Continuing Medical Education

California Northstate University College of Medicine Hosts Faculty Retreat Focused on Innovation and Excellence in Medical Education
California Northstate University College of Medicine (CNUCOM) held its annual Faculty Retreat on July 17–18, 2025, at the CNU Event Center in Elk Grove, California. The two-day event gathered medical educators, clinicians, and thought leaders for a dynamic series of CME-accredited sessions on topics ranging from medical education reform to wellness, communication, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

In a hybrid format that allowed participation both in person and via livestream, the retreat emphasized California Northstate's commitment to accessible, cutting-edge faculty development. Physicians were eligible to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(tm) through active engagement and completion of required evaluations.

Day 1: Leadership, Communication, and Educational Innovation
The retreat opened Thursday morning with a presentation by Dr. Ted O'Connell, FAAFP, Director of Medical Education at the Institute for Medical Education, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In his keynote, Current Trends in Medical Education, Dr. O'Connell explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping medical training. He also highlighted the importance of supporting students through transitions in their educational journey while fostering well-being and leadership development.

The afternoon featured a highly interactive session titled Communication in Challenging Situations and Effective Faculty-to-Student Communication, led by Dr. Lori Winston, Director of Academic Affairs at Vituity, and Dr. Michael Stanley, Program Director at Vituity.

Later that day, Dr. Sarah Preiss-Farzanegan and Dr. David Pai of CNUCOM presented Mastering Medical Skills Through Meaningful Feedback, emphasizing the critical role of structured, formative feedback in developing clinical competency. Their session provided practical frameworks for faculty to enhance feedback culture in medical education.

Day 2: Student Engagement, Physician Wellness, and AI in Practice
Friday's program began with a session on Learning Strategies and Enhancing Student Engagement, led by Dr. John Cusick, Professor of Immunology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at CNUCOM. He introduced evidence-based active learning techniques designed to increase student participation and retention in both basic science and clinical settings.

That was followed by The Building Blocks of a Life Well Lived, presented by Dr. John Chuck, Professor of Family Medicine and Chief Wellness Officer at CNU. His session focused on identifying the root causes of burnout and offered guidance for fostering physician well-being in demanding academic and clinical environments.

The afternoon shifted toward artificial intelligence as a catalyst for change in medicine. Rick Gannotta, DHA, NP, FACHE, Executive in Residence at New York University, delivered a session titled Technology is the New Biology: AI, Individual Agency, and the Transformation of Medicine. Gannotta discussed the growing role of AI in diagnostics, treatment planning, and health system transformation, urging educators and clinicians to embrace digital fluency.

Later, Andrew Ninh, entrepreneur and founder of the AI-driven healthcare company Docbot, joined the lineup. Drawing from his experience in leveraging machine learning for clinical diagnostics and workflow optimization, Ninh offered a unique, technology-forward perspective on improving communication and collaboration in medical teams. The trio addressed key strategies for effective and empathetic communication, both human and machine-assisted, in complex clinical and academic environments.

The retreat concluded with AI in Medical Education, a session led by Dr. Ed Lee, Chair of Clinical Education and Director of Clinical Informatics at CNUCOM. Dr. Lee provided a detailed overview of AI fundamentals and its current and emerging uses in medical training. His session connected theoretical principles with real-world applications, emphasizing how AI can enhance assessment, customize learning, and support the development of future-ready physicians.

A Special Thank You
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Jennifer Gullo, Emily Gokun, and Penelope De Luca, whose tireless behind-the-scenes efforts made this retreat an outstanding success. From the beautifully lit venue to the thoughtfully curated meals and refreshments, every detail contributed to an inviting and engaging atmosphere. Their work elevated the experience for all attendees, creating a space where learning thrived and meaningful conversations flourished. Their coordination of an impressive lineup of guest speakers helped bring the retreat's vision to life, one focused on innovation, community, and growth.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the IT team, whose expert support made the hybrid format possible. Their seamless management of livestreaming, audio-visual logistics, and technical coordination allowed both in-person and remote participants to fully engage with the content and speakers.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, and we look forward to building on this year's success at next year's Faculty Retreat.