Featured on Mapping Ties: Stories of Togetherness at Work Podcast
Beth West, EdD“How Communities of Practice Transform Healthcare Education”
As Executive Director of the Patricia A. Tietjen MD Teaching Academy, Beth West, EdD, plays a central role in shaping clinician‑educator development and fostering collaborative learning across Nuvance Health—now Northwell Health. Her work continues to guide how educators connect, grow, and support one another throughout the system.
Beth recently joined podcast host Anamaria Dorgo on the Mapping Ties: Stories of Togetherness at Work podcast, where she shared the story of the Patricia A. Tietjen MD Teaching Academy and its hands-on, structured journey that culminates in the annual Academic Symposium—a celebration of learning, growth, and educators coming together as a true community of practice.
When Dorgo asked, what a year as a Teaching Academy Fellow look like, West described the journey as:
“The Teaching Academy Fellowship is more than a program—it’s a community of practice designed to elevate healthcare education through collaboration, mentorship, and scholarship.
A typical Academic Year with the teaching academy looks like:
🚀 Kickoff & Orientation Scholars begin with a dynamic launch, setting goals and expectations that frame their journey ahead.
📚 Monthly Workshops Held both virtually and in person, these sessions offer hands-on skill-building led by expert guest speakers.
🤝 Mentorship & Community of Practice Each scholar receives personalized guidance, contributing to a shared culture of preparedness and professional growth.
📝 Scholarly Projects Scholars develop individual research and writing projects with ongoing feedback, fostering academic excellence.
🌐 Network Building Through intentional community-building, scholars connect, share, and learn alongside peers across disciplines.
🎤 Academic Symposium Finale The journey culminates in a celebratory symposium where scholars present their work and reflect on their growth.
By the end, scholars emerge not only with sharpened skills, but as empowered educators who strengthen the Teaching Academy’s mission and the broader healthcare education landscape.
