Transformational Ideas Initiative (TI2)
The annual initiative funds projects proposed by MCW faculty, staff, students, residents and fellows that focus on innovating medical education aligned with one or more of the Triple Aims of Medical Education: Character, Competence and Caring.
In these projects, collaboration and partnerships within MCW and with other institutions, community members and organizations are encouraged. Accepted ideas get refined through a human-centered design process led by experienced facilitators who help teams scope and finalize their project implementation plans for success.
2020-21 Transformational Ideas Initiative Projects
2019-20 Transformational Ideas Initiative Projects
2018-19 Innovation Celebration
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the completion of the 2018-19 Innovative Ideas Initiative on Monday, April 29 at the Medical College of Wisconsin. We are extremely proud of our 2018-19 teams and all that they accomplished this year.
2018-19 Innovation Celebration
In early 2018, the Kern Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) asked faculty, students and staff for ideas on how to innovate medical education through character, competence, and caring. An overwhelming response of ideas resulted in the funding of ten innovation projects poised to expand the learning opportunities of MCW medical students. Each of the project teams utilized human-centered design thinking and the entrepreneurial mindset to shape and frame their projects for success. To celebrate their innovation journey and launch their projects, an Innovation Celebration was held at MCW on September 5, 2018.
Douglas E. Melton, PhD, began the program with a presentation titled "Want Better Medicine? Become Infected with the Entrepreneurial Mindset," followed by presentations from all ten Innovation Teams.
2018-19 Ideas Initiative Poster Presentations
Faculty Resilience, Grit, and Character Strengths: Requisite Elements of Success (PDF)
by Robert Treat, PhD; Kristina Kaljo, PhD; Jennifer Apps, PhD; Bipin Thapa, MD; Kerrie Quirk, MS
The Quality Rounds Initiative Parent Coaching Program (PDF)
by Heather Toth, MD; Kelsey Porada; Kelly Lynch; Mike Weisgerber, MD, MS; Sarah Vepraskas, MD; Erica Chou, MD; Amanda Rogers, MD; Sarah Lauck, MD
Student Leadership Development Initiative: Building Confidence and Leadership Skills in Medical Education (PDF)
by Allison Linehan; Alex Chartier; Michael Sobin; William Hueston, MD; John Meurer, MD, MBA
Teaching Cultural Humility Through Education, Service and Leadership Experiences (PDF)
by Wasif Osmani; Alex Schurman; Joanna Obaoye; Megan Cory; Linda Meurer, MD, MPH
Fostering Cultural Humility in Medical Education Through Service Learning (PDF)
by Nicole Runkle; Mahir Mameledzija, MBA; David Nelson, PhD, MS
Increasing Refugee and Trainee Comfort in Cross-Cultural Medical Interactions (PDF)
by Caitlin Kaeppler, MD; Kelsey Porada, MA; Carmen Cobb, MD
Mental Health from Orientation through Commencement (PDF)
by Sarah VanderZanden, DVM and Jennifer Haluzak, MEd
Virtual Clinic Videos: Using Design Thinking to Improve Medical Education (PDF)
by Austin Dopp; Nathan Klesmith; Scott Self; Ryan Spellecy, PhD
Point of Care Cartooning (PDF)
by Theresa Maatman, MD; Katinka Hooyer, PhD, MS; Rushi Patel; Branden Vugrnick; Sara Graciano
Empathy: Can It Really Be Taught? (PDF)
by Katarina Stark; Alexandria Bear, MD; Aamer Ahmed, MBA
Transformational Ideas Initiative Advisory Committee

M. Chris Decker, MD
Director, Culture & Systems Pillar, Kern Institute

Julia Schmitt
Program Manager

Karen J. Marcdante, MD
Member, Faculty Pillar, Kern Institute

Ilya Avdeev, PhD
Adjunct Professor; Member, Culture & Systems Pillar, Kern Institute

Kathryn Havens, MD
Member, Culture & Systems Pillar, Kern Institute
Contact Us
Julia Schmitt
Program Manager
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Suite M1990
Milwaukee, WI 53226