Dr. Allison Empey chosen for highly competitive TRANSFORM program

TRANSFORM aims to improve the diversity of the biomedical research workforce.

Allison Empey, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, OHSU School of Medicine, director of the Wy’east post-baccalaureate pathway and Wy’east faculty for Indigenous health and wellness, was selected via a nationally competitive application process into the 2025 TRANSFORM program.

TRANSFORM stands for Transforming Biomedical Research and Academic Faculty through Leadership Opportunities, Training and Mentorship.

The program aims to transform biomedical and academic institutions by improving the diversity of the biomedical research workforce. It does this by ensuring associate-level faculty from groups historically under-represented in science and medicine acquire the leadership skills and experiences needed to advance successfully into senior faculty and leadership positions at their academic institution – and nationally.

Dr. Empey is a general pediatrician at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and focuses on newborn care, Native American health and pathways into medicine and mentorship for trainees who are underrepresented in medicine. She is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

“I am so honored to be a part of this leadership program,” said Dr. Empey. “What excites me most is the opportunity to learn from and connect with my cohort of fellows - academic leaders from all over the country who share a passion for growing professionally and making a positive impact in our communities and institutions.”

TRANSFORM scholars are among the top in their fields. The program provides an interactive learning opportunity that ensures they will excel further. Scholars receive small group executive coaching and peer-to-peer and individualized research mentoring. The program culminates in a partnered leadership project that addresses an institutional problem or opportunity. Dr. Empey is in the process of refining her project idea and will present it at the AAMC Mid-Career Minority Faculty Leadership Seminar in September 2025 in Washington DC.

TRANSFORM is funded by the National Institute for General Medical Sciences. It is a partnership among five institutions: OHSU, Association of American Medical Colleges, Meharry Medical College, University of Pittsburgh (lead institution) and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Story courtesy of OHSU School of Medicine.