Alysia V. Kwiatkowski DO, MS, EdM
Alysia V. Kwiatkowski
DO, MS, EdM
Director of Educator Development, Medical Education & Educational Research Institute (MEERI); Assistant Dean for Medical Curriculum; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Education; Educational Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; Internal Medicine; Rheumatology
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
Find this physician on UBMDProfessional Summary:
I am an Associate Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Medical Curriculum at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where I direct Phases 2 and 3 of the medical education program. A rheumatologist and medical education researcher, I lead initiatives in clinical curriculum design, assessment, and educator development that connect institutional priorities with the experiences of learners and faculty. I also serve as Director of Educator Development within the Medical Education and Educational Research Institute.
My leadership spans undergraduate and graduate medical education, with an emphasis on building coherent curricula and preparing physicians for the next stage of training. I lead the comprehensive redesign of seven clerkships within the Well Beyond curriculum and the redesign of Phase 3, with a focus on residency preparedness and the transition from medical student to physician. I also serve as educational architect for UB3: Primary Care Accelerated Track, a three-year MD pathway designed to prepare future primary care physicians. These initiatives bring together curriculum strategy, competency-based assessment, clinical learning experiences, and collaboration across departments and residency programs. My work in accreditation self-study and continuous quality improvement translates educational standards into practical approaches to teaching, assessment, and learner support.
Direct teaching and course leadership are central to my work. I teach extensively across medical school, residency, fellowship, and faculty development programs, with instruction spanning rheumatology, clinical reasoning, clinical skills, and teaching practice. I direct Clinical Reasoning and Synthesis, Designing Medical Curricula, and the Rheumatology elective, and lead development of the Transition to Residency course for its planned 2028 launch. These roles connect my institutional curriculum leadership with sustained, hands-on teaching and the development of future physicians and medical educators.
I also develop programs that expand the institution’s capacity for educational leadership. I direct the Residents as Educators and Fellows as Educators pathways and founded the Clerkship Teaching Scholars Program, engaging fourth-year medical students in teaching and educational improvement across seven clerkships. Through longitudinal programs and faculty development, I support educators in clinical reasoning instruction, effective feedback, meaningful assessment, and the creation of supportive learning environments.
My scholarship examines curriculum innovation, near-peer teaching, educator development, and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence into medical education. My work has been disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and national and international conferences. Recognition includes the Faculty Award of Excellence for Promoting Inclusion and Cultural Diversity, selection by medical students as the 2026 White Coat Ceremony keynote speaker, and Buffalo Spree’s Top Doctors honors in rheumatology from 2022 through 2026.
Education and Training:
- EdM, Master of Educational Studies, Health Systems Science Education, The State University of New York at Buffalo (2025)
- Certificate, Leading Innovation in Healthcare and Education, Harvard Macy Institute (2023)
- Certificate, Medical Education Research Certification Program, Association of American Medical Colleges (2022)
- Certificate, SAIL Clinical Leadership Academy, SUNY (2022)
- Certificate, Jacobs Educator Excellence Program, University at Buffalo (2021)
- Fellowship, Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center (2019)
- Certificate, Teaching Excellence Certification Course, Rush University Medical Center (2018)
- Residency, Chief Residency, Albany Medical Center (2017)
- Residency, Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center (2017)
- DO, Medicine, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (2014)
- MS, Natural Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo (2010)
- BS, Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo (2008)
Employment:
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Internal Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2025-present)
- Divisional Educational Faculty Leader: Rheumatology, Internal Medicine Training Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2020-present)
- Divisional Research Faculty Leader: Education, Internal Medicine Training Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2020-present)
- Director of Educator Development, Medical Education and Educational Research Institute (2026–present), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
- Educational Architect, UB3: Primary Care Accelerated Track (2025–present), Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
- Assistant Dean for Medical Curriculum, Phase 2 and 3 Director, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (2024-present)
- Educator Development Specialist, Medical Education and Educational Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2019–2025)
- Program Director, Internal Medicine Training Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2022–2024)
- Divisional Research Faculty Leader: Rheumatology, Internal Medicine Training Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2020–2024)
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2019–2024)
- Senior Associate Program Director, Director of Curriculum, Internal Medicine Training Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2020–2022)
- Site Director: Internal Medicine and Advanced Medicine Clerkships, Internal Medicine, Erie County Medical Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2019–2021)
- Associate Program Director, Curriculum Development, Internal Medicine Training Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2019–2020)
Awards and Honors:
- White Coat Ceremony Keynote Speaker, selected by medical students (2026)
- 2026 Top Doctors, Rheumatology (2026)
- 2025 Top Doctors, Rheumatology (2025)
- 2024 Educator of the Year Award (2024)
- 2024 Top Doctors, Rheumatology (2024)
- Faculty Award of Excellence for Promoting Inclusion and Cultural Diversity (2023)
- 2023 Top Doctors, Rheumatology (2023)
- 2022 Top Doctors, Rheumatology (2022)
- Gold Humanism Honor Society (2021)
- White Coat Award (2021)
- Moments of Excellence in Education: Recognition and Inspiration Program (2020)
- F. Carter Pannill, MD Award (2020)
- Psi Sigma Alpha, The National Osteopathic Scholastic Honor Society (2012)
- Sigma Sigma Phi, The National Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity (2012)
Journal Articles:
- Kaye M, Kwiatkowski A, Khan H, Yastynovich Y, Graham S, Meka, J. (2023) Designing an ECG curriculum for residents: Evidence-based approaches to improving resident ECG interpretation skills. Journal of Electrocardiology (Nov), 82: 64–68. doi:10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.10.012
- Kaye M, Khan H, Bhatt H, Yatsynovich Y, Graham S, Kwiatkowski A. (2023) Implementation of a longitudinal, near-peer ECG didactic curriculum in an internal medicine residency program and impact on ECG interpretation skills. BMC Med Educ (Jul), 23(1): 526. doi:10.1186/s12909-023-04483-y
- Kwiatkowski A, Shakoor N, Manadan A, Block JA, Khandelwal S. (2022) Incorporating interactive workshops into bedside teaching: completion of a multi-modal rheumatology rotation significantly increases internal medicine residents' competency and comfort with comprehensive knee examinations. BMC medical education (May), 22(1): 355. doi:10.1186/s12909-022-03425-4
- Grisanti L, Kwiatkowski A, Dyrda P, Field E, Grisanti J, Hatem J, Dehoratius RJ, Gaylis N. (2019) Patient Perspectives on Intravenous Biologics for Rheumatologic Disease. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) (Sep), 71(9): 1234-1242. doi:10.1002/acr.23758
- Ocon AJ, Kwiatkowski AV, Peredo-Wende R, Blinkhorn R. (2018) Adult-onset Still‘s disease with haemorrhagic pericarditis and tamponade preceded by acute Lyme disease. BMJ Case Rep (Aug), 2018.
- Kadam P, Krishna A, Carlyn CJ, Hampton R, Al-Rohil R, Kwiatkowski A, Kaushik P. (2015) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection of the Knee-Joint after Rituximab Treatment for Sclerodermatomyositis. Journal of Autoimmune Research (Jan).
Abstracts:
- Kwiatkowski A. (2026) From Fragmentation to Coherence: A Process-Driven Clerkship Redesign within Curriculum Reform. AMEE Conference 2026 featuring the Integrated Ottawa Event. Vienna, Austria (Aug) Oral
- Tjota N, Kwiatkowski A, Makdissi R. (2026) Beyond Empathy: Implementing an Interprofessional Education Curriculum to Bridge Care and Knowledge Gap. Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Annual Meeting. Seattle, WashingtonUnited States (Apr) Oral
- Kwiatkowski A, Shakoor N, Ruthberg A, Block J, Khandelwal S. (2019) Education of Rheumatology Faculty: Evaluation of an Interactive Team Based Approach versus Traditional Didactic Teaching. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Oral
- Cavalieri C, Makdissi R, Kwiatkowski A. (2025) Resident-Led Rounds Effects on Autonomy, an Internal Medicine Program Quality Improvement Project. Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LouisianaUnited States (Apr) Poster
- Hamza A, Kwiatkowski A. (2024) An Analysis of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in US ACGME-accredited Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Programs. American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. (Nov)
- Siva A, Hashmi A, Grabowski C, Henninger K,Zinnerstrom K, Kwiatkowski A, Mishra A. (2023) The Medical Escape Room: Incorporating Simulation and Gamification to Enhance Critical Care Education. CHEST Annual Meeting. (Oct) Oral
- Long M, Reese A, Lojacono C, Ali M, Kwiatkowski A. (2023) Using Program Websites to Assess Advocacy Pathways in Medicine Residency Programs Across the United States. Association for Medical Education in Europe Annual Meeting. (Aug)
- Lapoint D, Papa A, Monegro A, Kwiatkowski A. (2023) Using Program Websites to Assess Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Curricula Within Pulmonary and Critical Care Programs in the United States. American Thoracic Society International Conference. (May) Poster
- Battel L(F), Fazel Y(F), Kwiatkowski A. (2023) The Use of a Peer Leadership Champion System to Enhance the Residency Experience in a Cohort of Medicine Residents. Association for Program Directors in Internal Medicine Annual Meeting. (Apr) Poster
- Khanna A, Keerthy Gopalakrishnan, Dawid Czarny, Quigley B, Kwiatkowski A. (2021) The Kardashian Index of Rheumatology Program Directors: Comparing Scholarly Activity and Twitter Use of Rheumatology Fellowship Program Directors in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology. Virtual, (Nov) Poster
- Ajayi T, Khanna A, Quigley B, Kwiatkowski A. (2021) Is Your Program Website Optimized for Recruitment? An Evaluation of Rheumatology Fellowship Program Websites. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. Virtual, (Nov) Poster
- Kaye M, Khan H, Bhatt H, Yatsynovich Y, Graham S, Kwiatkowski A. (2021) Effect of near-peer virtual ECG didactics on internal medicine resident comfort level in interpreting ECGs. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology National Meeting. (May) 3353 Poster
- Reis Ferreira de Lima F, Battel L, Gurdogan H, Makdissi R, Meka J, Kwiatkowski A. (2021) Interactive Near-Peer Teaching: Preliminary Results of Ongoing Curricular Changes in an Internal Medicine Residency Program. Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine. (Apr) Poster
- Copetti A, Khanna A, Battel L, Kalanadhabhatta N, Zinnerstorm K, Grabowski C, Kwiatkowski A, Conway E, Mishra A. (2021) Code ESCape (Educational & Skills Curriculum): Using Gamification & Simulation to Teach & Test Medical Emergency Concepts to Internal Medicine Residents. Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine. (Apr)
- Czarny D, Khanna A, Quigly B, Gudleski G, Kwiatkowski A. (2021) RHEUM-OTE Learning: Evaluation of a Synchronous Online Interactive Session in Enhancing Musculoskeletal Knowledge Among Medicine Residents During a Global Pandemic. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Annual Educational Conference. (Feb) Poster
- Khanna A, Czarny D, Wadhwa V, Kwiatkowski A. (2020) Rheumatology Fellowship Program Directors in the United States: Analysis of Demographics, Educational and Scholarly Achievements. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Oral
- Kwiatkowski A, Shakoor N, Manadan A, Grant M, Block J, Khandelwal S. (2019) Time to Bridge the Gap in Rheumatology Education: Interactive Team Based Learning Is Most Effective in Increasing Internal Medicine Residents’ Knowledge. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Oral
- Grant M, Kwiatkowski AV, Shakoor N. (2019) The Opioid Epidemic: The Rheumatology Response to Management of Chronic Pain. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Poster
- Kwiatkowski A, Walsh C, Kelly E, Gupta S. (2019) The Development of a Team-Based Learning Module: A Unique Educational Experience for the M4 Teacher and the M3 Learner. American Association of Medical Colleges: Central Group on Educational Affairs Spring Meeting. (Mar) Oral
- Kwiatkowski A, Shakoor N, Block JA, Manadan A, Khandelwal S. (2018) Back to Bedside Teaching: Completion of a Rheumatology Rotation Significantly Increases Internal Medicine Residents’ Competency and Comfort with Comprehensive Knee Examinations. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Poster
- Kwiatkowski A, Shakoor N, Block JA, Manadan A, Khandelwal S. (2018) Effectiveness of Elective Completion in Enhancing Board Preparedness and Comfort with Diagnosing and Treating Rheumatologic Conditions in a Cohort of Internal Medicine Residents at an Academic Medical Center. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Poster
- Kwiatkowski AV, Grisanti L, Grisanti J, Hatem J. (2015) Patient Preferences Regarding Route of Biologic Administration in an Inflammatory Arthritis Cohort. Arthritis & Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology National Meeting. (Nov) Poster
Professional Memberships:
- American College of Rheumatology
- Rheumatology Research Foundation, Board of Directors; Served a year term as invited fellow representative.
- Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine
- American College of Physicians
- Association of American Medical Colleges
Presentations:
- "Transition to Residency Course Educators National Collaborative — Annual Symposium" Transition to Residency Course Educators National Collaborative, Annual Symposium — Virtual (2025)
- "Strategies for the Design and Implementation of AI Virtual Patients" AAMC Emerging Technologies for Teaching and Learning Digital Demonstrations Virtual Conference (2025)
- "Empowering Educators: Building a Positive Learning Environment" University at Buffalo: Internal Medicine Grand Rounds, Surgery Grand Rounds (2024)
- "The Teaching Competency Committee: An Innovative Approach for Optimizing Educator Selection onto Teaching Services Using the Faculty Selection Tool" Association for Medical Education in Europe, Annual Meeting (2024)
- "Facilitating Learner Autonomy" University at Buffalo, Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (2024)
- "Harnessing Backward Design: Creating Dynamic and Engaging Educational Sessions" School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo (2024)
- "The Teaching Competency Committee: An Innovative Approach for Optimizing Educator Selection Using the Faculty Selection Tool" GME Grand Rounds, Detroit Medical Center (2024)
- "Optimizing Small Group Learning- from Lecture to Rounds" University at Buffalo: Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (2023)
- "Promises & Pitfalls: Harnessing Evidence-based Strategies to Enhance Teaching and Learning" University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine (2023)
- "Understanding and Responding to Generational Differences in Health Professions Education" Northeast College of Health Sciences, Faculty Development Workshop (2023)
- "Utilizing Culturally Responsive Teaching: In Small Groups and Beyond" University at Buffalo, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds (2023)
- "Implementing Dedicated Independent Study as an Adjunct to Formal Lecture in Resident Education" Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, National Meeting (2023)
- "Understanding and Responding to Generational Differences in Education" University at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy (2022)
- "Beyond the Basics: From Feedback to Coaching" University at Buffalo: Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Diagnosing and Remediating the Struggling Medical Learner" University at Buffalo: Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Core Concepts for the Culturally Responsive Educator" University at Buffalo: Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Diagnosing and Remediating the Struggling Graduate Medical Learner" Faculty Development Workshop, Olean Department of Family Medicine (2021)
- "Autoimmunity, Inflammatory and Non-inflammatory Arthritis" The Garret Club of Buffalo (2021)
- "Creating a Positive Learning Environment & Facilitating Clinical Reasoning" University at Buffalo, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds (2021)
- "Designing and Using Effective Gamification in Medical Education" Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine National Meeting Workshop (2021)
- "Feedback and Assessment: Fostering Learner Development and Self Regulated Learning" University at Buffalo - Department of Medicine Grand Rounds - Department of Neurology Grand Rounds - Department of Pediatrics Grand Rounds (2021)
- "Feedback and Assessment: Fostering Learner Development and Self Regulated Learning" RUSH University Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology Grand Rounds (2021)
- "Improving Learner Performance through Effective Evaluation & Useful Written Comments" University at Buffalo, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds (2021)
- "Let’s Play! Designing and Using Effective Gamification in Medical Education" Association for Medical Education in Europe, Annual Meeting (2021)
- "Let’s Play! Designing and Using Effective Gamification in Medical Education" American College of Rheumatology, Annual Meeting (2021)
- "Lunch with a Doc" New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (2021)
- "Riddle Rheum" Fellow in Training (FIT) Welcome Session, co-presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting (2021)
- "Delivering Effective Feedback" Faculty Development Workshop, Olean Department of Family Medicine (2020)
- "Improving Learner Performance Through Useful Written Comments" Faculty Development Workshop, Olean Department of Family Medicine (2020)
- "Mini Medical School: Rheumatoid Arthritis, A Joint Problem!" (2020)
- "Team-Based Learning: Tips, Tricks, and Hybrids" Medical Education and Educational Research Institute Annual Conference (2020)
- "Incorporating Active Learning into Session Design," University at Buffalo, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds (2020)
- "Session Design, Active and Virtual Learning" Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, Chief Resident Workshop Series (2020)
- "The Not So Giant Cell Arteritis: An Overview and Update on Management" Internal Medicine Grand Rounds; University at Buffalo (2019)
- "Effective Teaching for the Culturally Responsive Educator" A Workshop Series co-presented for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Medical Education and Educational Research Institue (completion of which resulted in a digital badge for the participant) Backward Design and Developing Critical Thinking in Our Learners Culturally Responsive Teaching and Facilitating Small Group Discussions Engaging Learners through Active Pedagogies Feedback and Assessment: Fostering Learner Development and Self-Regulated Learning
- "Facilitating Small Groups" Jacobs Educator Excellence Program
- "Incorporating Assessment for and of Learning Into Your Teaching Practice" Jacobs Educator Excellence Program
- "Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: Friend or Foe?" University at Buffalo, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, RUSH University Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology, Grand Rounds, Detroit Medical Center
Service Activities:
- Select Committee on Faculty Appointment, Promotion, Tenure and Privileges Policy, Faculty Council, University at Buffalo (2026–present).; Committee Member (2026–present)
- Diversity, Inclusion and Learning Environment (DIALE) Committee (2026–present).; Committee Member (2026–present)
- Surgery Chair Search Committee, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2026–present).; Committee Member (2026–present)
- LCME Self-Study, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2025–present). Served on Academic Environments, Curriculum, and Faculty and Leadership subgroups. Primary responsible party for multiple Phase 2 and 3 standard elements; authored DCI narratives for Standards 6, 8, and 9, revised policies and processes, and developed clerkship action plans and monitoring systems.; EQuIP Lead and LCME Self-Study Contributor (2025–present)
- Clinical Promotions Committee, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2025–present). Reviews faculty promotion materials and mentors faculty through the clinical promotions process.; Member, Reviewer, and Mentor (2025–present)
- Phase 2 Committee; Member (2024–present)
- Search Committee for Chair of Medicine (2023–2024)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee (2022–2024)
- American College of Rheumatology, Annual Meeting; Abstract Reviewer (2022)
- Medical Student Career Advisor, Internal Medicine (2022–present)
- Women in Medicine Group, founder (2022–present)
- Teaching Competency Committee; Founder & Member (2021–2025)
- Faculty Council, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences — faculty representative (2021–2024); Representative (2021–2024)
- Curriculum Committee; Committee Member (2021–present)
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Member (2021–2024)
- Mini Medical School, Advisory Board (2021)
- PQRS Committee, Graduate Medical Education; Member (2020–2024)
- Program Quality Review Subcommittee (2020–2024)
- Curriculum Advisory Task Force; Participant (2020–2021)
- Lupus Alliance of Upstate New York; Board Member (2020–present)
- Internal Medicine Interest Group Panel; Panelist (2019–present)
- Rheumatology Research Foundation; Fellow representative (2018–2019)
- Interprofessional Forum; Facilitator