This webinar, presented by the AASM Foundation Research Career Development Committee, will examine how academic researchers can intentionally prepare for and transition into leadership roles within academic medicine. Through candid personal experiences and practical guidance, panelists will address timing, readiness, and the challenges of moving beyond the lab into leadership. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into leadership development, mentorship, and institutional pathways that support long-term professional growth.
Moderators:
Yi Cai, MD
Kathleen Sarmiento, MD
Vaishnavi Kundel, MD
Panelists:
Dr. Jennifer Martin
Florida International University
Jennifer L. Martin holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University Joint Doctoral Program. After her internship at Brown University, she completed post-doctoral training at the University of California, Los Angeles. She now serves as Professor and Director of the Benjamin Leon Jr. Family Center for Aging Research and Education at Florida International University, and as Director of the Miami VA’s Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center. Dr. Martin’s scientific research program focuses on improving sleep as a key component of maintaining and improving physical and mental health in older adults, women, and Veterans. Her work has been supported by NIH, VA, industry and non-profit foundations. Core areas of her work include developing and testing novel approaches to treating insomnia disorder, and in understanding how improved sleep leads to health benefits. Dr. Martin is a national leader in sleep medicine and research with a strong record of service and leadership. She served as the 2022-23 President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and received the VA’s Health System Impact Award for 2024, recognizing the impact of her research on healthcare for Veterans.
Dr. Safwan Badr
Wayne State University
Dr. Badr is a Professor and Chair of Internal Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine and a Staff Physician at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. Dr. Badr is an internationally recognized sleep disorders researcher and research mentor with an extensive record of securing funding, publishing research, and mentoring. Dr. Badr is committed to delivering outstanding medical education. He has mentored numerous trainees and junior faculty members who have gone on to launch successful academic careers. Dr. Badr has served on multiple national and international medical societies. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). He served as the President of the AASM from 2013 to 2014. Dr. Badr is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy
University of Arizona
Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy is the Murray and Clara Walker Endowed Chair, Professor and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Founding Director of the Center for Sleep, Circadian and Neurosciences Research Center at the University of Arizona, and Deputy Director for the SW-CACTI (CTSA Award to University of Arizona and University of New Mexico). He has a broad background in translational and clinical research with emphasis on intervention-based approaches in sleep, COVID, and health disparities. He has published over 220 manuscripts in JAMA, Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA Neurology, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, etc. He is board-certified in Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and practices at Banner University Medical Center Tucson, Arizona. He is passionate about training the next generation of researchers and is Contact PI on an NIH-R25 (R25HL126140-12) training grant for transitioning post-docs and junior faculty at the University of Arizona.