Kimberly Butler is the program manager for the Pediatric Residency Program. She has been in that role for 12 years and she handles several administrative responsibilities for the program. One of the main responsibilities Kim handles is working to maintain accreditation of the program by overseeing all administrative requirements and guidelines for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the Board of Pediatrics. Recruitment of new residents is another major task that Kim plays an integral role in for the program. She also handles planning the many events the programs hosts over the academic year. These are just a highlight of the many things Kim does for the program to make it the success that it is. “I enjoy helping residents navigate the administrative side of residency. It’s very cool to watch them grow from new residents to graduates,” said Kim, when asked what she enjoys most about her role. What is the one piece of advice she has for her fellow GME professionals? “Always ask questions! No matter how long you are in GME, you will learn something new every day,” says Kim.

Tracy Downey is currently the program coordinator for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Sleep Medicine Fellowship Programs and the longest serving program coordinator having been a coordinator for 18 years. For 17 of those years, Tracy worked as a program coordinator and an office manager. During this time, she coordinated for the Pediatric Allergy and Rheumatology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Programs. Last year, she was given the opportunity to work solely with the fellowship programs. “That was the best move I have ever made,” said Tracy. In her role as program coordinator, Tracy maintains program files and records, including trainee information, and oversees the maintenance of program databases and web sites. She assists the program director with operational activities and maintains the educational quality of the training programs to ensure compliance with ACGME accreditation standards and UAB GME regulations. Additionally, she helps with document preparation and review, evaluation management, database updates, verification, recruitment and onboarding. “My passion is working with fellowship programs,” said Tracy. “I enjoy working with the fellows and watching them excel in their role of becoming great physicians in their subspecialties.” Her advice for fellow GME professionals? “You should stay organized and be detail oriented. Meet regularly with your program directors. Communicate often with your fellows. Most of all, you should enjoy your role as coordinator. Be happy!”

Brandy Embry is the program coordinator for the Adolescent Medicine Fellowship Program, Allergy/Immunology Fellowship Program, and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program. She
just celebrated her one year in her role on August 8th. In her role as program coordinator, Brandy provides administrative support to program directors and fellows, by ensuring program compliance with the ACGME. She implements and administers day to day activities of clinical fellowship rotations, and organizes annual recruitment efforts by following all policies, procedures and deadlines. When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Brandy said, “I enjoy problem solving, and the busy environment. The days go by pretty quick, as there is always something with a deadline.” Her one piece of advice for fellow GME professionals was, “Organization is key! Coordinators have a lot to manage, and it’s all important. Determine your daily priorities, accomplish what is necessary without wasting time and effort – to make the best use of your day!”