VCU/VCUHS Leadership in Graduate Medical Education “LGME” Award

“Program Coordinator Award”

Residency and fellowship coordinators are a special group. They are the front office and back office of the program. They are often the cement the holds the many parts together and the oil that makes sure everything flows smoothly. They help to oversee the personal well-being of the program’s residents and fellows, attending to details like accreditation paperwork, individual evaluations, call room needs and countless other items. In addition, a coordinator must be attuned to the needs of the program’s director who is usually an exceptionally busy clinician. The success of a program’s recruitment is directly linked to the coordinator’s dedication, flexibility and people skills.

This year’s winner of the LGME Program Coordinator Award is Jennifer Quinney. She has worked for VCU in multiple capacities since 2005. Her many roles include Program Specialist for the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Acute Care Surgical Services, and now – Program Coordinator for the Division of Acute Care Surgical Services in the Department of Surgery.

Ms. Quinney supports the fellowship director, recruiting faculty and fellowship personnel. She provides essential administrative support for multiple events including Lead Project Coordinator for the Annual Rao R. Ivatury Trauma Symposium and is a Steering Committee member for VCU’s Annual Shining Knight Gala.

The letters of recommendation for Jennifer’s candidacy were fervent in their praise of her. Dr. Rahul Anand, Associate Professor of Surgery and Program Director for Surgery Residency writes that “what makes Jennifer an ideal candidate for this award is her drive to constantly improve this program, help others, hold others to high standards, and serve as a resource to our fellows.” He writes often of Ms Quinney’s passion for her role as well as her responsiveness and seamless communication.

Dr. Paula Ferrada, Professor of Surgery, and Director of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, credits Jennifer with helping her bring the struggling VCU fellowship to high standards, making it a highly sought-after training program nationally – and all within two years. Now, over 45 applicants apply for two available training positions. Dr. Ferrada writes that “[Jennifer’s] hard work, savviness and flexibility have been pivotal to making a huge change in our recruitment process . . . the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is one of the best in the nation. I know this recognitionwould not have been possible without Jennifer’s passion and dedication.” Jennifer’s ability to juggle multiple priorities is key to her success and her admirers say they have never seen her overwhelmed. Dr. Ferrada’s final paragraph in her nomination letter says it all:

“. . . it is rare that you see a 180 degree change in an educational program from not being able to match to being one of the more sought after fellowships. I believe Jennifer has made a huge difference in this change in recruitment, retention, curriculum building and overall support to the fellows and to the program.”

Congratulations to Jennifer Quinney – this year’s winner of the LCME Program Coordinator Award!