Dear colleagues,

August 1, 2026, marked my 15th anniversary at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. I feel so fortunate to have reached this milestone — a milestone on an incredible journey I have had the pleasure of taking with you. This milestone prompted me to reflect on where we have been, what we have accomplished together, and where we are headed next.

Reflecting on the Academic Affairs organizational chart that was handed to me on my first day, as well as the goals I envisioned for the office during my first few months, was both nostalgic and inspiring. The Academic Affairs organization represented on that chart looks very different from the one we know today. And we have achieved and traveled far beyond those initial goals I once had, thanks to the terrific work and tremendous contributions of all team members.

In 2011, our Office of Academic Affairs did not include colleagues from our Genetic Counselor, Master of Public Health, Physician Assistant, or Physical Therapy degree programs anywhere on our organizational chart. Some offices, such as student services, were focused only on the medical student experience. An Office for Health Professional Student Research, a Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, and the Paths of Distinction did not exist. In fact, the current spaces we often use, such as the ILC and CTAC, did not exist – that part of the HSLC 3^rd floor – was used by Ebling Library for book storage. The MD ForWard Curriculum was simply a rough sketch of a dream to create an innovative curriculum with longitudinal threads weaving through integrated content.  I’m thankful for the many faculty and staff who brought significant expertise and experience in education and student programming. Together, they shaped several shared dreams into impressive realities. 

Many of the names on that original Academic Affairs organizational chart have since changed, with a handful of individuals still serving in new elevated roles within Academic Affairs. Over the years, our Academic Affairs team has grown significantly with many new members, reflecting both the addition and expansion of our programs as well as our collective unwavering commitment to supporting learners across the health professions continuum – from high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing health professions degrees to faculty and staff engaged in lifelong learning and professional development. 

Through retreats, many engaged workgroups, countless team meetings within and across units, thoughtful partnerships across the state, and collective efforts of so many individuals, we have made truly remarkable progress. Together, we have built programs that promote integration, interprofessional collaboration, innovation, and excellence in health professions education. While there have been substantial programmatic and operational changes over the past fifteen years, one thing has remained constant: the palpable, deep shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of health professionals.

The intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, caring and empathy, steadfast dedication to excellence, and excitement for innovation that define our community continue to impress me. The talent, resilience, and passion that faculty, staff, and learners bring to our school inspires me every day. None of our accomplishments belong to any one individual. They reflect the contributions of faculty, staff, learners, and leaders, both past and present, who have invested their time, expertise, and energy in continuously improving our programs and strengthening our community. I am deeply grateful to everyone past and present who has been part of these transformative efforts.

Reflecting on how far we have come gives me tremendous confidence in and excitement for our future. Through our ongoing Academic Affairs revitalization efforts and the school’s strategic planning initiatives, we are well-positioned to make meaningful advances that will shape the next fifteen years and beyond. Together, we will continue building programs that meet the evolving needs of our learners and prepare them to make extraordinary contributions to the communities they serve.

As I look toward the future, I know that we will continue to evolve to reflect the current times and, importantly, to shape the future. New opportunities will continue to emerge, new challenges will always arise, and new colleagues within and beyond Academic Affairs will join us in this important work.  I am confident that the extraordinary qualities that have defined Academic Affairs throughout the past fifteen years of our journey will remain unchanged.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, your dedication, and your commitment to this shared journey. I am truly grateful for all that we have accomplished together over the years, and I am very excited about the ideas, energy, talents, expertise, and innovation that will continue to shape our future.

With gratitude, On, Wisconsin!

– Elizabeth M. Petty, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs