USU Professor is Shaping the Future of Military Medicine Through Education and Innovation
Retired Army Colonel (Dr.) Willam Kelly’s passion for military medicine, and his commitment to learner growth, led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education in addition to his roles as a pulmonary physician and professor of Medicine.
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Dr. William Kelly flourished in the MHPE program, excelling in all facets and producing an important and timely paper in Academic Medicine entitled Assessment Tools for Patient Notes in Medical Education: A Scoping Review. (Photo credit: Elizabeth Darby, USU) |
January 30, 2025 by Hadiyah Brendel
Dr. William Kelly isn’t your typical military physician—he’s a game-changer in military medical education. From leading medical students through rotations at military medical centers across the country to pioneering educational innovation, Kelly is transforming the way future military doctors learn. His drive for growth led him to earn a Master’s in Health Professions Education (HPE) from the Uniformed Services University (USU), where he enhanced his teaching strategies and integrated interactive learning techniques, including gamification. His mission? To equip students with the tools they need to become confident, self-sufficient leaders in military medicine.
Kelly, a professor of Medicine and clerkship director at USU’s F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, also serves as a pulmonary physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Whether in the
classroom or at the bedside, his leadership helps shape the next generation of military physicians, ensuring they receive the education, training, and experience necessary for success.
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Retired Army Colonel (Dr.) William Kelly’s passion for military medicine, and his commitment to learner growth, led him to pursue a Masters in HPE in addition to his roles as a pulmonary physician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Professor of Medicine and Clerkship Director at USU's School of Medicine. (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU) |
Dr. Steven Durning, HPE department chair and director of the Center for Health Professions Education (CHPE) at USU, explains that CHPE offers certificate and degree programs for active-duty and civilian health professionals at U.S. military treatment facilities. These programs enhance academic leadership, educational research, and teaching skills through primarily online asynchronous learning, designed for busy healthcare professionals. To date, more than 450 learners have graduated, with over 300 currently enrolled.
Kelly’s research focuses on assessment, test-taking skills, and interactive learning. He recognizes that even brilliant clinicians can struggle with standardized test formats. Through self-regulated learning analysis and coaching, the clerkship equips students with strategies to overcome these hurdles—skills that translate into broader professional success.
"We focus on growing independence," Kelly explains. "Our goal is to help these future leaders and healers transition from the classroom to the demanding world of internship, regardless of their chosen specialty." His approach involves close collaboration with clinical supervisors and continuous feedback to ensure student success.
Kelly sees his HPE knowledge directly influencing his work as a professor and clerkship director. "These individuals face unique challenges," he acknowledges. "The HPE program has equipped me with tools to address these challenges, particularly in areas like learner remediation." He leverages self-regulated learning techniques to help students overcome hurdles and become independent learners.
Kelly’s vision for medical education goes beyond traditional methods. He is a proponent of gamification—integrating game mechanics into learning experiences. His enthusiasm was evident at last year’s Military Health System conference, where he delivered a compelling talk on the subject.
"Learning is serious business," Kelly asserts, "but teaching modalities don't have to be." He believes educational games can enhance engagement, teamwork, and knowledge retention through repetition and feedback.
Kelly has designed and implemented interactive learning programs since 2001. In collaboration with other experts, he helped develop the CHEST Challenge program, initially aimed at pulmonary/critical care fellows in the U.S. and Canada. Today, it includes high-fidelity simulation, live actors, and rigorous assessment methods.
Since 2012, Kelly has introduced innovative educational games, such as diagnostic ultrasound training, escape rooms, and live medical knowledge game shows at professional conferences.
For military healthcare professionals considering an HPE degree, Kelly’s advice is: “Go for it!” He emphasizes the program’s ability to refine leadership and teaching skills, while also recognizing the value of the credential. Despite the time commitment, he assures it is manageable alongside a busy clinical schedule.
"The program is incredibly flexible," Kelly assures, "and the benefits far outweigh the investment, especially considering the financial advantage of pursuing it within the military framework."
Durning says Kelly's dedication and hard work were evident throughout his time in the HPE master’s degree program. “Dr. Kelly flourished in the MHPE program, excelling in all facets and producing an important and timely paper in Academic Medicine entitled Assessment Tools for Patient Notes in Medical Education: A Scoping Review.”
Kelly’s journey is proof that great educators never stop learning. From the bedside to the classroom—and even the game board—he is redefining how military medical students engage with education. His passion for teaching, commitment to innovation, and drive to help students succeed make him a transformative force in military medical education. And with his HPE degree in hand, he is more prepared than ever to shape the next generation of confident, capable military physicians.
