Mark Quirk

Mark Quirk, EdD, is a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. He holds multiple leadership roles including Associate Chairman of the department, Director of the Clinical Faculty Development Center, Director of the Center for Clinical Communication and Performance Outcomes, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Achievement Education.

Education:

• B.A. in Arts from Bates College (1974)
• M.Ed. in Education from Boston College (1975)
• Ed.D. in Education from Clark University (1982)

Research Focus: Dr. Quirk’s work centers on doctor-patient communication, medical education innovation, and faculty development. He has contributed to national initiatives like the Family Medicine Curriculum Resource Project and guidelines for faculty development. Key interests include adaptive curricula, medical student learning styles, and improving communication skills in healthcare providers.

Publications: His recent work explores adaptive medical education models, critical thinking in surgical training, and communication skill development. These reflect his commitment to advancing medical education through structured curricula and evidence-based practices.

Awards: Recipient of the 2006 Excellence in Education Award from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.

Grants & Affiliations:

• HRSA-funded Faculty Development in Family Medicine initiative
• Arthur Vining Davis Grant for study on physicians' caring attitudes
• Affiliated with organizations like the American Public Health Association and Society of Behavioral Medicine

Labs/Teams: Leads initiatives at the Clinical Faculty Development Center and Center for Clinical Communication and Performance Outcomes, focusing on improving teaching methodologies and communication outcomes in healthcare education.