The Department of Internal Medicine has launched PROPEL, a new professional advancement framework designed to recognize achievement and create meaningful pathways for professional development. PROPEL, which stands for Program for Refined Orientation and Practice Expertise through Learning, reflects the department's commitment to fostering excellence among APPs while celebrating the vital role they play in patient care and leadership.
PROPEL’s development started over a year ago with a collaboration among APP leaders across the department.
Spearheaded by Melissa Czarapata, APP Associate Director of Cardiology, Corinne Hook, APP Associate Director of Pulmonary, and Tiffany Stivers, APP Associate Director of Infectious Diseases, PROPEL was created to address a longstanding need for a structured and transparent advancement pathway tailored specifically to APPs. They sought to build a program that not only recognizes past and present contributions and excellence but also encourages continued growth and engagement in activities that strengthen the department and health system.
The framework is built around four core domains:
- Clinical Practice
- Leadership
- Education
- Research.
“Because APPs all differ slightly, we wanted to make sure that our categories were broad enough to include everyone,” Czarapata said.
Through a tiered progression system, APPs can demonstrate accomplishments across these areas and advance through levels that reflect increasing experience, expertise and impact. The program recognizes both the depth and breadth of professional contributions, highlighting APPs who go beyond their daily responsibilities to advance their profession, mentor others, contribute to scholarship, participate in leadership activities and support innovation in healthcare.
"APPs have been doing outstanding work across our department for years," Stivers said. "What was missing was a formal process to recognize those achievements and provide a clear pathway for advancement. So, for that to finally happen is so important for recognition and morale.”
The inaugural application cycle generated strong interest, with more than fifty APPs participating in the program's first year. Department leaders view that enthusiasm as a sign that APPs are eager for opportunities that acknowledge their contributions and support long-term career growth.
“We’ve had great support from the whole department,” Hook said. “All the faculty and division chiefs have really supported this program. And it's great that we're doing it in Internal Medicine. Being the largest department at UK, we capture so many of the APPs at the enterprise.”
By providing a roadmap for advancement and rewarding dedication to clinical practice, leadership, education and research, PROPEL is creating an environment where APPs can thrive throughout their careers. Leaders hope the framework will inspire providers to explore new opportunities, expand their skills and continue contributing to the department's mission at increasingly impactful levels.
Above all, PROPEL highlights the tremendous value APPs bring to patient care and reinforces the department's commitment to helping them build rewarding, long-term careers at UK.