Sam Cullison, MD, GME Physician Leader

Sam Cullison, MD

Current position(s) and title(s)
Medical Director for Family Medicine Education and Residency Director, Swedish Family Medicine Residency, Providence campus

Educational background
BA, Indiana Univerisity; MD, University of Missouri-Columbia; family medicine residency, University of Washington

Special area(s) of clinical/research/educational interest
Education standards (Vice Chair, Residency Review Committee for Family Medicine, AMA nominee); extensive career interest and practice in addiction medicine and treatment of chronic pain disorders

Why are you a program director/DIO/leader in GME?
I have the incredible honor and privilege to play a role in the education of the next generation of physicians

What are the most important issues today in GME?
Moving towards an outcomes-based educational system, successfully implementing work hours standards for all physician trainees, and ensuring adequate rational funding of GME in a resource-poor health system.  

If you only had a minute, what advice would you give to a physician in training?
Never lose sight of our primary goal as physicians, which is to optimally serve the patient's interests

What advice do you have for aspiring GME leaders?
First become skilled clinicians, then pursue formal administrative/managerial/financial education

AMA member since . . .
1977. Shortly thereafter I was appointed a student member of the AMA Council on Rural Health

Personal (family, hobbies)
Married for 35 years to wife, Beth; we have two adult sons pursuing their dreams. I'm an avid runner, traveler, and blues guitar player