Staff spotlight: Kelli Corning

Over two decades of service

For more than two decades, Kelli Corning has been a cornerstone of the University of Washington’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. As associate director, she oversees operations for its 185 residents, ensuring compliance with ACGME and ABIM standards, advising faculty, guiding a dedicated team of staff, and mentoring the program administrators for the department’s Boise and Alaska Internal Medicine residencies. Her work touches every aspect of the residency experience - from negotiating stipends to shaping policies that support resident success.

“Over her nearly 26 years with the program, Kelli has consistently demonstrated innovation and contributed meaningfully to the Department of Medicine and Graduate Medical Education (GME), all while building an environment of support and collaboration,” said Andréa Campbell, people and culture specialist for the Residency Program and a colleague of Kelli’s for nine years.

Kelli’s journey in graduate medical education began in the early 1990s at Harborview Medical Center, and since joining the Department of Medicine in 1995, she has grown from Program Coordinator to Associate Director. Along the way, she earned a Master of Science in Adult Education from Southern Oregon University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from UW, blending her love of learning with her commitment to medical education.

“Even with her extensive experience in residency, I have had the privilege of watching her continue to grow, prioritizing her own learning and expansion in ways that are inspiring. She has a remarkable superpower of seeing the big picture and understanding how various elements are interconnected, a perspective that guides her work with clarity and vision,” Andréa said.

Her contributions have been widely recognized. Kelli is the recipient of the Department of Medicine’s Gender Equity Trailblazer Award (2022), the GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award from the ACGME (2019), and the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine Program Administrator Service Award (2014) and numerous other honors that reflect her leadership and advocacy for equity and innovation. She also serves in national roles with the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM) and the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM), helping shape the future of residency training across the country.

Collaboration and community in medical education

When asked what she loves most about her work, Kelli doesn’t hesitate: “The people.” She values the collaborative spirit of the department and the privilege of supporting residents as they grow into outstanding physicians.

Kelli is especially proud of mentoring colleagues and fostering growth within the medical education community, work that she sees as essential to sustaining excellence for future generations.

Recently, she’s been deeply involved in the program’s strategic planning, as well as co-directing the ACGME Pacific Northwest Faculty Assessment Course, which brings together leaders in medical education to develop skills in competency-based assessment and direct observation.

“Kelli is a fierce advocate for her staff, empowering them with trust and autonomy while encouraging growth through professional development opportunities," Andréa shared.

"Her unparalleled institutional knowledge and insight have been invaluable, and her enthusiasm and encouragement have shaped the careers of countless colleagues to include staff, faculty, and residents. Having worked alongside her for nine years, I deeply appreciate the guidance and support she has provided, which continues to ripple across our team and beyond. We are lucky to have her leading our team."

Outside of work

Outside of work, Kelli calls Shoreline home and enjoys traveling. Her most recent adventure was a Silk Road tour through Central Asia-which her husband Eric dubbed “Seeing the Stans.” She was grateful that their daughter, Mackenzie, popped down from her home in Edinburgh to join a pre-trip adventure in Istanbul.

In addition to exploring new locales, Kelli loves food, is a voracious reader, and gives great hugs!