Blog - Lewis Katz School of Medicine
More than 150 members of the Katz community—including faculty, staff, and students—gathered in the Maurice J. Stone, MD Commons on March 6 for Inspiring Excellence Splash Day, an open-house event dedicated to exploring Inspiring Excellence 2024-2029—Katz’s roadmap for the future.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed snacks and refreshments, connected with colleagues, and had the chance to meet with the Dean, who stopped by multiple times to engage in discussions and hear firsthand from community members.
With each workgroup hosting its own table, attendees engaged directly with workgroup champions and volunteers who are leading and implementing Katz’s strategic initiatives. These faculty and staff shared updates on progress since the plan’s launch last summer, discussing key tactics and what’s on the horizon. A dedicated table also provided information about the upcoming LCME accreditation visit in April, ensuring the community is informed and prepared. Attendees were encouraged to visit the LCME portal hub to learn more.
Beyond conversation, attendees participated in interactive engagement activities, including a video featuring workgroup champions discussing their initiatives. They also had the chance to share feedback through post-it prompts, offering valuable insights:
📌 What excites you most about the plan?
- “I love how there are plans to improve staff relationships and provide tons of helpful resources.”
- “Office for community engagement.”
- “More tech.”
📌 How do you feel about the plan?
- “Exciting.”
- “Inspiring.”
- “Optimistic.”
Several attendees also commented on the event itself, calling it a “good format for providing info” and noting that the community “needs more of these updates.”
As attendees visited tables, they marked each one-off, with those who completed all stops eligible for a giveaway or Katz swag. With more than 33 entries, three staff members - Michaela Baus, Lenette Graham, and Doris Straface - and one student - Jacqueline Woo - were randomly selected as winners.
The event was a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of the Katz community. As we continue to implement the plan, your engagement and insights will help drive meaningful progress.
Members of the Katz community and the general public can always visit the Inspiring Excellence section of the portal to learn more about the plan and stay updated on our progress.
Explore the Portal
📍 Posters showcasing progress on each of the strategic plan initiatives are on display on the 11th floor for the next two weeks—stop by to take a look!
