Heather K. Lehman, MD.

Heather Lehman, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics, won a preclinical teaching award. “I’ve never before seen such dedication,” said a student nominator.

Dedicated Medical Teachers Receive 2015 Siegel Awards

Published April 17, 2015 This content is archived.

story by alexandra edelblute

Eighteen medical school teachers and a medical student received 2015 Louis A. and Ruth Siegel Awards or honorable mentions for excellence in teaching.

“He continually pushes us to look a little deeper and to learn to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind every test. ”
Student comment about Siegel Award winner Charles S. Berenson, MD
Print

The annual awards are the foremost means for University at Buffalo medical students to honor their professors, instructors and teaching assistants.

This year’s awardees are from seven departments: biochemistry, dermatology, medicine, neurology, neurosurgerypathology and anatomical sciences and pediatrics.

The awards were presented during the School of Medicine and Biomedical Science’s Faculty Appreciation Day April 15. Honorees are listed below, along with nominators’ comments read at the award ceremony.

Teaching in the Preclinical Program

Students said Lehman “encompasses all the hallmarks of a good teacher,” noting that “she is well-organized, well paced, clear, approachable and competent.”

“I feel that the sign of an effective teacher is one who delivers concepts so well that they become part of a student’s understanding of the world, rather than a fact to be memorized. Dr. Lehman does this.”

Teaching in the Clinical Program

Berenson “is comprehensive and thorough as both a teacher and a physician.”

“He continually pushes us to look a little deeper and to learn to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind every test. It’s easy to see how much he cares for every one of his patients.”

“He is one of the best clinical teachers I’ve had.”

Volunteer Teaching

Students said Claus “teaches at the bedside every day on rounds, and he makes students feel like important members of he team. He never makes us feel like we’re in the way.”

“He makes us well-rounded, and teaches us about the medical field as a whole."

“I feel lucky and honored to work with Dr. Claus.”

Resident and Fellow Teaching

Students described Sheikh as “a physician role model” who “demonstrates compassion, respect and humanism for all patients.”

“His passion for teaching is obvious. He always finds time to teach us, no matter how busy the service and no matter how much work there is left to be done.”

“His teachings are tailored to different levels of understanding, which makes his talks with students easy to follow, yet still comprehensive.”

Honorable Mention

The following honorable mention recipients also were recognized:

Teaching in the Preclinical Program

Teaching in the Clinical Program

Volunteer Teaching

Resident Teaching

Special Recognition

Michael Danise, a second-year medical student, received an honorable mention for the volunteer tutoring services he provides to his fellow students.

About the Siegel Awards

Louis A. Siegel received his medical degree from UB in 1923 and served as an assistant professor of obstetrics-gynecology for 21 years. He was a dedicated clinical teacher who inspired both medical students and house officers with enthusiasm and the spirit of inquiry.

Considerations for the Siegel Awards include nominees’ instructional skill, ability to stimulate thinking and develop understanding in students, demonstration of sensitivity toward the human condition and ability to serve as a role model for students.

A student committee comprised of representatives from each medical class reviews nominations from students and selects awardees.