This announcement was sent on behalf of Dr. Michael Avidan.
Following an open search and a competitive interview process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Moquin, EdD, as Vice Chair for Academic Affairs and Professional Development in the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. In this new executive leadership role, Dr. Moquin will lead the department’s Office of Professional Growth and Engagement—an initiative dedicated to fostering the development, engagement, and career advancement of the department’s faculty, learners, and staff across all divisions.
As Vice Chair, Dr. Moquin will oversee faculty and staff development programs, wellness initiatives, academic advancement pathways, and mentorship infrastructure. Working closely with departmental and institutional leaders, she will ensure these efforts align with the department’s core missions in clinical care, education, research, and people development. Additionally, she will serve as the department-wide point-of-contact for faculty affairs, encompassing appointments and promotions, HR-related matters, annual reviews, and other relevant initiatives. Her leadership will focus on cultivating a thriving professional culture that prioritizes belonging, resilience, and fulfillment among all members of the department.
Dr. Moquin earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University. She joined the department in 2020 as Director of Learning and Development and was appointed Associate Vice Chair for Faculty and Educator Development in April 2024. In this role, Dr. Moquin has been instrumental in shaping the department’s strategic vision for education—developing innovative instructional techniques, evaluation methodologies, and faculty growth initiatives. She facilitates the Developing Expertise in Clinical Education program for early-career educators, oversees the Anesthesiology Clinical Educator (ACE) CA-3 elective track, and leads the annual Clinician Educator Workshop Series. She also co-hosts the Well-Developed Podcast, which explores the intersection of professional development and well-being.
A member of the WashU Medicine Academy of Educators, Dr. Moquin’s work reflects a deep commitment to fostering educational innovation and supporting the next generation of anesthesiology educators. In recognition of her leadership, she was recently awarded the 2025 ASA–SEA Distinguished Educator in Anesthesiology Award, a joint honor from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society for Education in Anesthesia, and also received the Rising Star Award from the Academy of Educators later this year.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Moquin on this well-deserved appointment and in supporting her as she continues to advance a culture of excellence, growth, and engagement within our department.