John Freeman Faculty Teaching Award:
Dr. Margaret Uthman

With 2009 marking win number five, Dr. Margaret Uthman has received the John Freeman Faculty Teaching Award more than any Medical School faculty member.

The award is chosen by the senior class each year to recognize the Medical School’s outstanding basic science faculty member. The recipient of this award, which is made possible by university funds named in honor of John Freeman, must exemplify enthusiasm and drive toward effective teaching, have a personal interest in students' problems and their educational goals, and set an example that serves as a high standard for students.

Winners may not be named in consecutive years, which might explain why Uthman was the winner in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005, and now in 2009.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive the Freeman award again this year,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to work with so many outstanding, dedicated teachers at our school, and particularly fortunate to be able to do what I love.

“When I started my academic career 21 years ago, I hadn't really thought about teaching medical students, but it's turned out to be one of the most personally rewarding aspects of what I do. I enjoy the students' enthusiasm for learning and the challenge of presenting material that will stimulate their interest and facilitate their understanding. And every year there's a new group!”

Uthman is vice chair for education in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and is assistant dean for educational programs of the Medical School. She also is the director of the pathology course and the problem-based learning course for second-year students. In addition, she is the course director for the new Transition to Residency course that fourth-year students take in March prior to graduation.

Uthman received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and completed postgraduate training with a residency at the University of Arkansas Health Science Center and a hematopathology fellowship at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Her research interests include medical education and hematological malignancies.

Previous winners include Elizabeth Hartwell, M.D., 2007; Han Zhang, M.D., 2008, 2006; Margaret O. Uthman, M.D., 2009, 2005, 2001, 1999, 1997; Kent Heck, M.D., 2004, 2002; Norman Weisbrodt, Ph.D., 2003; Barry Van Winkle, Ph.D., 2000, 1998; Marsha L. Eigenbrodt, M.D., M.P.H., 1996; Ron C. Philo, Ph.D., 1995; Harley D. Sybers, M.D., Ph.D., 1994, 1992, 1990; Frank W. Booth, M.D., 1993; and Karmen L. Schmidt, Ph.D., 1991.

— Darla Brown, Office of Communications, Medical School

Students elected to TMA positions

The UT Medical School is well represented in leadership roles at the student level of the Texas Medical Association (TMA).

Spencer Pruitt, MSIV, was elected student trustee to the TMA Board, and fourth-year student Felicity Kelly was named TMA state chair.

The following students recently were selected to serve on TMA committees and councils:
• Jaclyn Chen, TEXPAC Candidate Evaluation Committee
• Felicity Kelly, Council on Health Service Organizations
• Lauren D'Angelo, Council on Health Service Organizations
• Elise Cooper, Committee on EMS & Trauma
• Teri Mayfield, Committee on EMS & Trauma
• Stephen Fisher, Council on Scientific Affairs
• Adrienne LeGendre, Committee on Physician Distribution and Healthcare Access
• Melissa Morgan, Council on Public Health
• Lindsey Styles, Committee on Rural Health
• Michael Weisbruch, Committee on Educational Scholarship & Loan
• Lane Blankenship, Committee on Continuing Education

“I applaud these students who are taking on additional leadership responsibilities. I am certain they will represent their fellow students and our Medical School very well,” said Dean Giuseppe Colasurdo.

Medical School Development Office moves to UCT

Due to the need for additional departmental space in the Jesse Jones Library, the Medical School’s Office of Development staff has moved to University Center Tower.

The staff is co-located with the Office of Institutional Advancement-Central Development Office on the 12th and 15th floors as of June 18.

“Although this is a physical move, our priorities and focus have not changed,” said Jackie Callies, executive director of development and alumni relations. “We will continue to serve the mission and goals of the Medical School through Dean Colasurdo’s vision and continue strengthening our relationships with the faculty, students, alumni, and friends.”

Alumni Association staff will remain in JJL 450.

Phone numbers and physical addresses have changed for those that have moved to UCT:

Prefix: 713-500-
Jet Phillips	3543
Jackie Callies	3544
Varessa Kelton	3545
Mary Stevenson	3546
Melinda Carter	3547
Tiffany Thomas	3548
Mollie Meagher	3549

Claire Lindsay and Leslie Dick’s information will remain the same:

Prefix: 713-500-
Leslie Dick	5125
Claire Lindsay	5181

Medical School video system upgraded

UT Houston Interactive Video Services has upgraded the system used to capture and archive the content of grand rounds lectures and other special events at the Medical School.

The system is also capable of broadcasting live on the Internet in a Web-based, high resolution format. Currently, lecture content can be captured in the new format in the main Medical School lecture halls, the Dental Branch, and the School of Nursing. Other locations throughout the Health Science Center will become available as finances and interest allow.

Medical School departments currently using the system include: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine (General and Cardiology), Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Surgery (General), Anesthesiology, Neurology, Family Practice and Community Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The video portal can be accessed using the UT Houston User ID and password on the Web site. Members of the public who register using a valid e-mail address can also view lectures.

TIRR recognizes Tandon for patient care

TIRR Memorial Hermann gave special acknowledgement to Dr. Nitin Tandon, assistant professor of neurosurgery, for his patient care contributions.

Although he is not a TIRR staff member, Tandon provides neurosurgery consultations in his office and performs surgical procedures on TIRR patients who are transferred to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Cindy Ivanhoe presented Dr. Tandon with a plaque at the April Active Medical Staff meeting for being an invaluable resource to attending physicians, particularly those in the Brain Injury Program.

Tandon received his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India. He completed his internship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and his residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

— Susan Stanley, TIRR Memorial Hermann

Graduation banquet

 

Location & Contact

6431 Fannin Street,
Houston, Texas 77030

PO Box 20708,
Houston, Texas 77225

713.500.4472

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