Spring Institute for Faculty Development

“It significantly helped me with giving me the tools to get promoted. It also gave me guidance that has helped me become a better educator and researcher.”

“It gave me the tools navigate the world of academia which I had no experience with.”

“Extremely useful. Much better understanding of the profession and academia optometry after the SIFD.”

“I have a fantastic mentor with whom I still keep in touch.”

“It put me in contact with nationally recognized mentors who were able to impart their experiences in academia.”

“It gave me better direction. It helped me learn what is and isn’t important in an academic career. It had a significant impact on my career thus far.”

Virtual Program Topics
Jan – March 2027

In-Person Program Topics

• Presentation Skills
• Mock Tenure & Promotion Panel Discussion
• CV writing workshop
• Assessment of student didactic performance: item writing workshop
• Delivering feedback effectively
• Assessment of clinical skills

Targeted participants:

Colleagues who have been full time faculty members for greater than 2 years but less than 10 are the targeted participants. Approximately 45 total participants are anticipated. Each institution is assured of at least one faculty member participating, and that individual may be designated by the President/Dean. Other interested faculty members may complete the application process; all applicants must be approved by the institution’s President/Dean or their designee.

Participant application process:

The application period runs from October to December and is NOW OPEN! Applicants will be required to submit an application, short biography, head shot, and CV (in a format preferred by their institution for promotion and tenure purposes). Materials will be reviewed and selected by representatives from the SIFD program committee.

To apply click here.

Those accepted into the program commit to participate in a variety of pre- and post-Institute program activities.

Funding:

ASCO and multiple corporate sponsors have generously supported the SIFD; thus, the hotel and most of the meal functions are funded for participants. The schools and colleges are asked to fund the airfare, ground transportation, incidentals, and registration fee for all participants.

Speakers:

Keynote speakers and program facilitators will present topical areas for discussion. Formal presentations, workshops, small group discussions, and shared activities will comprise the Institute. 

Schedule:

Virtual Classes 
Jan -March 2027

In- Person Session
April 6 – Welcome Rception
April 7 – Full Day Session/ Dinner
April 8 – Half Day Session
Closing Ceremony
Location: Dallas, TX

Co-Chairs

Diane Russo, OD, MPH, FAAO, Diplomate (PHEV)
Assistant Director of Residencies and Associate Professor
New England College of Optometry

Dr. Diane Russo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Primary Care at New England College of Optometry. She is Instructor of Record for the public health course sequence. She is also an Attending Optometrist at the Codman Square Health Center in Boston where she precepts second, third, and fourth year students.

Dr. Russo received her OD from SUNY College of Optometry, her MPH from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and received residency training at the West Haven VAMC. She is Chair-Elect for ASCO’s Public Health Educators Special Interest Group (SIG) and is an active member of the AOA and Massachusetts Society of Optometrists, serving on the Health Promotions Committee and Legislative Action Committee, respectively.

Todd Peabody, OD, MBA, FAAO
Assistant Dean of Institutional Advancement, Clinical Professor 
Indiana University School of Optometry

Dr. Todd Peabody received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Indiana University in 1999, his Optometry Doctorate from IU in 2003, and his Master of Business Administration from IU Kelley School of Business in 2013.

In May 1999, he was one of only four recipients nationwide to be awarded the United States Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program scholarship, which consisted of a four-year comprehensive scholarship to attend IU School of Optometry in return for a four-year commitment to the United States Navy after graduation. Upon graduation from the IUSO, Dr. Peabody served as extern director for three optometry clinics and was appointed as an adjunct assistant clinical professor at both the Illinois College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry. In 2005, he was nominated the Navy Extern Director of the Year. During Dr. Peabody’s tenure in the Navy, he was handpicked by leaders in Navy Optometry to serve as the sole coalition optometrist in Kuwait in support of the Global War on Terrorism. From August 2006 through February 2007, he was responsible for all eye care and triage for coalition troops from Kuwait, parts of Afghanistan, southern Iraq, and the Persian Gulf.

Dr. Peabody joined the faculty of the IU School of Optometry in July 2007 as a clinical assistant professor. He teaches clinically in primary care clinic emphasizing medical optometry. He also teaches didactically in a pre-clinic curriculum and professional communication course, and he co-leads IUSO’s business aspects of optometry curriculum in conjunction with the Kelley School of Business. Dr. Peabody leads the Office of Advancement at the school. His team is responsible for developing and maintaining the school’s relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the school.