AOGME Member Spotlight: Russell Maier, MD

Russell Maier, MD, serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has achieved great success in training medical students and residents, witnessing many evolve into leaders and change agents within the field. Originally planning to pursue a career in rural family medicine, Dr. Maier's path shifted as he became involved in promoting Osteopathic Recognition and ensuring osteopathic distinctiveness in residency training.

Dr. Maier cherishes the supportive network of colleagues within AOGME who emphasize collaboration and collective achievement in graduate medical education (GME) and who model their work for the greater good. He is also grateful that AOGME members graciously accept him for who he is as an allopathic physician (MD) and have welcomed him into the osteopathic community with open arms.

Dr. Maier has focused on mission fulfillment within his institution, particularly in the realm of GME. His career began with balancing roles as a core faculty member, which grounded his approach to leadership and mentorship in medical education. One of his milestones was becoming the first physician chair of a dental foundation, emphasizing the integration of oral health into general healthcare.

Currently, Dr. Maier and his team are enhancing regional GME programs by strengthening osteopathic components and demonstrating the value of osteopathic principles and practices. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Maier is married to a family physician, and he has three grown children and three dogs. He values his time spent hiking and gardening.

Dr. Maier advises the next generation of medical professionals to embrace patience and seek mentorship. By listening and learning from others, aspiring doctors can pace their careers thoughtfully and meaningfully. Through his work and leadership, Dr. Maier exemplifies the core values of the osteopathic medical community, fostering an environment of growth and shared success.