The Scope E-Newsletter Awards 2010 Faculty Distinguished for Teaching and Research

The seventh annual Graduate School of Medicine Faculty Awards were presented by James J. Neutens, PhD, Dean, to the following recipients during the Resident Dinner and Faculty Awards Presentation July 1 at UT Conference Center.

Spirit of the Graduate School of Medicine Award
Eddie Moore, MD
Associate Dean and Designated Institutional Official
Graduate Medical and Dental Education

Dean Moore joined the faculty of the Graduate School of Medicine in 1988 as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He was appointed Designated Institutional Official (DIO) in 2003 and Associate Dean in 2004. As the DIO, he has the authority and the responsibility for the oversight and administration of all Graduate Medical and Dental Education residency training programs. As Associate Dean, he is responsible for developing position reports and policy proposals for the GSM and serves as UT Health Science Center PS/QI Clerkship Coordinator, Knoxville Campus. He also oversees several departments, including Communications and Outreach, Preston Medical Library and Student Affairs.

Dean Neutens said, "Dr. Moore embodies the Spirit of the Graduate School of Medicine as evidenced by his passion for education, his respect for scholarly activity, and his dedication to patient care. His role in the GSM is significant in serving as a mentor and role model to all of us."

Excellence and Leadership in Basic Science Research Award
George Kabalka, PhD
Professor, The Robert H. Cole Neuroscience Endowed Chair, Radiology
Director, Basic Research, Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Program

Dr. Kabalka is a pioneer in the use of organoborane chemistry in the area of radiopharmaceuticals containing short-lived nuclides. He joined the Department of Chemistry at UT Knoxville in 1970. He is a Distinguished Service Professor of Chemistry, and in 1994 he became the first Endowed Professor of the Robert H. Cole Chair in Neuroscience at the UT Graduate School of Medicine where he is also Director of Basic Research in the Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Program. Dr. Kabalka is also a consultant with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the Chemistry Division, the Medical and Health Sciences Division, and the Nuclear Medicine Group, Health and Safety Research Division. In 1993 he won the American Chemical Society award for the South's most distinguished chemist.

Dean Neutens said, "Dr. Kabalka is nationally known for his research ability, being asked to give lectures throughout the world. We are indeed fortunate that he shares his talent with us by playing a principal role in our Molecular Imaging and Translational Research Program. As a leader in chemistry, he is critical to our research and endeavors on several fronts, fostering collaboration among a wide variety of professionals here and around the country."

Excellence and Leadership in Clinical Research Award
Robert Craft, MD
Vice Chairman, Program Director and Professor
Anesthesiology

Dr. Craft supervises, coordinates and encourages all research efforts for Anesthesiology. He serves as an abstract reviewer and moderator for the International Anesthesia Research Society and publishes numerous papers and abstracts himself. His latest research grant totaled $450,000 to study, "Point of Care Assay for Platelet Function." In addition to his research efforts, Dr. Craft has been named a "Top Doctor" by his peers in CityView Magazine.

Jerry Epps, MD, Associate Professor and Chair, Anesthesiology, said, "Dr. Craft embodies the criteria for excellence and leadership in research. He has been instrumental in encouraging resident and faculty interest in research and, by his own efforts, tremendously increased the yearly publications and abstracts from our department."

Excellence in Teaching Award
Mark Rasnake, MD
Associate Professor and Program Director
Medicine

Dr. Rasnake has been described as the "quintessential professor." He keeps up with the latest medical literature and uses the information to design questions for the Medicine Quiz Bowl. Dr. Rasnake has utilized the BlackBoard online learning system for teaching procedures and uses the Medical Simulation Center for hands-on training. Dr. Rasnake has won the Department's London Award for Excellence in Teaching, and his teaching has been described as enthusiastic, innovative and supportive of the objectives of the Department. A resident said of Dr. Rasnake's teaching, "We are lucky to have him. I hope his passion for teaching residents spreads like a wildfire."

Timothy Panella, Associate Professor and Chair, Medicine, said in nominating Dr. Rasnake, "He has two different teaching strengths that make him an excellent candidate for this award. First is his teaching excellence and second is his administrative leadership developing new programs for teaching."

Excellence in Teaching for Volunteer Faculty Award
Michael Henderson, MD
Volunteer Faculty
Medicine

Dr. Henderson graduated from the Medicine Residency Program in 2006. He hosts the Community Medicine Ambulatory rotation for Medicine residents at his private practice, which he has been doing since he graduated. His rotation is ranked the highest among the residents, who have been quoted as saying, "Dr. Henderson is intelligent and enthusiastic," and, "I had a wonderful experience in Oak Ridge."

Dr. Panella said, "It is his influence that will bring more and more residents to realize the benefit of primary care practice in Medicine."