Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching 2018

UVA School of Medicine Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching honors faculty who have demonstrated outstanding skills in teaching medical students. Winners of the award for 2017 include the following:
– Vaia T. Abatzis, MD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
– Barbie K. Ganser-Pornillos, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics
– Winston Gwathmey, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
– David G. Moyer, DC, Assistant Professor of Medical Education
– Amita Sudhir, MD, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine

Vaia T. Abatzis, MD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology

“As an attending and teacher, Dr. Abatzis holds many qualities that I appreciate and respect. She is enthusiastic, approachable, and always willing to get students involved in the operating room; she creates a supportive and welcoming learning environment.” – Student

“Few physicians can create an educational atmosphere necessary for instilling collaboration as well as Dr. Abatzis. Her attitude crafted a learning environment with students that was filled with respect.” – Student

“Working with Dr. Abatzis in the operating room and simulation center, I grew exponentially and gained a large amount of confidence as a student and as a person.” – Student

“Even as Vaia is emerging as a nationally recognized educator, she continues to provide our students with some of the best educational experiences in the country.” – Colleague

“Dr. Abatzis made me feel comfortable in practicing the skills I have been learning and smoothly transitioning to being an asset to the team in the OR.” – Student

 

Barbie K. Ganser-Pornillos, PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics

“Dr. Ganser-Pornillos has the unique ability to motivate by becoming the student’s ally; she is the first mentor I’ve encountered in medical school or graduate school to get down in the trenches and truly work with me.” – Student

“She consistently receives glowing remarks from all observers which comment on her clarity and ability to explain very complicated materials.Dr. Ganser-Pornillos is clearly a gifted teacher whose contributions to education are significant on many levels and are widely praised by both students and faculty colleagues.”– Colleague

“Dr. Ganser-Pornillos was always well prepared for her class, engaging her students with valued discussions, challenging our abilities with various exercises in order to encourage as much growth and development as possible.” – Student

“I was impressed by her dedication to the subject, Electron Microscopy, and high-quality teaching skills she brought to the class. She has a great level of expertise and technical knowledge.”– Student

 

Winston Gwathmey, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

“Through his methods, he made my learning feel valued, as he personally invested in my interests while still teaching foundational skills. In addition, he taught softer skills, showing me how to handle challenging cases with tact and poise.” – Student

“He is a unique role model; recognized as a master clinician who is meticulous, analytical, and devoted to his practice and patients.” – Colleague

“I consider Dr. Gwathmey to be a great mentor who has set a tremendous example for me in my career.” – Student

“His innate ability to connect with students on an individual level in an approachable and personal manner greatly contributed to my success as a medical student.” – Student

“Always championing me since day one of medical school, there has never been a moment when he has not dedicated his time to answer any and all of my questions, comments, or concerns as a young aspiring doctor.” – Student

 

David G. Moyer, DC, Assistant Professor of Medical Education

“He has become one of the most loved teachers in the School of Medicine and is the reason so many of the students excelled in anatomy.” – Student

“Any student of his can speak to his enormous wealth of knowledge as well as the clarity and passion in which he shares it.” – Student

“What is apparent is his devotion to furthering the learning of his students, the excellent and nurturing mentorship that he offers, and the innovation that he brings to his craft.” – Colleague

“Dr. Moyer inspires excellence by being both a teacher and friend to students, making him the greatest professor I have had not only in my time at the School of Medicine, but while a student at the University of Virginia.” – Student

“In a university which values collegiality and collaboration between students and professors, Dr. Moyer exemplifies this ideal by approaching us not as a sage-on-the-stage but rather as a guide.” – Student

 

Amita Sudhir, MD, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine

“Dr. Sudhir exhibits a very relaxed and encouraging demeanor that has always created a hospitable learning environment for students.” – Student

“I have learned a lot of medicine from Dr. Sudhir, but I also hope to be able to emulate her ability to connect with patients and students that fosters an enriching learning environment.” – Student

“Dr. Sudhir has always been approachable, quick to answer questions, and ready to encourage me as I develop my procedural skills. As a teacher, she is enthusiastic, engaged, and imaginative.” – Student

“The emergency department is a busy place; it is rarely quiet, often chaotic, and never boring. It is an environment that would seem a difficult place to learn. Yet, the finest teachers I have encountered during medical school have been here. Among the finest of these is Dr. Amita Sudhir.” – Student

“As our clerkship director, she promotes finding a balance between experiential learning and independent study that makes rotations in the emergency department excellent learning experiences.” – Student

 

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