For students at the University of Vermont College of Medicine,
completing the challenging 18-month-long Foundations level of the Vermont
Integrated Curriculum (VIC) calls for celebration. On January 29, the Class
of 2011 did just that, holding a celebration and awards ceremony that
recognized both the accomplishments of exceptional teachers and
supporters.
The Foundations level of the VIC is designed to provide students with a
fundamental understanding of health and illness as framed by systems from a
single gene to entire populations. There are a total of 11 courses, lasting
from two weeks to 18 months, including two long-term courses —
"Doctoring in Vermont" and "Medical Student Leadership Group" — which
aim to ensure students gain the professional and leadership skills critical
to successfully working with patients, the community and professional
teams. Additional Foundations courses include "Introduction to Clinical
Decision-Making"; "Cell/Molecular Biology"; "Human Structure and Function";
"Attacks and Defenses"; "Nutrition, Metabolism, and Gastrointestinal
System"; "Neural Science"; "Connections"; "Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and
Renal Systems";
"Generations"; and "Convergence".
Awards presented by the Class of 2011 at the Foundations Celebration
event include:
Outstanding Foundations Course:
Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems
Foundations Course Director Award:
William Hopkins, M.D., associate professor of medicine and course director,
Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Systems.
Foundations Teaching Award:
William Raszka, M.D., professor of pediatrics and course director, Attacks
and Defenses. The recipient of this award will be hooding the Class of 2011
at their graduation and will be recognized with other Teachers of the Year
from the past.
The Dean Warshaw Integration Award:
Richard Salerno, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics. This award
recognizes the faculty member whose teaching best captured the spirit of
the Vermont Integrated Curriculum.
The Silver Stethoscope Award (a.k.a. "Inspirational Cameo of the
Year"):
Jean Szilva, M.D., lecturer in anatomy and neurobiology. This award
recognizes the faculty member who had few lecture hours, but made a
substantial contribution to students' education.
Above and Beyond Award: Ellen Cornbrooks, Ph.D., lecturer in
anatomy and neurobiology. This award recognizes the faculty member (not
necessarily a lecturer) who went above and beyond the call of duty to help
the students in their learning objectives.
Best Support Staff (Non-teaching):
Sarah Keblin, director of annual giving in the medical development and
alumni relations office. This award recognizes the staff member who best
supported students in areas besides teaching.
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) Gender Equity
Award: Pamela Gibson, M.D., associate professor of pathology
Wellness Committee Peer Recognition Award: Presented jointly
to second-year medical students Matthew Meyer and David Diller "for their
ability to create a team atmosphere and community of inclusion" in
organizing and leading the UVM College of Medicine Marathon Team.
