- College of Medicine Faculty News
In a salute to innovation and dedication, the UCF College of Medicine held its first awards ceremony for faculty and students, and paid homage to the late Dr. Richard Hornick, one of the college’s founding faculty members.
“We are here to celebrate excellence,” Dr. Deborah German, vice president of Medical Affairs and dean of the College of Medicine, said in opening remarks at the October 12 ceremony. She called the awards “another milestone” for the college.
Although the first celebration was blended, Dr. German said in the future, faculty, students and staff will be honored at their own awards ceremonies – the faculty in the fall, students in the spring, and staff at a time to be determined.
In handing out plaques and certificates to honored faculty members, Dr. Richard Peppler, associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, praised the “support and dedication of our core, affiliated and volunteer faculty” for their catalytic role in shaping the College of Medicine.
A highlight of the evening was the Richard B. Hornick M.D. Faculty Award, which was established to recognize faculty members who epitomize Dr. Hornick’s commitment to the education of medical students. Dr. Hornick, who served on the original Curriculum Committee, passed away in August. His wife, Susan Finnegan, and other family members were present at the ceremony. Dr. Peppler thanked her for Dr. Hornick’s commitment to the medical school.
Dr. Marcy Verduin, associate dean for students, said one of the things she likes best about her job is recognizing outstanding students. Awards were announced for academic excellence and clinical skills. The Faculty Choice Award was given to M3 student Ashley Curry for demonstrating outstanding professionalism, knowledge and caring toward patients.
In her closing remarks, Dr. German noted that awards are given to recognize excellence, “but medicine is a team sport.”
“Everyone in this room is doing excelling work,’ said Dr. German, before declaring “let’s all have some fun.”
Students and faculty then adjourned to the rotunda for a reception, where they were entertained by M-3 student William Kang on the violin and a performance of “I Believe I Can Fly” by M-1 student Elizabeth John.
List of Awards:
M1 Golden Apple Award
David Balkwill, Ph.D.
Mohammed Khalil, Ph.D.
M1 Excellence in Teaching Awards
Jane Gibson, Ph.D.
Jonathan Kibble, Ph.D.
Garrett Riggs, M.D., Ph.D.
Marcy Verduin, M.D.
M2 Golden Apple Award
Michael Lee, Ph.D.
Garrett Riggs, M.D., Ph.D.
M2 Excellence in Teaching Awards
Andrew Nanton, M.D.
Charles Price, M.D.
Judith Simms-Cendan, M.D.
Marcy Verduin, M.D.
Golden Apple Practice of Medicine Preceptor Award
Pinkal Patel, M.D.
Adrian Burrowes, M.D.
Rafik Bouaziz, M.D.
Practice of Medicine Preceptor Excellence Award
Joseph Savona, M.D.
Felicia Jacob, M.D.
Joel Garcia, M.D.
Gary Lehman, M.D.
Krish B. Shroff, M.D.
Kelly Roberts, M.D.
James Schaus, M.D.
Thomas Lacy, M.D.
Fernando Alvarado, M.D., M.P.H.
Michael Deichen, M.D.
Martin Derrow, M.D.
Aileen Caceres, M.D.
Alejandro Levy, M.D.
Odette Stanley-Brown, M.D.
Richard B. Hornick M.D. Faculty Award
Michael Bellew, M.D.
William DeCampli, M.D., Ph.D.
Charles Price, M.D.
James Sanders, M.D.
Best M1 Module – HB-2, Human Body: Structure and Function (based on student ratings)
Best M2 Module – S-6, Brain and Behavior (based on student ratings)
Academic Excellence Award
Tiffany Chen
Sara Danker
Anika Mirick
Artur Pawlowicz
Mitchell Popovetsky
Irina Prelipcean
Excellence in Clinical Skills Award
Virgil Secasanu
Faculty Choice Award
Ashley Curry