Kris Patton receives Distinguished Teacher award
Dr. Kristen Patton, professor (Cardiology) has received the 2024 Distinguished Teacher award from the Heart Rhythm Society.
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding skills as a teacher in the field of cardiac pacing and/or electrophysiology.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Patton completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Chicago, followed by a MD degree from Oregon Health Sciences University.
Her postgraduate training includes an Internal Medicine Residency and Electrophysiology Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Cardiology Fellowship at the combined Brigham and Women's/MGH program. During her cardiology fellowship, she dedicated two years to genetics research at Harvard's Seidman Lab.
Her educational pursuits include the American College of Cardiology’s Emerging Faculty Program, the UW Teaching Scholars Certificate Program, and the Medical Education Research Certificate Program.
In addition to her work in electrophysiology, Patton's interests span medical education and curriculum development, particularly focusing on developing expertise through feedback and simulation in training.
She has been integral to residency and fellowship program development and was Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at the University of Washington. She served on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Internal Medicine Review Committee and was motivated by particular interest in the needs and resources of smaller training programs.
Her involvement with the American Board of Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Committee reflects her commitment to clinical skill development over a medical career. A frequent speaker at national and international conferences, she has contributed to scientific session programming for the AHA and ACC.
Her publications include curricula on teaching procedures, electrophysiological mapping simulation, and feedback for performance improvement. Notably, her "Prepare to Ask-Discuss-Ask-Plan Together" feedback framework was adopted by the ACGME for training of Program Directors. She frequently contributes to guideline and clinical practice documents, including competency curriculum statements, with the HRS, AHA, and ACC, with focus on evidence evaluation, synthesis, and communication.
Patton's expertise extends beyond curriculum development and mentorship to a commitment to the entire span of a doctor's career, from initial training to advanced practice.
Her work in evidence synthesis and implementation sets a high standard for clinical care in cardiology, with the aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Her holistic approach to education and training ensures that medical professionals are not only well-prepared at the outset of their careers but also equipped to evolve and excel throughout their professional journey.
Patton's contributions across the spectrum of a medical career are intended to impact the quality of healthcare delivery and ultimately patient outcomes.