The Power of Yes, the Wisdom of No: Seizing Opportunity in Academic Medicine Without Losing Yourself

Thursday, February 19, 2026

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM AST

Location: 203

Course Director(s)

Aaron J. Yang, MD

Associate Professor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Speaker(s)

Prakash Jayabalan, MD, PhD

Physician Scientist Director, Strength and Endurance Lab
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab/Northwestern University
Eric Wisotzky, MD FAAPMR (he/him/his)

Chief Medical Officer
MedStar National Rehabilitation Network
Sandra Hearn, MD

Associate Professor
University of Michigan
Erika L. Trovato, DO, MS (she/her/hers)

Chief Quality Officer, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Brain Injury Medicine Attending Physician
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
Victoria C. Whitehair, MD

Associate Professor, Vice Chair PM&R
MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute
Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD

UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Kristin A. Wong, MD (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor, Associate Program Director
The University of Texas at Austin
Kirk Lercher, MD

Clinical Associate Professor, Director Outpatient TBI Services
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

Brief Session Description : This session helps early- and mid-career medical professionals navigate academic growth while maintaining personal well-being. Centered on the theme of opportunity, it explores how to decide when to say yes to leadership and growth—and when to say no to protect focus, family, and self. Nine accomplished panelists will share key moments from their careers, then lead small-group discussions to help attendees reflect on their own paths. Participants will leave with practical tools, decision-making frameworks, and greater clarity on how to align their goals with their values while sustaining professional momentum and personal balance.