The Health Science Center welcomed Brenda Johnson, M.Ed. recently as the director of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Since her arrival, Johnson has significantly contributed to the advancement of the CME department.
“What better place to pursue my passion for providing optimal educational experiences than here, where our motto is ‘Learning for Life’?” Johnson said.
Johnson explained that as technology rapidly advances, the CME department has learned to adjust to the demands society places on the healthcare community, as well as the demands the healthcare community places on itself. Since Johnson has arrived, the department has reorganized its structure to enhance the technologic capabilities.
“CME is a dynamic and growing educational endeavor,” she said. “In 2005 we are dealing with a society that is highly technology-savvy. We are continuing to increase the number of Internet-based CME activities and our departments are doing a wonderful job of teleconferencing their activities to Laredo, Harlingen and other South Texas locations. I see an opportunity for CME activities to increase in number as well as in modality.”
Before joining the Health Science Center, Johnson served as the director of education at the Society of Nuclear Medicine in Virginia where she launched a successful Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Learning Center. She has also held positions at the American Medical Women’s Association and the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences.
Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and life science from Concordia University; and a Master of Education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from National-Louis University.
“We are very pleased that Brenda has joined us,” said Martha Medrano, M.D., M.P.H., associate dean for continuing medical education. “She has more than 13 years of organizational development and extensive management expertise which make her very qualified for the position. Brenda does not only have an impressive resume, she is a pleasure to work with and a great member of our team.”
Johnson’s position requires her to manage daily operations for all fully managed CME activities. She also oversees the overall CME program for all regularly scheduled conferences and jointly sponsored activities to ensure the program is in full compliance with accreditation standards.
“I’m thankful to those who provide foundation on which we can build a dynamic and innovative CME Program. I’m proud of the dedication of the Health Science Center faculty and staff. Knowing that an attendee has walked away from a CME activity with increased knowledge on how to manage a challenging case provides me a true sense of satisfaction and fulfillment,” Johnson said.
