GSM Faculty Awards
2007 Faculty Award Recipients
The Fourth Annual "GSM Faculty Awards" were presented at the Resident Reception held June 27, 2007 at the University Club/Visitors Center. Winners were nominated by their colleagues and include:
GSM Spirit Award
John C. Neff, MD
Professor and Director of the Pathology Residency Program
The GSM Spirit Award recognizes faculty members who exemplify the spirit of UTGSM by upholding and promoting the UTGSM mission to colleagues, residents, students, staff, and the community. Dr. Neff was nominated by Dr. James Neutens, Dean, UTGSM, who said, "Dr. Neff is respected throughout the UT Health Science Center as well as within the walls of the Graduate School of Medicine, and he is recognized as a leader in Pathology at the national level."
Excellence and Leadership in Basic Science Research
Brian O'Nuallain, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Human Immunology and Cancer Program
This award is offered to recognize, reward, and reinforce outstanding investigators and to promote excellence in basic science research at UTGSM. The primary criteria are excellence and leadership in research over an extended portion of an investigative career at UTGSM. In nominating Dr. O'Nuallain, Dean Neutens described his work as "some of the best research of any young investigator in the United States."
Excellence and Leadership in Clinical Research
Nikki B. Zite, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor and Associate Director, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program
This award is offered to recognize, reward, and reinforce outstanding investigators and to promote excellence in clinical research at UTGSM. "Dr. Zite has expanded the educational experience for our residents immensely by virtue of her clinical expertise, teaching techniques and interest in clinical research," said Dr. Robert Elder in his nomination of Dr. Zite. "Through her guidance, a number of research projects have been accepted for presentation at a national level, several of them garnering recognition and awards."
Excellence in Teaching Award
Henry S. Nelson, MD
Professor and Vice Chairman, Department of Surgery
This award is offered to faculty who exhibit a strong commitment to teaching while serving as a role model to residents, students, and colleagues. In nominating Dr. Nelson, Dr. Mitchell Goldman said, "Dr. Nelson has the appreciation of the residents for his ability to find the delicate balance between autonomy and guidance and convey both his personal qualities as well as his command of the surgical literature and technique to create the all around surgeon."
Excellence in Teaching Award (Volunteer Faculty)
Robert D. Thomas, MD
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology
Recipients of this award volunteer time and effort to further the mission of UTGSM without compensation. This award is offered to volunteer faculty who exhibit a strong commitment to teaching while serving as a role model to residents, students, and colleagues. Dr. Kent Hutson said, "Dr. Thomas spends three to four hours a day for several weeks to present radiology cases. Of particular importance, he covers the areas of pediatric radiology and congenital heart disease that are not covered by our core curriculum. Dr. Thomas is in a full-time private practice in Greeneville,TN, yet he drives 1.5 hours each way to present these lecture and case reviews. The residents are very appreciative of Dr. Thomas and his educational efforts."
