The Lewis Katz School of Medicine brought bold, exciting energy to the 2024 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, held from November 9-13. Katz’s presence showcased the school’s commitment to advancing academic medicine and building a more inclusive, equitable future for healthcare. Atlanta provided a tremendous opportunity to amplify the power of Temple medicine through conference participation, session presentations, alumni engagement, and prospective student recruitment.
Several members of the Katz community attended, and through a blend of dynamic workshops, influential panels, and community gatherings, Katz leveraged this national stage to inspire a new generation of changemakers, celebrate its legacy of resilience, and shape the future of healthcare.
A Hands-On Approach: Diversifying Medicine at the AAMC Career Fair
One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the school’s participation in the AAMC’s "Diversifying the Next Generation of Doctors: Career Fair and Workshops." At the center of this effort, the Katz booth became a bustling hub of curiosity, engagement, and inspiration. Prospective pre-med students—many from underrepresented backgrounds—were welcomed to engage with interactive demonstrations designed to make complex scientific concepts approachable and exciting. Abiona Berkeley, MD, JD, Senior Associate Dean, Office of Health Equity Diversity and Inclusion (OHEDI) and Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, led "Apples and Anesthesia," using familiar objects to demystify the world of anesthesia and offer a tactile glimpse into a future career in medicine. She coached visitors through their first attempt to place an epidural…in apples. Meanwhile, Ana Gamero, PhD, Associate Professor of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry and Faculty Scholar for OHEDI, offered "Fruits with a Side of DNA" and captivated attendees as they extracted DNA from strawberries, showcasing the power and accessibility of scientific discovery. Jay Ufberg, MD, Associate Dean for Admissions, and Maria Zimmerman, Admissions Director, provided insight on the school’s mission-driven education and next steps in the application process.
These experiences embodied Katz’s belief that academic medicine must be inclusive, interactive, and rooted in real-world impact. The high school and college students in attendance were inspired not only to imagine themselves in white coats but also to understand that a medical career—filled with purpose and possibility—is within their grasp. Katz invited future health professionals to see themselves at the heart of transformative medicine, supported by an institution committed to their success.
"One of the most rewarding parts of the career fair is working alongside colleagues across our departments to present the vast possibilities that a career in medicine offers," said Dr. Ufberg, who also assisted with the interactive workshops. "Together, we can demonstrate not only the depth of opportunities, but also the collaborative spirit and rich education awaiting future students at Katz."
Celebrating Temple Made Medicine: Dean’s Reception for Alumni, Faculty, and Friends
Katz also hosted the Dean’s Reception, bringing together Katz alumni, faculty, and friends in a festive atmosphere that honored the school’s transformative legacy and bold future. Dr. Amy J. Goldberg, the Marjorie Joy Katz Dean, welcomed attendees, and guests mingled, networked, and reflected on their shared journeys through medicine, embodying the tight-knit and resilient spirit that defines Temple Made medicine.
Faculty Thought Leadership
Dr. Ana Gamero participated on a panel focused on diversifying faculty recruitment and highlighted the need to address one of medicine’s most pressing challenges: equity and inclusion within faculty ranks. Dr. Gamero shared strategies and insights from Katz’s own efforts to create a more diverse, inclusive, and supportive academic environment. Her thought leadership reflected Katz’s drive to lead systemic change and foster a culture where educators and researchers from all backgrounds can thrive.
Judith Litvin, PhD, Assistant Dean, Phase 1 and Assistant Professor, Biomedical Education and Data Science, presented a poster entitled, “Use of an OSTE to Train Medical Students to be Peer Tutors.”
The AAMC Annual Meeting marked a new era for engagement at national events, demonstrating and elevating the Lewis Katz School of Medicine as a force for change, innovation, and inclusivity.