Staff Biographies

Susan Polich, EdD, Manager

I joined the Office of Professional Staff Affairs as its manager in June 2011. My primary role is to design, implement, and assess professional development opportunities for our physicians. In addition to the full scope of program development, I teach or lead sessions, help individual physicians or departments with specific developmental needs, and manage the faculty development needs for the VTCSOM. I also lead the day-to-day running of the Office to help ensure the highest quality programming and services.

I joined OPSA from Virginia Commonwealth University where I taught human anatomy as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and was an Instructional Consultant in VCU’s Center for Teaching Excellence. I have over fifteen years’ experience as a faculty member and worked in clinical faculty development for over twenty years. Prior to joining the academy, I was both a physical therapist and medical technologist.

I’ve earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education from The Pennsylvania State University, a post-graduate certificate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, and a BA in medical technology from the College of St. Scholastica, located in my hometown of Duluth, Minnesota.

Sandra DeHart

I joined the Office of Professional Staff Affairs (OPSA) in January of 2012. In my role as Professional Education Coordinator, I organize and prepare for sessions, communicate information, develop marketing materials, keep accurate data on OPSA activities, document budget activity and provide general support for the OPSA office functions.

I have been with Carilion 16 years, starting out in Patient Accounts as a Government Claims biller. I transitioned into the Department Secretary role for Eligibility Assistance Services and then Volunteer Services. You may have recently seen me in my role as Executive Assistant in the Chief Medical Officer's office in administration for the last 7 years.

My educational history is centered on Communication and Web Page Design. I am excited to have this opportunity in OPSA to stretch my wings in areas of my continued interest and expertise.