This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2025 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 20-22, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
2025 Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Awardee Dr. Jonathan Crane is the dermatology program director at Campbell University/Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, North Carolina.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Dr. Crane: After practicing for 20 years as a dermatologist, I wanted to create opportunities for medical students to enter the field of dermatology. I worked with Campbell University/Sampson Regional Medical Center to begin a dermatology residency.
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Crane: I very much appreciate the recognition from my peers and residents. I am humbled and honored when people show appreciation.
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job of a program director?
Crane: Setting a positive culture for excellence and inspiring that culture.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Crane: Seeing the residents’ outstanding performance.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Crane: Keeping a positive culture of excellence.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Crane: Helping others through academic medicine is extremely rewarding.
Learn more about the ACGME’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award and nominate a deserving program director for the 2026 Award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.