Our association is a robust and diverse set of educators, researchers and medical professionals that come from all walks of life and from around the globe. Each month a member is chosen to highlight their academic and professional career and see how they are making the best of their membership in GRIPE. This month’s Featured Member is Program Committee Member, leader of Trainee Involvement and GRIPE Vice President, Dr. Osvaldo Padilla.

Osvaldo Padilla, MD, MPH
Vice President, GRIPE
Associate Professor of Hematopathology
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – El Paso

You’ve been a member of the Program Committee as well as the Executive committee for several years. What has been your impression of the GRIPE annual program in year’s past?
I have enjoyed interacting with my colleagues in a small group setting, which lends itself to a more close-knit group, as opposed to a big meeting where you can easily get lost in the crowd. As a small organization, individuals have the opportunity to participate and have a big impact on our organization, since we are always looking for volunteers with persistence and enthusiasm. 

The annual meeting back in January rolled out several new highlights, including a trainee poster session, workshops, roundtables and an impromptu trainee oral session. What was your involvement in these new features? 
My involvement encompasses getting better communication between medical educators and trainees through dialogues, posters, workshops, etc. In my opinion, feedback between both parties lends itself to better understanding and communication between both groups. I also feel that it is an opportunity for trainees to get exposure to pathology medical education, as a career, as well as offer them workshops that they may benefit from. I was impressed with the number of students who were able to come to New Orleans in January. It was very useful to get their input at the roundtable discussions since this type of face to face dialogue is not always frequent. 

What can we look forward as far as trainee involvement in 2020?
Ideally, I’d like to increase attendance at our conference by making it more interactive with trainees. I think we often underestimate their potential contributions to our organization and their ability to teach in being better medical educators. They are very eager to get involved and take greater responsibility for their education, as seen by their involvement in this past conference. I think more interactions between educators and students would prove extremely valuable for both parties.

What is it about the annual meetings that are a draw for you as a GRIPE member?
Definitely, the interactions with my colleagues and the potential to learn from their teaching methods. I also enjoy the niche of medical educators that we have, but in addition, meeting new individuals, participating for the first time.

Want to find out more information about what happened at the 2019 meeting, or interested in attending the 2020 meeting? Visit www.gripemeeting.org for more information!