This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2025 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 20-22, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
2025 Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Awardee Janice M. Gleisner is senior program manager for the Carilion Clinic/Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s internal medicine residency program.
ACGME: How did you become involved in academic medicine?
Ms. Gleisner: A friend of mine who was a program coordinator thought my strong organizational skills, love for education, and extreme type-A personality would make me a good fit with GME. I enjoyed being involved in resident and fellow education. Over the years, I’ve been able to grow professionally and contribute to education of GME professionals, which I appreciate more than I can say.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Gleisner: I know so many GME professionals who are so deserving of this award. I am truly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Debra L. Dooley Program Coordinator Excellence Award. This award shows me what can be achieved with a supportive team, faculty, GME department, and family. I would not be where I am today without our GME department's investment in their staff members, but also my husband, who has let me bend his ear for years. I would not be where I am today without the village that has raised me.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of being a coordinator?
Gleisner: Getting to know the faculty members and learners. After working together for years, you become part of a family and feel such pride when you see the residents succeed in their aspirations.
ACGME: What is the most challenging part of being a coordinator?
Gleisner: What is most challenging is also one of my favorite parts! The world of medical education is constantly changing, which can be quite challenging. But I do love a good challenge.
ACGME: What advice do you have for new coordinators who are just starting their careers?
Gleisner: I have two pieces of advice I would like to give: First, we all have bad days. This includes not only us, but faculty members, residents, fellows, and even other GME professionals. When we feel frustration with others, it is important to remember to treat everyone with the same respect and understanding we all want. Second, we all understand and support education. We are constantly investing time and energy into the education and oversight of residents, fellows, and faculty members. But, from a personal and professional perspective, never forget to invest in your own education. Take advantage of all educational opportunities available. Your education is just as important as the education the residents, fellows, and faculty members.
Learn more about the ACGME’s Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award and nominate a deserving coordinator for the 2026 Award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.