In Conversation Discussion Series

The 'In Conversation' series is a monthly, virtual, discussion panel providing faculty with the opportunity to engage with Dell Med faculty leaders on topics at the intersection of professional skill development and career planning in academic medicine. Discussion topics for AY25-26 include 'Academic Career Exploration and Planning' sessions with 'pillar' mission- research, clinical expertise, and education- leaders sharing insights to support faculty as they build a career trajectory that aligns with their values in academic medicine.

Discussion sessions are designed to provoke discussion and open dialogue. Participants are encouraged to bring questions to each session.

Spring 2026

Date/Time	Discussion Topic	Session Objectives	Panelists
Jan 29 3-4pm *Register*	Academic Career Exploration and Planning: A Discussion Panel with Dell Med Research Leadership	Dell Med leaders share insights and lessons learned from their journeys in academic medicine. In conversation with the session facilitator and participating faculty, leaders will explore key topics such as: Leaders will discuss their career trajectory and pearls of wisdom from their professional journey How faculty can more effectively collaborate with research leaders in their department and across the school to advance their work Recommendations for meaningful research services and development opportunities available to faculty at UT Austin and Dell Med Tips and recommendations for rising investigators looking to grow skills in research, research team leadership, collaboration, and scaling your impact and presence in the field.	Jack Virotsko, PhD, MSCI Bill Matsui, MD Alison Cahill, MD, MSCI Suzannah Creech, PhD
Feb 25 11-12pm *Register*	Managing a Research Team	Dell Med faculty and staff research leaders will share experiences and field questions from the audience related to different aspects of research team management. Topics will include: Best practices for conceptualizing and recruiting your team Assessing your management and communication style Resourcing and motivating your team, how to give thoughtful feedback, and other helpful tips and resources	Kate Sebastian Sue Balcer-Whaley Elizabeth Matsui, MD, MHS Suzannah Creech, PhD Brooke Lasher
Mar 27 1:30-2:30pm *Register*	Academic Career Exploration and Planning: A Discussion Panel with Dell Med Clinical Leadership	Dell Med leaders share insights and lessons learned from their journeys in academic medicine. In conversation with the session facilitator and participating faculty, leaders will explore key topics such as: Leaders will discuss their career trajectory and pearls of wisdom from their professional journey  Tips and insights on how faculty can grow their network and leverage opportunities in their communities -on campus, in the local region/state, professional societies, and beyond- to advance their professional goals?   How have professional mentors, sponsors, and/or peer groups helped you to consider new organizational leadership opportunities along the way to your current role?   What are some important considerations you would like to share with faculty contemplating team leadership or administrative leadership roles at Dell Med?   Recommendations for meaningful service and development opportunities available to faculty at various stages of their career (including resources at Dell Med, UT Austin, professional societies, local specialty organizations or associations, etc.).	Stuart Wolf, MD, FACS Carol Alter, MD Lorie Harper Brandon Altillo, MD, MPH

Date/Time

Discussion Topic

Session Objectives

Panelists

Jan 29

3-4pm

*Register*

Academic Career Exploration and Planning: A Discussion Panel with Dell Med Research Leadership

Dell Med leaders share insights and lessons learned from their journeys in academic medicine.
In conversation with the session facilitator and participating faculty, leaders will explore key topics such as:

Leaders will discuss their career trajectory and pearls of wisdom from their professional journey
How faculty can more effectively collaborate with research leaders in their department and across the school to advance their work
Recommendations for meaningful research services and development opportunities available to faculty at UT Austin and Dell Med
Tips and recommendations for rising investigators looking to grow skills in research, research team leadership, collaboration, and scaling your impact and presence in the field.

Jack Virotsko, PhD, MSCI

Bill Matsui, MD

Alison Cahill, MD, MSCI

Suzannah Creech, PhD

Feb 25

11-12pm

*Register*

Managing a Research Team

Dell Med faculty and staff research leaders will share experiences and field questions from the audience related to different aspects of research team management.

Topics will include:

Best practices for conceptualizing and recruiting your team
Assessing your management and communication style
Resourcing and motivating your team, how to give thoughtful feedback, and other helpful tips and resources

Kate Sebastian

Sue Balcer-Whaley

Elizabeth Matsui, MD, MHS

Suzannah Creech, PhD

Brooke Lasher

Mar 27

1:30-2:30pm

*Register*

Academic Career Exploration and Planning: A Discussion Panel with Dell Med Clinical Leadership

Leaders will discuss their career trajectory and pearls of wisdom from their professional journey 
Tips and insights on how faculty can grow their network and leverage opportunities in their communities -on campus, in the local region/state, professional societies, and beyond- to advance their professional goals?  
How have professional mentors, sponsors, and/or peer groups helped you to consider new organizational leadership opportunities along the way to your current role?  
What are some important considerations you would like to share with faculty contemplating team leadership or administrative leadership roles at Dell Med?  
Recommendations for meaningful service and development opportunities available to faculty at various stages of their career (including resources at Dell Med, UT Austin, professional societies, local specialty organizations or associations, etc.).

Stuart Wolf, MD, FACS

Carol Alter, MD

Lorie Harper

Brandon Altillo, MD, MPH

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In Conversation Discussion Series

Spring 2026