We are thrilled to feature community champion, @Judith Brenner, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education at NYU Long Island School of Medicine in this month's #MemberSpotlight Judy just started this new role in April of this year, but reach out if you are interested in assessment, NYC restaurant recommendations, or running and biking. Get to know more about Judy and feel free to connect with her in the community.
If you’re viewing this Member Spotlight as a non-member of the community, won’t you consider joining us?
Let's dive in:
What should people in the virtual community contact you about?
Innovations in assessment and authentic assessment. Meaningful educational data to drive decisions. UME-GME continuum.
What was the best book you most recently read?
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow was awesome. I am in the middle of Abraham Verghese's new book, which is absolutely beautiful.
Did you have an unusual path to your current career?
I have been involved in medical education throughout my career and have been very fortunate to spend time focusing on UME and GME at various times and with different focal points. My career began at NYU as a medical student, so it feels very good to be at NYU Long Island School of Medicine as an associate dean.
Thinking about all conferences, workshops, webinars you have attended in the last few years, was there a speaker or session topic that stands out as your favorite?
Kimara Ellefson gave the first plenary at this year's NEGEA. She provided us with a framework to think about flourishing that continues to resonate with me.
How do you prefer to start your day?
Simple: For the past 17 years, I start every day off by running. I run about 45 minutes or so during the week and a bit longer on weekends. Sometimes I run solo and sometimes with friends, but it is my sacred time--"me time."
How do you prefer to end your day?
I write one sentence in my "One Line a Day" journal. In this way, I always end the day thinking about something good that has happened. I encourage everyone to get one. It is organized by day, but on a single page, you write a sentence for each of 5 years. I am on my third such journal and think it is one of my most valued possessions.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
Too soon to tell.
You’re throwing a dinner party and can invite 3 people (alive or dead). Who do you invite?
Michelle Obama
My brother (who passed away too young)
Saul Farber, my very first mentor
How did you maintain your wellness and resilience during the pandemic?
Knitting was my creative outlet. Running, biking and walking helped as well.
You work on Long Island. What’s your favorite restaurant there? Is there something special we should check out next time we visit?
I live near NYC and the best part about NY is that there is an endless supply of restaurants to try out. I love sampling pizza and am making my way down a list. If I'm not eating pizza, I am seeing a Broadway show :)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Always wanted to be a doctor :)
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
Walk, run, or ride my bike.
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
Audible and a link to podcasts--I listen every day!
Find my friends (sorry, I like to see where my kids are...for safety purposes only!)
My map--hard to remember a time that we didn't rely on Google Maps.
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Does it count to say that I've watched my husband eat alligator and frog? :)
Do you have pets?
Nope--my husband said 4 kids are enough!
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Say “hello” to Judy here in the community! Feel free to post any questions you have for her in this blog post, or direct messages via the community as also a great way to connect.
If you’d like to be featured in a future Member Spotlight post, reach 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?