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| Sharrie Cranford, M.S., LICSW, PIP |
Before joining the Whiddon College of Medicine, Cranford worked for the USA Health system as a social worker and financial counselor from 2002 to 2008. During her time with University Hospital, she developed their resource guide and discharge planning guide that were shared with other local hospitals and are still used today. Her journey in the Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) has been one of continuous growth and expansion, she said.
“Over the years, our CME program has grown into a comprehensive educational initiative spanning multiple healthcare disciplines,” she said. “We have developed robust relationships across the medical school, USA Health, local and regional healthcare providers, and the broader university campus. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed us to create more diverse and impactful educational offerings.”
Working with different departments has enriched the program, leading to innovative approaches in continuing education, she added. “Our success stems from this cross-departmental collaboration, which has become our hallmark in delivering excellence in CME.”
Two significant accomplishments stand out in Cranford’s career. First, the CME program achieved Accreditation with Commendation from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Second, the program attained Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education, placing USA among an elite group of only 176 providers worldwide, compared with 1,400 with standard ACCME or state accreditation.
Cranford expressed her gratitude to Maggi O’Brien, M.D., former associate dean for student affairs, and Samuel Strada, M.D., dean emeritus, who supported her initiatives throughout her tenure along with John Marymont, M.D., MBA, dean and vice president for medical affairs.
“Their unwavering support, even for my unconventional approaches, allowed me to innovate and grow in my role,” she said. “Their trust and encouragement were instrumental in helping me develop successful programs.”
Cranford said she will miss being immersed in continuous learning while making a meaningful impact. “Planning educational activities that improved patient outcomes was fulfilling, as I expanded my own knowledge through conferences and grand rounds while helping others grow,” she said. “Influencing both the content and delivery of medical education made this role more than a job – it was a genuine passion.”
However, she is looking forward to pursuing several exciting ventures in retirement. She plans to continue adjunct teaching at USA and the University of Alabama, while growing her private practice as a social work therapist.
“To balance work with leisure, I am hoping to spend summers in Italy, combining my love for travel with cultural experiences,” she said.
A retirement reception honoring Cranford will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Technology and Research Park, 650 Clinic Drive, Building III, Suite 1100.
