On Oct. 20, Heersink School of Medicine held a reception for its annual Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff. The recognition is awarded to staff members goes beyond expectations in their roles to advance the missions of education, clinical care, and research within Heersink School of Medicine. This year, Elizabeth Rahn, Ph.D., executive director for Operations and Quality Improvement in the Department of Medical Education, was one of 10 award recipients.
Rahn has been a crucial member of the Department of Medical Education since 2020, serving in her current role since 2022 where she oversees Medical Education’s key administrative areas, including communication, development, facilities, financial, and HR functions. Her work in these areas has contributed to the effective education of Heersink students and the development of its faculty and staff. She has also been pivotal to evaluating and ensuring alignment with accreditation standards.
“Serving in this role within the Department of Medical Education has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Rahn. “The staff, faculty, and learners I have had the opportunity to work alongside have made this an incredibly rewarding experience and a constant source of inspiration. I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence that define our community. This recognition is truly a reflection of the remarkable people who make the Heersink School of Medicine such a special place, and I hope to have the honor of continuing this work for many years to come.”
Exemplifying her impact on the department, Rahn exhibits creative and responsible fiscal management, enabling the creation of new positions and programs in direct response to school needs. She has helped Medical Education initiatives and organizations find financial solutions during challenging times, including student researchers, Equal Access Birmingham, and Compassion Closet.
Rahn’s leadership allowing the medical school to grow and thrive perhaps has been seen the most in the creation and improvement of physical infrastructure. Renovation projects throughout Volker Hall have been necessary to maximize student learning and meet accreditation standards. She supervised the construction of Volker Hall’s new atrium, its state-of-the-art Active Learning Center, as well as renovations to the basement, lecture tower, and the majority of the first, second, fourth, and fifth floors. These projects have contributed to a better learning environment for students and better working environment for Medical Education faculty and staff.
“Liz is a true leader within the Department of Medical Education, in both education and service,” said Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Education. “Her tireless work and dedication to our mission have led to the vibrant, innovative, accredited, and safe medical school we have today. It would be hard to think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
Read more about the other 2026 award recipients and see photos from the event.