Season 5, Episode 6: Celebrating 30 Years of Leadership and Learning in Health Professions with Dr. Tom Aretz

HMI 30th anniversary podcast series

Enriching Perspectives Through Global Collaboration : A conversation with Tom Aretz

 

This episode of the Harvard Macy Institute podcast features Tom Aretz, an icon of the Harvard Macy community. Tom shares some of his remarkable career, from his athletic pursuits as an Olympic swimmer to his distinguished work as a clinician, educator, and leader in health care.

Tom’s passion for medical education shines through as he discusses his early interest in teaching and his interest in curriculum design. He eloquently describes curriculum as the "tangible expression of the soul of an academic institution," reflecting an institution's values, philosophy, and goals. Tom emphasizes the importance of aligning health care education with real-world needs, drawing on his experiences in over 40 countries.

Highlighting innovative workforce solutions, he shares examples of "skills mix" and "task shifting" approaches that have transformed health care delivery around the world. From the vision technicians in India to the collaborative university model in Germany, these examples showcase how academic institutions can adapt to societal needs, empowering a diverse health care workforce. Tom's reflections on his international work underscore the value of learning from global perspectives and building an international network of scholars. He emphasizes the importance of listening, building trust, and avoiding preconceived notions when engaging in cross-cultural collaborations.

Reflecting on his own career, Tom shares both successes and regrets, highlighting the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and maintaining a sense of humor. His deep appreciation for the Harvard Macy Institute shines through, as he describes the transformative impact of the program on his professional and personal life.

Tom's parting words encapsulate the essence of his approach to education: keeping the joy in learning. He eloquently articulates the intrinsic joy of discovery and the human dimension of health care, emphasizing the importance of trust, mutual respect, and caring in the educational process.

Your host for this episode is Victoria Brazil (Educators, ’05, Leaders ’07, Assessment ‘10). Victoria is a professor of emergency medicine at Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine. She hosts the HMI podcast and is co-producer of Simulcast - a podcast about healthcare simulation.