Honoring Dr. Edward J. Stemmler (1929–2023)

Posted January 19, 2023

Former NBME Executive Board Chair Dr. Edward J. Stemmler died Jan. 3, 2023. As part of a distinguished career in medicine, Dr. Stemmler started as an NBME Board member in 1984 and served two terms as NBME’s Board Chair. He was named dean emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1989 and then became the executive vice president of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

In 2000, NBME renamed its Medical Education Research Fund the Edward J. Stemmler Medical Education Research Fund to honor Dr. Stemmler’s leadership and passion to support research in medical education. For over 25 years, the Stemmler Fund has provided critical support for research in competency-based assessment and education, teamwork in healthcare, patient-related outcomes of training, and many other important areas.

“Dr. Stemmler will be remembered for his medical education advocacy and his passion for upholding standards of excellence in education and training,” Dr. Peter Katsufrakis, NBME President and CEO, said.  “His impact on medical education is profound and enduring.”

For more information about Dr. Stemmler and to contribute a memory of him, you can read his full obituary and visit the Tribute Wall.

For additional details about the Stemmler Fund and the impact of the grant, please visit its information page and interviews from past recipients on the NBME website.

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