Honoring Dedication and Excellence: Florida Atlantic Schmidt College of Medicine's Faculty Recognition Ceremony
The Schmidt College of Medicine at 大象传媒 gathered on February 4, 2025, for its annual Faculty Recognition Ceremony, celebrating exceptional educational leadership and teaching excellence. Stories of dedication came alive as the college honored those who do more than teach medicine 鈥 they inspire, guide, and shape the physicians who will care for our communities tomorrow.
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
The ceremony's pinnacle moment came with the presentation of the prestigious Michael L. Friedland M.D. Educational Leadership Award to George Luck, M.D. , honoring his transformative contributions to medical education. Named after the college's founding Dean, this award recognizes exemplary vision, integrity, leadership, and dedication to teaching.
As the founding Clerkship Director for the Anesthesiology and Critical Care Cross-Discipline Clerkship, Dr. Luck has been instrumental in establishing vital community partnerships and creating innovative learning opportunities. "He is the embodiment of integrity to all stakeholders," noted one nomination. "His ability to create trust and positive working relationships has been crucial to our institution's success."
Dr. Luck's vision extends beyond traditional teaching methods. His innovative system for matching students and residents with faculty for case studies has created opportunities for presentations at local, regional, and national levels, contributing to both student success and institutional recognition.
Excellence in Foundational Education
The ceremony recognized outstanding educators in the Foundations of Medicine (FOM) program.
Alan Lieberman, M.D., received the Outstanding FOM Clinical Preceptor award, recognized for his exceptional dedication to teaching through comprehensive treatment plan reviews and real-world clinical applications.
Marc Taub, M.D. was honored as Outstanding FOM Facilitator, recognized for creating a nurturing yet challenging learning environment. Students commended his commitment to comprehensive benchmark practice and meaningful mentorship.
Per Amundson, M.D. received the Outstanding Lecturer award for his engaging teaching style and ability to simplify complex topics, making pre-clinical material accessible and engaging for students.
Distinguished Clinical Teaching
Outstanding Clinical Teacher awards recognized excellence across multiple specialties:
Frances Rodriguez, M.D. earned acclaim as an Outstanding Clinical Teacher in a Cross-Discipline, praised for empowering students with hands-on patient care experience while providing expert guidance.
Michael La Sala, M.D. was honored as Outstanding Clinical Teacher for Psychiatry, recognized for demonstrating exceptional empathy and teaching skills in mental health care.
Patricia Harding, M.D., received the Outstanding Clinical Teacher for Obstetrics and Gynecology award, celebrated for her dynamic teaching style and dedication to student development.
Sudhira Kulatunga, M.D., was named Outstanding Clinical Teacher for Pediatrics, lauded for maintaining high expectations while providing in-depth instruction on challenging topics.
Ingrid Jones Ince, M.D., was recognized as an Outstanding Clinical Teacher for Internal Medicine, praised for inspiring future internists and preparing students for residency.
Miguel Lopez-Viego, M.D. received the Outstanding Clinical Teacher for Surgery award, commended for making the operating room an inviting learning environment and providing comprehensive surgical education.
Excellence in Specialty Education
The ceremony also celebrated outstanding preceptors who guide students through specialty rotations:
Tracy Burton, M.D. was honored as an Outstanding Obstetrics and Gynecology Preceptor, recognized for fostering student autonomy while maintaining high standards.
Ivette Cubas, M.D. received the Outstanding Pediatric Preceptor award and was praised for embodying the ideal physician role model and fostering cultural competency.
Mark Chin-Lenn, M.D. was named Outstanding Community and Preventive Medicine Preceptor, acknowledged for building trust and preparing students for residency-level responsibilities.
The 大象传媒 Emergency Medicine faculty team of Lisa Clayton, D.O., Joshua J. Solano, M.D., and Thomas Peterson, D.O., received the Outstanding Clinical Teaching in a Selective award for their exceptional mentorship of M4 students. The team was recognized for preparing students for residency through comprehensive training and support, with their success reflected in students consistently choosing to match 大象传媒's emergency medicine program.
Daniel Mayer, M.D. received the Outstanding Clinical Teacher in an Acting Internship award for his exceptional ability to advance students' clinical understanding and presentation skills.
Catherine Miller, M.D., and the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner鈥檚 Office were honored for Outstanding Clinical Teaching in an Elective. They provided a high-quality educational experience praised by students across specialties.
A Community United in Purpose
"The excellence we celebrate today exemplifies what makes our college special," said Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., M.B.A., Dean of Schmidt College of Medicine. "These dedicated educators represent the cornerstone of our mission - combining medical education with community impact. Their commitment to teaching excellence and mentorship builds the foundation for our future as a leading academic health center while maintaining the strong community partnerships that define our institution."
Suzanne Bertollo, M.D., Associate Dean for Medical Education, emphasized the student-driven nature of the recognition: "Each year, we look forward to the Faculty Recognition Ceremony and the opportunity to share our appreciation for the College of Medicine's faculty. During this event, faculty receive awards from our students who highlight our faculty's meaningful impacts on their education and development as future physicians.鈥
Stacy Rubin, M.D., FACP, Assistant Professor of Medicine, spoke to the vital role of affiliate faculty: "Our students are incredibly fortunate to work with such a devoted group of affiliate faculty. Their mentorship is invaluable in preparing our students for the next phase of their medical education."
Shaping the Future of Healthcare
The evening of celebration at Schmidt College of Medicine reflected something greater than individual awards 鈥 it showcased the heart of medical education itself. In classrooms, clinics, and hospital corridors, these exceptional teachers guide students through the complexities of medicine while showing them what it truly means to be a physician. Their impact reaches far beyond medical knowledge, shaping how future physicians will care for their patients and serve their communities.
These award recipients represent the best of medical education at Schmidt College of Medicine. They demonstrate daily that great doctors are not just made through textbooks and training but through mentorship that combines scientific excellence with genuine compassion. As their students become tomorrow's physicians, they will carry forward these essential lessons, creating a lasting legacy of outstanding patient care for generations to come.