In parts 1 and 2 of this series, we explored the paths that led a group of young leaders to be recognized in the recent CPD Forty Under 40 awards at the Alliance 2024 Annual Conference. In part 3, we are turning the spotlight on awardees Poonam Kapadia; Lauren Rieck, MBA; Katie O’Connell, BS; and Whitney Faler, MPA, CHCP. They share their journeys within healthcare education, offering perspectives on their experiences, advice for newcomers to the field and more.
Congratulations on being selected as one of the CPD Forty Under 40 recipients! Can you tell us about the journey that led you to where you are today in your career in healthcare education?
Poonam Kapadia (PK): I entered CPD while searching for a new career path. I took a role at a small CPD company, thinking it would be a temporary stop as I looked for other positions. I started as a program coordinator, but working at a small company required me to wear many hats, and this gave me a better understanding of the breadth of the CPD field. Attending the Alliance Annual Conference and other industry meetings also helped me understand this was a field in which I could build a long-term career.
My current role is vice president of education strategy at Projects In Knowledge Powered By Kaplan. Over the last seven years, I have worked at medical education companies and medical associations. Most recently, I have held business strategy roles after gaining experience in program management, accreditation, outcomes, educational design, proposal development and managing partner and client relationships.
Lauren Rieck, MBA (LR): My journey into healthcare education began with an internship during a semester in college. I found an administrative internship at the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), where I was exposed to various aspects such as live conferences, online education, grants and exhibits. After graduating, I joined OMA as an education coordinator, focusing on developing and implementing live and online education programs.
Later, I moved to National Jewish Health (NJH) as a medical education project specialist, overseeing the development and implementation of different educational formats. Currently, I'm the manager of medical education grants at NJH, where I work on grant proposals. Like many in healthcare education, I stumbled into this field, but it's been a rewarding journey wearing different hats along the way.
Katie O’Connell, BS (KO): My journey into healthcare education was quite an unexpected adventure. Like many in this field, I found myself in CPD not by choice but by accident. After earning a bachelor’s degree in human resources and spending four years navigating the HR landscape, I found myself at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2014, where I initially served as an onboarding coordinator. However, it wasn't long before destiny intervened, offering me a chance to assist the CPD department with a project in 2016. Little did I know that this project would evolve into a new and fulfilling career path.
Since then, my engagement with the Alliance has guided me through various roles such as the HHS co-lead, abstract peer reviewer, moderator, article author and panelist. These experiences have not only expanded my knowledge but have also fostered a sense of community and deepened my commitment to advancing healthcare education.
Whitney Faler, MPA, CHCP (WF): As with many in our industry, I fell into it. My background was in public policy, and I enjoyed the analytical side of it. I had been working in public schools for several years, handling data for state and federal funding. When I had to relocate, I found a position in a CPD department at a medical school. From there, I have worked for associations and medical education companies, adding skills along the way.
In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing challenges or opportunities facing healthcare education today, particularly for younger professionals like yourself?
PK: I have seen the industry become more competitive, with ever-increasing standards for educational design and outcomes. While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity for younger professionals to provide a fresh perspective. Medical education providers are looking to integrate the latest technologies, stay ahead of trends and apply creative solutions when designing medical education and conveying the impact of our initiatives. The challenge for younger professionals is finding an organization that is open to their feedback and creates a safe space for innovation.
LR: Today, healthcare education encounters the pivotal challenge of continually elevating learning experiences while effectively demonstrating their impact. Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity for professionals. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and finding innovative approaches to data storytelling, we can enhance the educational journey.
KO: One of the biggest challenges and opportunities we face is embracing change. I clearly remember my first day in CPD. I remember clutching my notes and turning to the person next to me, saying, "Help! What do all these letters mean?" Instead of retreating to the safety of HR terminology, I chose to dive headfirst into the unknown, embracing the change and challenge.
Over time, I learned to decipher the acronyms and jargon, and today, I chuckle at that version of myself, timid with my notebook and unaware of the leadership journey ahead. It's crucial that we view these changes as opportunities rather than challenges. Change presents the chance to learn and adapt. With new technologies and evolving healthcare models on the horizon, we must equip ourselves with the tools to face them head-on, and there's no better place to find those tools than within our community.
WF: The integration of technology in healthcare education, adapting to evolving healthcare systems and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration are key challenges for younger professionals. These ever-evolving areas demand enhanced scientific and data skills. The phrase “start with the end in mind” has never been more relevant but often gets overlooked with the speed many organizations are trying to maintain.
As a young leader in healthcare education, what advice would you give to other aspiring professionals who are just starting out in this field?
PK: Be hungry and don’t be patient. Learn as much as you can about the field and meet as many folks as you can along the way. There are ample opportunities in our field where industry knowledge can become your key differentiator. I have found that doors open as you develop a deeper understanding of how the different areas of CPD come together like a puzzle and how different stakeholders in medical education can collaborate to create impact.
Networking is also key in our field. You are almost guaranteed to cross paths with at least one person you meet at an industry event. Networking has led me to many opportunities for advancement and collaboration. It’s also wonderful to have the support of industry colleagues when you are navigating challenges in your role or looking for advice on a specific project.
LR: For those starting out in the healthcare education field, my advice is to actively engage with a professional organization. I have been a volunteer for the Colorado Alliance for Continuing Medical Education (CACME) for over five years now. This involvement has allowed me to develop a valuable network of peers and enhance my professional skills.
KO: To my fellow aspiring CPD professionals: don’t run, embrace! Starting can be intimidating, but trust me, it's the beginning of an adventure and a journey you won't regret. Networking and seeking out mentors are important steps in this adventure. I like to call them my CPD besties; no one else in your life will understand what you're going through on a day-to-day basis like your CPD bestie. Together, you can combat any struggle you encounter and maybe even write an article about it in the Almanac!
The keynote address at Alliance 2024 Annual Conference left a lasting impression on me, underscoring the importance of mentors in all aspects of life. On those difficult days — and there may be a few — stay passionate about the impact you can make in improving healthcare outcomes for patients through continuing professional development.
WF: Healthcare education isn’t a field discussed in career counseling, so the learning curve can be steep for anyone new to the industry. You have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace lifelong learning. Stay up to date with the latest research, advancements and best practices. Seek mentorship. There are many fantastic mentors in the healthcare education community ready to provide support and valuable insights from their own experiences.
Lastly, how do you plan to leverage this recognition as a CPD Forty Under 40 recipient to further your career goals and make a positive impact in healthcare education?
PK: I hope to continue collaborating with colleagues on interesting and meaningful projects within the industry. I led the Women in CPD panel at the Alliance conference this year, which was a wonderful experience for the panelists and the attendees. The feedback and follow-up conversations from this session have been exciting! I hope to continue this work to empower women in the field.
I am grateful to have contributed, and in some ways championed, a few initiatives in healthcare that have had a wide reach and impact, particularly in the GI space. Seeing your work change how clinicians manage a disease or interact with patients provides a level of professional fulfillment not many get to experience. I appreciate this recognition for the work I have done in the field thus far. I feel encouraged to keep seeking gaps in healthcare and opportunities to create impact in some way for the clinicians and patients we serve.
LR: Being recognized as a CPD Forty Under 40 recipient is an honor that I intend to leverage by continuing to actively engage in networking opportunities within the healthcare education community and support emerging professionals in the field.
KO: I plan to leverage this recognition by advocating for the voices of other young professionals to be heard. I aim to empower my peers to see challenges as opportunities and to ignite positive change within our field. I will continue to volunteer and actively participate in conferences, ensuring that I contribute to the growth and success of everyone in the Alliance in some way, shape or form. If you don’t know who I am yet, you will very soon!
WF: Being included in the inaugural Forty Under 40 is a significant honor. I will use this to expand my network, amplify my voice, expand my influence and contribute to positive changes in healthcare education.