The Fine Family of Academy Educators held a ceremony in September to honor its latest inductees, including Eric J. Werner, MD.
Established in 2019 by the Fine family and community supporters, the Fine Family Academy of Educators is part of the Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. The Academy recognizes and advances excellence in health professions education. Among the Academy’s goals, it aims to foster “faculty development, educational innovation, scholarship, educational leadership, and mentorship while cultivating a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the art and science of teaching.”
As a member of the Academy, educators are part of a community that allows them to collaborate and learn from different perspectives through regular gatherings.
While several other medical schools have created similar programs, the number is limited, resulting in the Fine Family Academy of Educators attracting educators to the school, says Karen Fine, a member of the EVMS Foundation Board of Directors.
Werner has been a member of the Department of Pediatrics faculty since 1987. A pediatric hematology/oncology physician, he practiced clinical medicine for more than 40 years and now serves as vice chair for faculty affairs in the Department of Pediatrics and as chief medical quality and wellness officer for Children’s Specialty Group.
“I’m honored to be included in the Academy,” says Werner. “The concept of the Fine Family Academy is wise – to advance the understanding of how to better educate people in the healthcare fields.”
Members of the Fine family, including Morris Fine, Barbara and Andrew Fine, Karen and Matt Fine, Diane and Jeffery Fine, Jane and Rob Fine, and Mike Fine attended the event.
At the ceremony, each member was presented with a stole embroidered with the Academy’s emblem, which features a leaf, symbolizing growth, knowledge, transformation, and renewal. The letter F is woven into the leaf, honoring the Fine family. The stole may be worn with formal academic regalia. A commemorative lapel pin was also presented to each new inductee. Karen Fine participated in the presentations.
A reception followed the ceremony.
