Recipients of the Samuel R. Goldstein Leadership Awards in Medical Student Education for 2009 are Paul Bridgman, Ph.D., Barry Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D., and Mort Smith, M.D.
The annual awards, which recognize outstanding teaching and commitment to medical education, are among the highest honors that School of Medicine faculty can achieve. They were established in 2000 in memory of Goldstein, a longtime friend of the medical school.
A selection committee made up of faculty and a student representative from each class reviews all submitted nominations and selects three awardees based on incorporation of innovative approaches to teaching and curriculum development, commitment to enhance educational skills and teaching evaluations. The committee forwards its recommendations to Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, for final approval.
“We are pleased to recognize Drs. Bridgman, Sleckman and Smith for their outstanding efforts in providing our students with an exceptional education,” Shapiro says. “Each of them is committed to providing the best overall experience for our students. We are also grateful to Samuel Goldstein for his gift that allows us to acknowledge our faculty with these awards.”
The awards will be given at a dinner in late spring.
Bridgman
Bridgman is professor of neurobiology and of bioengineering. For more than a decade, he has been coursemaster of the histology section of the “Cell and Organ Systems Biology” course for first-year students. His efforts into developing new methods of teaching have been well received by students and faculty and are a model of innovative teaching. He was instrumental in digitizing the university’s histology slide collection, which students can access via a Web portal. His colleagues cite his continuous enthusiasm, innovative approach, work ethic and professionalism.
Bridgman has received two Distinguished Teaching Service Awards and received the Coursemaster of the Year Award in 2007.
Sleckman
Sleckman, professor of pathology and immunology and chief of the Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, is a lecturer in the immunology course for first-year medical students. He has received Professor of the Year awards six times from medical school students. He also is involved with training M.D./Ph.D. students and is known for his good rapport with students.
Sleckman also instituted a lecture/discussion immunology selective course for first-year students in which faculty present research related to immunologic diseases. The course has appealed strongly to research-oriented students. His colleagues say he is able to present difficult material in a clear way that students grasp and enjoy. Students say he is easily approachable, welcoming and encouraging.
Smith
Smith, professor emeritus of ophthalmology and visual sciences and associate dean emeritus, has been referred to by medical students and colleagues over the years as an “icon,” a “shining star” and the “heart and soul” of the ophthalmology program. He has significantly contributed to education at the School of Medicine since 1961 when he began his residency and fellowship in ophthalmology.
In 1967, he began his tenure as coursemaster in ophthalmology, responsible for planning all aspects of ophthalmology education. His colleagues say he is the consummate teacher, whether he is working with students individually, in small groups, as a lecturer or in administrative roles. He has received 16 Teacher of the Year awards from students and residents.
“As a highly effective and influential educator, Dr. Smith is certainly an important reason why so many medical students at Washington University choose to pursue the field of ophthalmology,” colleagues wrote. “He is a model for all to emulate, both as a physician and as a teacher.”