Outstanding Medical Teachers Honored With Siegel Awards

The annual awards are the foremost means for medical students to recognize extraordinary professors and instructors in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

This year’s awardees are from 11 departments: biochemistry, dermatology, family medicine, medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, pathology and anatomical sciences, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery.

The winners are listed below, along with nominators’ comments read during the awards presentation, held in the atrium of the Biomedical Education Building.

• Te-Chung Lee, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry
  

This professor teaches the difficult topic of metabolism “in a very organized and engaging manner that maximize(s) student comprehension and enjoyment.”

He “incorporates humorous anecdotes” into every lecture.

He “shows passion and enthusiasm for teaching” and always exudes “a humble demeanor and a concern for student success.”

• Michael Zionts, MD, assistant professor of family medicine

Students describe this teacher as “inspirational,” “refreshing” and “above all, compassionate.”

“His dedication to working with students and helping them learn and grow is unmatched.”

“His lessons, his drive for knowledge and the way he treats his patients (provide) the template I will use as a future physician.”

• Dilip J. Patel, MD, clinical associate professor of ophthalmology
  

Known for developing an excellent rapport with his students, this physician provided valuable teaching during the surgical sub-specialties rotation and always took the time to answer students' questions.

He cares for his patients and also his students, always seeking their input and reviewing cases.

• Edward Cho, MD, surgery

Described as “an exceptional doctor, educator and human being,” this resident “develops a wonderful rapport with everyone he works with.”

“The way he spoke with patients was exemplary and I hope to be able to one day treat patients as he did.”

“My experience in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit was hands down one of the most memorable times of my medical school career, and it was due to this resident.”

• Linda Wild, MD, associate professor emeritus of pathology and anatomical sciences
  

Described by one student as “the unsung hero” of her medical education, this retired faculty member thoroughly enjoys teaching and “takes a genuine interest in her students’ well being.”

She “inpires her students to learn and to be the best students and future doctors they can be.”

Recipients of honorable mention also were recognized at the ceremony. They are:

• Sergio Hernandez, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry; assistant medical student education director
• Christopher Cohan, PhD, professor of pathology and anatomical sciences

• Wayne R. Waz, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics
  
• Marilou I. Ching, MD, clinical assistant professor of neurology
  
• Regina Makdissi, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine

• Thomas N. Helm, MD, clinical professor of dermatology
  

• Kinan Dalal, MD, medicine
• Ajay N. Panchal, MD, surgery
• Michael R. DiGiacomo, MD, psychiatry
• Ryan J. Schlueter, DO, obstetrics and gynecology

Peter T. Ostrow, MD, associate professor emeritus of pathology and anatomical sciences