Foundational Science Educator, AWSOM

Job Summary

The Alice Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is seeking experienced, motivated, and dedicated anatomy educators to participate in the design and delivery of an innovative four-year medical school curriculum (ARCHES). Founded in 2021 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the School of Medicine will offer a four-year, medical degree (MD)-granting program that integrates conventional medicine with holistic principles and self-care practices.

The first-of-its-kind medical school will help students rise to the health challenges of the 21st century with a focus on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. To achieve this, we seek individuals who will embrace innovative curricular and instructional approaches to engage medical students in active and novel learning. The School of Medicine will be a national medical school and is currently seeking programmatic and institutional accreditation. Currently in the design development phase, construction of the 154,000 square-foot medical education building will begin in spring 2023 in Bentonville, Arkansas, with the goal of completing in time to welcome the first students in fall 2025.

AWSOM seeks to reimagine medical education in America by creating a cadre of medical professionals trained in conventional medicine and whole health, an approach to health that empowers individuals to actively optimize their own mental, physical, and spiritual health and well-being in collaboration with an integrated team of health care providers. Reflecting this perspective, we seek faculty who will actively participate in cultivating an inclusive and supportive climate for all stakeholders (i.e., students, staff, faculty, patients and community members). We are building a healthcare learning and delivery environment in which diversity of professional and personal backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and perspectives are valued; where differences lead to learning opportunities and enhanced strengths. Thus, we seek candidates who contribute to diversity in all its forms, and who are committed to our goal of facilitating optimal health for all using a whole health approach.

Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is a stand-alone, sister entity to Whole Health Institute.

Faculty members will contribute to the development and rollout of the ARCHES curriculum, which is built on evidence-based approaches to teaching and includes the following six core elements:

• Art of Healing
• Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
• Clinical Care
• Health Systems Sciences
• Embracing Whole Health
• Science of Medicine

All six areas of the curriculum will be woven together into teaching on a daily basis and throughout the four-year curriculum. Foundational Sciences Educators will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to ensure students have a relevant and broad-based training experience. Foundational sciences elements will be interwoven throughout all four years, and innovative approaches to teaching will be encouraged.

Faculty with expertise in one or more of the following are encouraged to apply:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Cellular and/or Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

The position is open at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor level within the non-tenure track, depending on experience and qualifications. While AWSOM does not have a tenure track, we are building a school that will facilitate exceptional professional development opportunities for our faculty.

Major Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Curriculum Development. Faculty will oversee the integration of all content tied to their discipline, including the development of patient narratives and various assessment tools to assess medical students, including, but not limited to, NBME-style multiple-choice questions and assessment of student performance in active learning sessions.

• Teaching. Faculty will develop and deliver content to learners through active learning methodologies. Faculty will create, deliver, and pre-record content that can be used in flipped classroom preparatory activities. They will also facilitate small and large group active learning sessions.

• Student Evaluation. Faculty will create learning objectives, map them to the curriculum. They will ensure that students meet them through appropriate metrics and assessment methods.

• Service. Faculty will be involved in various activities within AWSOM, including but not limited to participation in the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Senate.

• Professional Development. Faculty will participate in professional development programs to enhance teaching and educational skills.

• Other. Other duties as assigned.

Contingencies

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. AWSOM requires all employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, subject to accommodations. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum Education

• MD, DO, PhD, or MD/PhD in one or more foundational science disciplines such as anatomy, biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, or physiology.

Preferred Education

• Additional training/certification specific to areas of scientific research

Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience with undergraduate medical education in an LCME accredited medical school
• Proven accomplishments in research and scholarly activity
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in medical education, including curriculum development and delivery in the basic sciences
• Ability to apply adult learning theory
• Exemplary written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively mentor individuals
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to recognize key stakeholders and advocates of innovation. Ability to establish credibility
• Commitment to meet and maintain faculty development requirements related to educational role(s)
• Proven success as an energetic team worker
• Comfort working in an environment where self-directed learning is expected
• Creativity and open-mindedness around exploring new teaching approaches, topic areas, and opportunities for professional growth

Preferred Work Experience and Qualifications

• Experience with the design, delivery, and evaluation of an integrated foundational science course
• Comfort with an array of educational technologies and active learning methodologies
• Strong commitment to self-care

Required Licensure, Certification, Registration or Designation

• None