Matthew Holley, PhD, assistant professor of clinical family medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, has been named associate director for the Academy of Teaching Scholars, with a focus on inclusive teaching practices.
The academy is designed to help IU School of Medicine faculty build and share their skills as educators. In addition, the program encourages members to become educational leaders and facilitators of positive change.
In his new role, Holley will work with Medical Student Education and Faculty Affairs, Professional Development, and Diversity to build an infrastructure that integrates inclusive practices into all aspects of teaching and learning. He believes this work will change the culture of the community, creating a better outcome for faculty students and the patients they serve.
"By creating more resources to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in classrooms, labs and clinical learning spaces, we have the opportunity to create systemic change within IU School of Medicine. This work is about making space for all members of our community. It's an opportunity to elevate the voices of our learners and build collaborations between students and faculty," Holley said.
In addition to his other roles at IU School of Medicine, Holley serves as statewide course director for Foundations of Clinical Practice (FCP) Year One. His primary research and service interests include innovations in clinical skills teaching, integrating the social determinants of health and community engagement, and inclusive health care practice for LGBTQ+ patients and providers.
"What I love about teaching and faculty development is the chance to be creative and innovative. I perceive myself as a bit of a risk-taker in tackling challenging topics within medical education and seeking out new pedagogical approaches that help create a learner-centered environment," Holley said. "As such, this opportunity to influence the IU School of Medicine community as the associate director for the Academy of Teaching Scholars is incredibly personal for me."
His work and commitment to teaching have earned him the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award and the IUPUI Chancellor's Diversity Scholar Award. Holley engages in the campus community through service on several committees including the IU School of Medicine Diversity Council and the IUPUI LGBTQ+ Faculty Staff Council. His work in the Indianapolis community includes serving on the boards for IndyPride, the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking, and the IU Foundation Queer Philanthropy Circle.
"I am excited to continue the work already begun by others here at Indiana University to ensure that not only our students graduate with an understanding of equitable health care, but also that our faculty know how to, and feel comfortable with, engaging their learners on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion," said Holley of his new role.
