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 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Awardee Kellee Oller, MD, FACP is the program director for internal medicine at University of South Florida’s (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Dr. Oller: My journey into medicine and, more specifically, into academic medicine was shaped by my experiences during residency. I found immense fulfillment in my ward rotations, where the collaborative team environment inspired me. I cherished the dynamic process of learning, teaching, and growing together as a cohesive unit during each rotation.
Later as a faculty member, I was drawn to contributing to the growth and development of the program. I took on opportunities to innovate and create—whether it was designing board review study sheets or developing a comprehensive master calendar to organize conference deadlines. These projects gave me the chance to problem solve, find creative solutions, and make a meaningful impact.
When I was graciously given the opportunity to transition into the role of program director, it felt like a natural progression. It allowed me to continue doing what I love: fostering innovation, building teams, and helping others grow while contributing to the evolution of a program that had shaped me as a physician.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Oller: I am deeply honored to receive this award and the opportunities it brings, particularly the chance to attend the Courage to Teach/Lead Retreat in May. It’s a privilege to be part of the USF GME family, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my growth. This recognition not only reflects the incredible team I’m surrounded by, but also underscores the national opportunities to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the field of academic medicine.
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job the program director has?
Oller: A program director wears many hats—educator, counselor, evaluator, event planner, and more. Yet, the overarching purpose of all these roles is to build and shape the future of health care through our residents. The most rewarding part of this role is seeing our graduates enter practice and fellowship, knowing they are well-prepared and compassionate physicians. Each year, I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments and growth, and I would wholeheartedly trust them to care for myself and my family.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Oller: Residency is a pivotal time, but life doesn’t pause for our residents. They may face family crises, health scares, marital challenges, or, in Florida, natural disasters like hurricanes. As program director, my role often extends beyond guiding them through residency-related challenges to helping them navigate life’s hurdles. There are times when I don’t have all the answers, but I embrace the challenge of working together as a residency family to find solutions and provide support. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, both professionally and personally.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Oller: Whether in academic medicine or any other field, my hope is that everyone finds a career that feels like more than just a job—a true calling that excites and fulfills them every day. For me, academic medicine has been an incredible joy. The constant evolution keeps it fresh and inspiring: new team dynamics each month; lessons from the patients we care for; and the excitement of welcoming the next generation of residents to our program. Every day feels like a new adventure, and I can’t imagine a more rewarding path.
Learn more about the ACGME’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award and nominate a deserving program director for the 2026 Award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.