College of Medicine (COM) faculty members honored their peers for excellence in education both in and outside of the classroom during the semi-annual faculty meeting June 19. The annual awards recognize innovative teaching, research in education, strong residency programs and a commitment to compassionate, humanistic medical care.
Master Teacher Award
James Pasley, Ph.D.
James Pasley, Ph.D., has taught physiology to COM freshmen for 37 years,
blending an outstanding ability to teach complex medical concepts with a generous dose of humor.
“He has found a way to require excellence but also to let students know that he is on their side and willing to help them in any way,” said Physiology and Biophysics Chairman Mike Jennings, who nominated Pasley.
Pasley has directed the Medical Physiology course since 1996 and has been the assistant dean for educational advancement since 2001. He introduced the COM’s first computerized exams, the first use of patient simulators in a basic science course and numerous prep courses for students. A nationally recognized medical educator, he has won numerous teaching awards and held the Lutterloh Medical Education Excellence Professorship in 2001-2004.
Educational Innovation Award
Curtis Lowery, M.D.
Curtis Lowery, M.D., is known as a champion of telemedicine and distance education initiatives that make high-risk pregnancies safer all across the state. He sees the potential for using technology to “to reach beyond UAMS’ walls to collaborate, instruct and consult providers and patients throughout Arkansas.”
The professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division founded UAMS’ award-winning ANGELS (Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning System). Lowery will become chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology July 1. He also is co-founder of the Center for Distance Health, an outgrowth of ANGELS and UAMS Regional Programs that helps develop new telemedicine initiatives.
Whit Hall, M.D., a professor of pediatrics, presented the award. “Dr. Lowery has an incredible ability to reach out and connect with the physicians in the state,” he said.
Educational Research Award
Michael Wiggins, M.D.
Michael Wiggins, M.D., has conducted research in professionalism, informed consent and residency education since participating in UAMS’ Teaching Scholars Program in 2003-2005 sparked his interest in educational research. He stimulates ophthalmology residents’ interest in research by including them in many of his projects.
Presenting the award, Ophthalmology Chairman John Shock noted that Wiggins has developed a strong clinical practice at UAMS. “More importantly, he is making a significant contribution to the education of our residents, ophthalmic medical technology students and our medical students,” Shock said.
Wiggins is an assistant professor and associate residency director in the Department of Opthalmology and director of the Jones Eye Institute Laser Center. He also is an assistant professor of ophthalmic medical technology in the UAMS College of Health Related Professions. A 1997 COM graduate, he joined the faculty in 2003.
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation
J. Gary Wheeler, M.D.
Gary Wheeler, M.D., was already one of the most active public and child health advocates in Arkansas when he decided to return to school to better equip himself as a leader in public service. The professor of pediatrics is enrolled in the Clinton School of Public Service, and colleagues said that exemplifies Wheeler’s commitment to helping others.
Wheeler has led many programs at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, along with legislative and public campaigns, to address childhood nutrition and obesity, exposure to tobacco, child passenger safety and other health issues. Known as a compassionate clinician and educator, he also has been active in bioethics issues and education.
The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award is presented annually to a faculty member and a graduating student at nearly 80 of the nation’s medical schools. Robin M. Reed received the student award at Honors Convocation May 18.
“As a clinician, teacher, scientist, advocate and student of public service, Dr. Gary Wheeler exemplifies the characteristics of those honored by this award,” said presenter Pat Casey, M.D., a professor of pediatrics.
Residency Educator Award (large programs)
Daniel A. Knight, M.D.
The Family and Preventive Medicine Residency has continuously improved thanks to Director Daniel Knight, M.D., Coordinator Stacey Riddling and faculty from across the department, said James Clardy, M.D., associate dean for graduate medical education. Faculty members are active in educational research, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has approved a longer, four-year accreditation cycle for the program, Clardy said. Knight also serves the COM as chairman of the Graduate Medical Education Program Improvement Subcommittee.
Residency Educator Award (small programs)
Bruce R. Smoller, M.D.
The Dermatopathology Fellowship continues the tradition of excellence in education that has been a hallmark of the Department of Pathology for many years, Clardy said in an interview. He applauded the leadership of department Chairman Bruce Smoller, M.D., who was the residency director for many years before succeeding Aubrey Hough Jr., M.D., as chairman and carrying on Hough’s commitment to educational excellence.
Presenting the award, Hough said Smoller has made the dermatopathology program one of the best in the country. Clardy and Hough also thanked fellowship Coordinator Renee Gordon. |
James Pasley, Ph. D., (left) receives the 2007 Master Teacher Award and congratulations from Physiology and Biophysics Chairman Mike Jennings, Ph.D.
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Curtis Lowery, M.D., (right) receives the Educational Innovation Award. Whit Hall, M.D., also presented Lowery with plumbing paraphernalia as a lighthearted reference to his ability to “make connections.”
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Michael Wiggins, M.D., (right) is presented with the Educational Research Award by Ophthalmology Chairman John Shock, M.D.
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Gary Wheeler, M.D., (right) receives the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. Pat Casey, M.D., presented the award.
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Daniel Knight, M.D., (right) receives the Residency Educator Award for large programs from James Clardy, M.D.
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Bruce Smoller, M.D., (left) receives the Residency Educator Award for small programs and congratulations from Aubrey Hough, M.D.
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