time to do it more, but my family bought a Cricut crafting machine that can cut all kinds of things for cards, labels, etc. We made candles and cool glass bottle art. I think we all should get back to the side passions we had during that hard time and find ways to give it life again for ourselves and others.
You live/work in [city]. What’s your favorite restaurant there? Is there something special we should check out next time we visit?
I live and work in Miami, Florida. One restaurant???!! We recently started receiving Michelin stars for our restaurants and there is just sooo much yum here. Some eclectic favorites of mine include Ghee (Indian-fusion by Chef Niven), Yambo (the most amazing hole in the wall Cuban-Colombian food with really the best churrasco steak and squeaky cheese), also can't forget local ice cream Cry Baby (with homemade flavors like Cuban rum bread pudding).
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
On a recent trip to Spain, I finally tried sardines and crackers. You know it wasn't half bad - but the Albarino wine probably helped it.
Say hello to Laura here in the community! Feel free to post any questions you have for her in this blog post, or you can also use direct messages via the community to connect. If you’d like to be featured in a future Member Spotlight post, fill out this form. Curious about what a community champion is? Read more here. And if you’re viewing this Member Spotlight as a non-member of the community, won’t you consider joining us? #MemberSpotlight