HEALS Academy
An Academy of Health-professions Educators Advancing Learning and Scholarship
HEALS Academy Mission
The Academy serves as an enterprise-wide hub that develops, supports, and celebrates health professions/sciences teaching & the educators, scholars, learners, & learner-supporting staff in the learning environment.
HEALS Academy Pillars
Three Pillars. Multiple Pathways. One shared commitment to advancing learning and scholarship.
Recognition
Honoring excellence and impact.
Awards
Growth
Professional skills development and leadership.
Staff Mentoring and Development
Clinical Preceptor
Innovation
Advancing new ideas.
Streams of Excellence/Teaching
Spotlight on the Numbers
Planning launched with the support of Rutgers Health Leadership in September 2026. A huge thank you to the members of the Leadership Council on Teaching Excellence for their dedication formulating and planning the launch of the HEALS Academy.
Events and Announcements
Learn more about the opportunities to engage within the HEALS Academy through in-person and virtual events by visiting our Events page.
Membership Spotlight
Christin Traba, MD
- Executive Associate Dean for Education
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics
- New Jersey Medical School
- What brings Dr. Traba joy in her career? “As a physician, the patients are at the center of our work. As a medical educator, students are also at the center of our work. Putting the two together, I have the privilege of watching students grow into amazing physicians, future leaders, and physician scientists who will shape the future of medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Joy is embedded within the relationships built, watching students and mentees succeed in all aspects of life.”
Tracy Louisse S. Chacon
- Director of Enrollment Services
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
- What brings Tracy joy in her work? “What brings me the most joy in my work is seeing the impact it has on others. While much of what I do happens behind the scenes, I’m motivated by knowing that the work contributes to someone’s growth, success, or achievement of a goal. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks, deadlines, and problem-solving, but the moments that remind me there are real people on the other side of the work are what keep me going. Seeing others succeed, overcome challenges, and reach important milestones gives purpose to what I do and serves as a constant reminder of why the work matters. That sense of making a difference, even in small ways, is what continues to drive and motivate me.”
