Office of Professional Fulfillment, Engagement, and Belonging (ProBE)

Welcome to the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Office of Professional Fulfillment, Engagement, and Belonging (ProBE). This office is responsible for supporting and fostering a culture where faculty, staff, and trainees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Operating at the intersection of academic life, clinical care, education, and research, ProBE supports individuals and departments and units in creating meaningful, collaborative, and resilient work and learning environments while strengthening the community through restorative practices.

Mission

The mission of ProBE is to enhance professional fulfillment, cultivate meaningful engagement, and promote a strong sense of belonging through innovative programs and critical partnerships, fostering a culture of respect, kindness, and collaboration. We aim to ensure that members of our community feel valued, empowered, and equipped for sustainable success. Through a focus on fulfillment, engagement, and belonging, the office seeks to improve the collective experience of those who learn, teach, work, and serve in academic medicine.

Leadership

A. Reema Kar, MD, has been appointed to the newly created position of Associate Dean for the Office of Professional Fulfillment, Engagement and Belonging (ProBE), dedicated to advancing a culture where faculty, staff and trainees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

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Key Responsibilities

• Utilize data obtained from the Healthcare Professional Well-being Academic Consortium (PWAC) to partner with departments to identify opportunities and track outcomes and success
• Develop and lead programs that promote professional fulfillment, resilience, and engagement
• Partner with the Dean’s leadership team to promote faculty and staff development through academic advancement support, mentorship programs, and structured leadership training
• Foster connection across departments, disciplines, and roles through structured engagement activities such as forums and interprofessional initiatives
• Organize workshops, seminars, and events that encourage professional development and personal growth
• Implement regular feedback mechanisms to gather input from faculty and use feedback to continuously improve the office’s initiatives and programs
• Cultivate an environment where feedback is offered respectfully and professionally, encouraging constructive dialogue and continuous improvement
• Develop initiatives and activities that promote a culture of belonging
• Create programs and initiatives that encourage and celebrate the importance of valuing different perspectives and experiences in the workplace
• Create and manage recognition and mentorship initiatives that celebrate contributions, amplify voice and build community

Governance and Integration

ProBE reports to the Dean or designee and works in close collaboration with academic affairs, clinical affairs, and affiliated health system leadership. It will convene an advisory council composed of faculty, trainees, and staff to guide its priorities to ensure transparency and relevance.