Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

How It Paid Off: Clinical Mentor to Physician Education Director

Forging a new path for medical resident educational outcomes
Dr. Janeane Walker ’18
Photo by Lyndsey Pethel.

NAME: Dr. Janeane Walker ’18

DEGREE: PhD in Nursing

TITLE BEFORE MY DEGREE: Clinical Practice Specialist, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton

TITLE AFTER MY DEGREE: Director of GME Educational Outcomes, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville

SEEKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES: In my previous role at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, my primary job was to provide education and mentoring for the nursing staff for conducting, evaluating, and applying research to patient care. After I completed my degree from Walden, as fate would have it, the center opened a doctoral-educated director-level position to oversee planning for a new Graduate Medical Education (GME) program at the Gainesville location. I was offered the position because of my combination of clinical education experience and doctorate-level expertise, and I began my new role just six months after graduating from Walden.

APPLYING LEADERSHIP AND RESEARCH SKILLS: Without my PhD, I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I’m doing now. My job is unique because I will be looking at data, evaluations, educational research, and educational outcomes for our newly formed GME program. My PhD in Nursing focused on utilizing leadership skills and employing research-based practice, so I can provide expert guidance for the professional development of resident physicians in their residency programs at our hospital.

IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY: There was a concerted effort to expand GME programs throughout the state of Georgia at hospitals without established programs. This was due to the impending physician shortage based on the state’s population growth. We aim to attract and retain as many physicians as possible by offering an unparalleled curriculum.

A NEW OUTLOOK: The biggest benefit of earning a Walden degree is the global perspective I’ve gained. I did my residencies in Hawaii and Barcelona, so I learned about new cultures within the context of public health policy and leadership. There was lots of interaction with other disciplines that gave me a larger view of the world around me. I would never have traveled as far or learned nearly as much as I did if I didn’t go to Walden.
— As told to Kyra Molinaro

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINE

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, messages created by generative artificial intelligence, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from Walden University (Walden) and its affiliates and contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at Walden, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-492-5336.