PECP graduates eighth cohort


By Roman Petrowski, Office of Communications

2024 PECP Graduation

The Physician Educator Certificate Program celebrated the graduation of its eighth cohort in May. This milestone included 33 residents from 11 residency programs at McGovern Medical School and 18 residents from 13 residency programs at Houston Methodist.

To date, the PECP has produced 403 educators.

In a new collaboration for the 2023-24 cohort, the PECP was jointly offered to McGovern Medical School and Houston Methodist. Trainees from both institutions had the unique opportunity to participate in a single cohort, benefiting from faculty educators representing each institution. This collaboration fostered connections among trainees with the Texas Medical Center, allowing them to learn from one another.

The PECP, an 8-month program established in 2016, aims to equip future medical educators with effective teaching skills, preparing them for successful academic careers. Peggy Hsieh, MEd, PhD, associate professor in the Office of Educational Programs and assistant dean for Educator Development, spearheaded the program with support from Mark Hormann, MD, vice dean in the Office of Educational Program, and Pamela Promecene, MD, professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, and associate dean and DIO for the Office of Graduate Medical Education.

Hsieh emphasized the dedication of the educators and learners who willingly invested their weeks, weekends, and personal time to enhance their teaching abilities.

“Teaching, fueled by passion, leads to joy,” Hsieh said. “I hope that PECP graduates will always find joy in their teaching careers.”

Acknowledging the crucial role of supportive individuals, Hsieh thanked the program’s directors for encouraging graduates to embark on this transformative journey.

“Many PECP alumni have secured faculty positions at McGovern Medical School and other institutions,” Hsieh said. “Additionally, some graduates have assumed administrative leadership roles, including program directors.”

The ninth PECP cohort is scheduled to begin in September 2024, with application deadlines in August.