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 Berdale Colorado, DO, MPH is the program director for physical medicine and rehabilitation; an associate professor; vice chair of education; chief of sports and musculoskeletal medicine; and assistant dean for student experience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Dr. Colorado: I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors in my career who have had such a positive impact on me. Seeing the impact that they have made for countless residents and fellows and patients through teaching/education, research, leadership, and patient care inspired me to pursue academic medicine. I hope to “pay it forward.”
ACGME: What does this award mean to you?
Colorado: I am truly honored to receive this award. Teaching and mentorship are my passions. I am so thankful to work with such amazing learners and faculty and staff members.
ACGME: What do you feel is the most important job the program director has?
Colorado: Always striving for continual improvement. There is always something that can be improved within each program. Also, helping learners achieve their goals may look different for each individual. We must explore personalized approaches to meet the needs and interests of each person.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Colorado: Playing a role in a medical student’s, resident’s, or fellow’s journey in medicine during and after their education and training is so rewarding. I love catching up with former residents and fellows and hearing about their life updates and successes.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Colorado: Communication is key to being an effective team. However, strong communication among all learners, faculty and staff members, and leadership, can be a continual challenge.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Colorado: I enjoy the variety and balance that academic medicine can offer. However, everyone’s path and journey in medicine is unique. Which activities give you a sense of fulfillment? If you enjoy a mix of patient care, teaching, research, and/or leadership, then a career in academic medicine may be right for you.
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.