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 Taji Yazdany, MD is the program director for obstetrics and gynecology and the vice chair of education at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Dr. Yazdany: I have always been driven by a deep desire to help empower others, particularly women and marginalized communities. During my high school and university years, I realized the profound impact sharing knowledge can have on someone’s life and found fulfillment through teaching others. My view of teaching as a powerful tool for creating lasting change, combined with my love for it, led me to pursue a career in academic medicine.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Yazdany: I feel so honored to be recognized for doing work I love, for watching others be challenged, and growing myself in this ever-evolving field of obstetrics and gynecology. It is so rewarding to witness the growth of recognition and leaders in the field of women’s health.
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job the program director has?
Yazdany: As program director, I have prioritized creating a supportive environment where learners can grow, both professionally and personally. With the foundation of knowledge and skill and safety in making mistakes, we are more able to be inquisitive and to achieve excellence in our field.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Yazdany: Last week, one of my fellows was preparing for a difficult procedure for the first time as an attending. The day before, she walked me through the steps she would take to successfully operate, and then performed it perfectly. There is nothing more rewarding than watching my residents, fellows, and patients overcome challenges, knowing I’ve been a small part of their journey.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Yazdany: The dual joy and challenge of teaching is in recognizing that every learner is unique, with different strengths, points for growth, and aspirations. Tailoring support to each resident and fellow, alongside the needs of patients, can be complex. The added importance of preventing burnout in a high-stress environment requires constant attention and adaptability—balancing these responsibilities while maintaining my own energy is a continuous challenge, but also one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Yazdany: If you love to think about important challenges in health, to innovate, and to teach, just do it. Chase your passion in life!
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.