Blogs

As you may be aware or may have even attended yourself, over the past year the KNN hosted a virtual series titled Foundations for Flourishing . The four-part series aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the KNN’s four fundamental framework elements: character, caring, practical wisdom and flourishing. Each session featured a panel focused on one specific framework element, moderated by KNN National Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Kimara Ellefson, MBA. The first session focused on character and featured Lauris C. Kaldjian, MD, PhD, (University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine) and KNN Program Manager, Alverno Devine, DDiv. During the session, ...
Michael Steadman, an OMS II at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, led the charge in proposing and planning a new pilot project, known as Coffeehouse Conversations . During his proposal, he explained that it is meant to be "an informal place where a single discussion is designed to take place. These discussions, which are normally focused on current topics or issues, are designed to give everyone a safe place to hear and share opinions. The Coffeehouse is a place to ask questions, present ideas or just engage in a stimulating conversation. These short conversations (lasting between 45-60 minutes) are a chance to collaborate, brainstorm and network". ...
Character and Caring in Leadership Retreat – The First of Many Collaborations Between Student Leaders from the Kern Institute and Kern National Network at the Medical College of Wisconsin What : On January 21 st , Kern Institute (KI) student leaders and Kern National Network (KNN) student officers came together to put on "A Day of Connection and Leadership in Medicine," a retreat for current students at the Medical College of Wisconsin . T h is event was a pilot for future KNN + KI Character and Caring in Leadership Retreats and focused on addressing curren ...
Announcing a New Name in Our Next Phase of Work As 2023 begins, we are pleased to announce a new name and logo for the KNN to better reflect our long-term aspirations heading into our next growth phase. Going forward, we will be known as the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Medicine with a tagline of "Character. Caring. Practical Wisdom." Every journey needs a constant point to navigate by, and the integrated framework shines brightly as the KNN's north star. Flourishing offers the profession of medicine a new aspirational course to chart—and together, the foundational elements of character, caring and practical wisdom provide a ...
We Heard You! Discover How Your Input is Shaping the KNN's Virtual Community of Practice This past spring, we asked you to weigh in on the possibility of the KNN launching an online community—how it might fit into your digital habits and routines and, most importantly, how it could create a meaningful experience and space. Many of you were gracious enough to share perspectives through surveys or brief focus interviews. Your feedback is forming the very foundations of this community. What did we learn from those conversations? Here are just a few priorities you shared that we are keeping at the forefront: ...