2024 DEO of the Year Announced
Jennifer Thompson, MD, MPH, MACP, FIDSA, the Associate Chief of Staff for Education at the Orlando VA, received the Karen M. Sanders, MD, Designated Education Officer (DEO) of the Year Award, August 7, 2024.
Jennifer Thompson, MD, MPH, MACP, FIDSA, the Associate Chief of Staff for Education at the Orlando VA, received the Karen M. Sanders, MD, Designated Education Officer (DEO) of the Year Award, August 7, 2024, during the Office of Academic Affiliation’s (OAA) Virtual DEO Conference.
Named for longtime VA Deputy Chief Academic Affiliations Officer Karen M. Sanders, MD, who retired last year following a 42-year VA career, the annual award recognizes a VA medical facility DEO with an outstanding track record in health professions education in such areas as educational administration, curriculum, and affiliate relationships.
Thompson received the award for being an exceptional champion for health professions education and master educator within and outside of VA.
Thompson, a 20-year retired Army colonel, expanded a level-two facility with a few training programs to a network with over 140 affiliation agreements, nine of which are graduate medical education programs.
"Dr. Jennifer Thompson's exceptional leadership and dedication to academic excellence have set a remarkable standard at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Her unwavering commitment to education and relentless pursuit of innovation have significantly enhanced our programs and the quality of care we provide,” said Timothy J. Cooke, OVAHCS Director and CEO. “Despite her numerous achievements, Dr. Thompson remains incredibly humble, always prioritizing the development and success of others. Her focus on nurturing the growth of her colleagues and students embodies the true spirit of our mission. We are profoundly grateful for her contributions and proud to celebrate her as VHA’s Designated Education Officer of the Year."
As an avid supporter of interprofessional training and learning partnerships, Thompson facilitated collaboration on a gastroenterology fellowship, received full accreditation for the podiatry residency from the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, and established the Advanced Fellowship in Healthcare Professionals Education, Evaluation Research (HPEER).
This past year, Thompson facilitated the expansion of the Licensed Mental Health Counseling internship and established new Marriage and Family Therapy and Dietetic internships. Thompson also developed a novel certificate program in Clinical Teaching and Program Administration course for newly minted academic leaders.
In her service as a mentor, Thompson continued to develop and lead the next generation of academic leaders as many of her mentees have advanced into positions of leadership.
Thompson’s influence in advocating for health professions education extends into her membership on the National Academic Affiliations Council Diversity of Healthcare Workforce Subcommittee, which advises VHA leadership on matters affecting relationships between VA and the health professions community.
“We are truly honored to present the Karen M. Sanders, MD, Designated Education Officer of the Year Award to Dr. Thompson, an outstanding clinician educator who challenges us all to be the best teachers for the health professions trainees that train in VA every year,” said OAA’s Chief Academic Affiliations Officer Marjorie A. Bowman, MD, MPA. “Her tireless and innovative efforts are a shining example of the cutting-edge training VA provides to the country’s next generation of health care professionals.”
OAA oversees the Karen M. Sanders DEO of the Year award program as well as the nation’s largest education and training program for health professionals in the U.S. Working in partnership with more than 1,500 academic affiliates, VA trains more than 120,000 health professions trainees in over 60 clinical disciplines each year as they care for Veterans.
