The Restorative Practices in Academic Medicine and Biosciences Symposium at WashU Medicine brings together clinicians, educators, researchers, institutional leaders, and WashU Medicine community members who want to transform and support academic medical and bioscience research culture from the ground up. Moving beyond conventional wellness and inclusion initiatives, this gathering focuses on applying restorative frameworks including structured circle processes, transparent dialogue, and harm repair, to build trust, strengthen communication, and support a culture of belonging, accountability, and shared success.
Participants will engage in sessions to learn about the foundations of restorative practices and components of a restorative mindset. The Restorative Practices in Academic Medicine and Biosciences Program will provide updates to the campus community on the program and program ambassadors will highlight examples of how restorative practices have been utilized on campus in the past year. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a circle practice to foster connection and relationship building.
All are welcome to attend! Refreshments, snacks, and food will be provided.
RSVP below by end of day (11:59pm) on Monday, September 28 so we may make appropriate arrangements and accommodations. You may review the schedule below, and RSVP to the sessions that work in your schedule. We hope to see you there!
Overview of the Program
30 WashU Medicine faculty and staff underwent a three-day long training program focused on developing skills in restorative practices facilitation in April of 2025. The thirty faculty and staff were sponsored to attend the training by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Upon completion of the training, the thirty individuals became the Restorative Practices Ambassadors. Ambassadors were tasked with completing circles in their areas by the end of FY2026. As of late August 2026, 29 circles have been implemented with 241 attendees across WashU. Those interested in being trained to be an ambassador in our next cycle should consider attending the Symposium!
Symposium Schedule:
- 8:30a – 9a – Continental Breakfast Reception
- 9a – 10a – What is RPAM at WashU Med?
- 10a – 10:15a – Break (with snacks)
- 10:15a – 11:15a – Ambassador Flash Talks
-
- 10:15a – 10:30a – Flash Talk #1
- 10:30a – 10:45a – Flash Talk #2
- 10:45a – 11:00a – Flash Talk #3
- 11:00a – 11:15a – Review of overall data
- 11:15a – 11:30a – Break (with snacks)
- 11:30p – 12:30p – Circle
- 12:30p – 12:45p – Circle Debrief and Box Lunch Distribution
- 12:45p – 1p – Closing Remarks