GIA Member Spotlight

Ann V. Arthur, MD (she/her/hers)
Director of Alumni Engagement
Yale School of Medicine

We caught up with Ann Arthur to discover more about her, what she’s up to, and what we can learn from her.

Briefly describe your current role.
In my current role, I develop and design programs in close collaboration with a diverse array of stakeholders to ensure that alumni remain connected to one another and to the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). We focus on programs that are joyful, accessible, sustainable, and impactful. They are tailored to support alumni in furthering their medical careers while also enhancing the reputation of YSM.

Additionally, I work strategically with alumni leaders to formulate engagement initiatives that involve students, residents, and fellows from the moment they are admitted. Our goal is to foster meaningful and enduring relationships from the time a student is admitted to well beyond graduation, thereby strengthening their ongoing connection and commitment to YSM. Through these efforts, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and create a robust network that continually supports the professional growth and development of all members of the YSM community.

Briefly describe your career journey and what led you to institutional advancement in academic medicine.
I spent over 28 years in a solo private medical practice in Brooklyn, NY—a very fulfilling role that allowed me to directly impact the health and well-being of my community. As a physician-mom, I concurrently developed a deep passion for collective advocacy in public K-12 education in New York City. My journey in educational spaces began with my service as the Parent Association President at our local elementary school and later expanded when I took on the role of co-chair for the Diversity and Parent Engagement Committee at Brooklyn Technical High School—the largest high school in the United States.

At Brooklyn Technical High School, I (with a team of volunteers) designed and implemented innovative programs for an extraordinarily diverse community of 6,000 students and 12,000 caregivers—all on a $10,000 budget. These initiatives were crucial in bridging gaps and creating a cohesive and supportive environment for all students and their families.

One day, I came across a brief article in our alumni newsletter regarding a new position in alumni affairs. The position was part-time and specifically seeking a Yale MD alum. Although I had not been seeking new employment, the opportunity intrigued me. I was compelled to explore this new avenue and decided to give it a try for a year, with the comforting thought that I could always return to my medical practice if it did not suit me. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career, combining my medical expertise with my passion for education, equity, and community engagement.

What achievement in your current job are you proud of?
One of the achievements I am most proud of during my first year at Yale was the successful piloting of an innovative prospective student calling campaign. This initiative involved recruiting 100 dedicated alumni to personally call every admitted medical student. The goal was to create a meaningful connection between alumni and prospective students, highlighting the strengths of the Yale system of medical education (which eschews grades and tests) and fostering a sense of community from the outset.

This project was particularly significant because it stemmed from discussions with the dean during my interview. Bringing it to life has been deeply rewarding, as it aligns with both my professional aspirations and the institution's mission. The campaign not only saw high levels of engagement from our alumni, who relished the opportunity to connect with the next generation of physician-leaders, but it also had a tangible impact on prospective students’ interest in Yale and our matriculation rates.

This initiative showcased the power of personal connection and the invaluable role alumni can play in the admissions process. It demonstrated that our alumni network is not just a passive resource, but an active and vibrant community eager to support and guide future students—and that the alumni community starts on day one.

The successful execution and positive outcomes of the campaign were the results of meticulous planning, coordination across various departments, and enthusiastic participation of our staff and dedicated alumni. We are big believers in the growth mindset at Yale and embraced training of alumni participants and continuous feedback to refine the process. This achievement has not only advanced our institutional goals but underscores the importance of innovation, teamwork, and the lasting impact of personal engagement.

What is a challenge that you/your unit/your institution are/is facing and how are you addressing it?
I think the current political climate presents significant challenges as well as substantial opportunities for our institution. We are actively engaging in meaningful conversations centered around our values, embracing discomfort, building resilience, and fostering resourcefulness within our community. Our commitment is to bolster the strength and unity of our community, ensuring that we not only endure but thrive.

What was a mistake you made and how did you learn from it?
During my first few weeks at Yale, I was asked to attend an innovation event. In retrospect, the nature of the event was not clearly delineated as part of my new role or specifically as an alumni engagement event. I made assumptions about its purpose and my involvement, believing it would be an excellent opportunity for outreach—without first clearing it with all my managers and colleagues.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. Firstly, I learned the importance of seeking clarity and guidance, particularly in a new role where boundaries and expectations are not yet well defined. It is crucial to ask questions and discuss situations. Open communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures alignment with the organization's goals and priorities.

Secondly, this situation highlighted the value of giving myself grace. Mistakes are an inevitable part of any learning process. Understanding that no one is perfect allows for self-compassion and encourages a growth mindset. Every mistake, no matter how minor it is, is an invaluable opportunity to learn and improve.

Furthermore, I now make it a point to discuss any speaking invitations I receive—prior to accepting. This practice not only aids in my own professional development but also benefits colleagues who might face similar challenges.

The mistake I made underscored the importance of clear communication, self-compassion, and proactive learning. These lessons have since shaped my approach to professional endeavors, ensuring that I contribute thoughtfully and effectively to my institution while continuing to grow and develop in my role.

What innovation or trend in the field inspires or motivates you?
A trend that deeply inspires and motivates me in the field of alumni affairs is the burgeoning role of inclusive engagement. This approach goes beyond traditional event planning and networking, aiming to create meaningful and accessible opportunities for alumni from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, family circumstances, and marginalized communities.

What excites me most about inclusive engagement is its transformative potential. By leveraging our existing events—reunions, resident appreciation days, lectureships, and Second Look weekend—we can intentionally design experiences that resonate with a broader spectrum of our alumni community. This includes ensuring our events are welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or current life situation.

To achieve this, we focus on several key strategies:

Inclusivity in Programming: We actively seek to understand the unique needs and preferences of different alumni groups. This involves engaging in conversations with representatives from various communities to co-create event agendas that reflect their interests and concerns. Our goal is to ensure that all alumni feel seen, heard, and valued.

Flexible and Accessible Formats: Adapting our event formats to be more inclusive is crucial. This could mean offering virtual options for those who cannot attend in person, providing childcare services during events, or scheduling activities at various times to accommodate different time zones and personal commitments.

Diverse Representation: Showcasing the diversity of our alumni body through speakers, panelists, and honorees is essential. Representation matters and seeing alumni who share similar experiences and backgrounds can inspire others and foster a sense of belonging.

Community Building Initiatives: We are committed to creating more opportunities for alumni to connect in smaller, intimate settings. This allows for deeper conversations and stronger bonds to form, particularly for those who may feel overlooked in larger gatherings.

Meeting Alumni Where They Are: Specialty meetings (e.g., American Psychiatric Association), The National Medical Association (NMA) Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, the AAMC Learn Serve Lead annual meeting

Continuous Feedback and Improvement: Inclusivity requires ongoing effort and responsiveness. We actively seek feedback from participants to learn what works and what can be improved. This iterative approach ensures that our engagement strategies evolve to meet the changing needs of our alumni community.

The shift towards inclusive engagement is not just about expanding our reach but about deepening our connections. It challenges us to rethink traditional models of alumni relations and to innovate in ways that truly reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of our alumni community. This trend empowers us to build a more inclusive and supportive network that uplifts all members, celebrating their unique contributions and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

What is the best career advice you were given and how have you used it?
The best career advice I have ever received is to show up. Take up space. Be you. In the realm of institutional advancement, authenticity is highly valued. I have come to realize that my presence in this role holds significant meaning for many people. As a child of immigrants, a former first gen student, and a Black woman, I deeply understand the importance of representation—knowing that “you can’t be what you don’t see.”

In addition, I experienced considerable unhappiness as a medical student, so I have a soft spot for alumni who had a difficult experience or feel disconnected from YSM. Reconnecting with my mentors, professors, and former classmates has been incredibly rewarding. This role has offered me the unique opportunity to craft a fulfilling and joyful final chapter of my Yale experience, writing my story with a positive and (hopefully) inspiring conclusion.

What advice do you have for other institutional advancement professionals in academic medicine?
Cultivate the practice of active and empathetic listening. This involves really hearing and understanding the needs, concerns, and aspirations of your students, alumni, colleagues, donors, partners, and the wider community. Building genuine relationships anchored in trust and respect is essential for long-term success. And remember, one can disagree and not be disagreeable.

Maintaining an open and adaptable mindset is crucial. The landscape of academic medicine is continually evolving with new research, technological advancements, and shifting societal needs. Being open to new ideas, approaches, and opportunities will allow you to stay ahead of trends and effectively support your institution's mission.

Last but not least, prioritize your own well-being. I like to call it radical self-love. Taking care of your mental, spiritual, and physical health is not just beneficial for you personally, but it also empowers those around you.

Previous Member Spotlights

We want to shine the light on you! If you want to connect with others, share stories, and highlight best practices by being featured in the Member Spotlight, please contact gia@aamc.org for submission guidelines.