Vital Signs

Geisel honors 16 faculty members

By Sandi Caalim

Photo by Rob Bossi

The inaugural class of the Academy of Faculty Master Educators

In June, the medical school named 16 faculty members to the inaugural class of the newly created Academy of Faculty Master Educators. The Master Educators, who were nominated by their colleagues, were recognized for their accomplishments in teaching and mentoring students and residents.

A ceremony honoring the 16 faculty members followed Dean Chip Souba's annual State of the Medical School address. Each inductee was introduced by a student or faculty member, who shared personal insights about how the inductees had helped and inspired them.

Molly Taylor ('13) introduced honoree Dr. Leslie Fall ('90), a professor of pediatrics. "It is so rare and wonderful to come across a teacher with obvious passion, commitment, and expertise in both the fields of medicine and education," Taylor said. "Every student who has had the privilege to work with her instantly feels cared about and invested in. She inspires and is respected by all."

Dr. Roshini Pinto-Powell was introduced by recent graduate Dr. Raymond Finn ('12), who commented on her "undying commitment to education and the well-being of her students." He added, "She has evolved from teacher to mentor to friend. She has touched the lives of many Geisel students."

Another recent graduate, Dr. Michael Erkkinen ('12), described honoree Dr. Joseph O'Donnell ('71) as a tremendous role model and inspiring teacher. "Through his words and actions, he helped me transform challenging moments in medical school to growth and learning," Erkkinen said.

Dr. Edward Merrens (D'88, Med'94) introduced his long-time mentor, Dr. H. Worth Parker. First, Merrens acknowledged the recent change to the name of the Medical School. When he graduated, "we called it Dartmouth Medical School," Merrens said. "I'm proud to be part of Geisel now." Parker, Merrens noted, has "developed one of the region's most profound and well recognized programs for the care of patients with cystic fibrosis." He added, "He's been dedicated as a leader of graduate medical education and he's really at his best when he's a teacher."

And Dr. Kathryn Kirkland ('86) introduced Dr. Elmer Pfefferkorn, a professor of microbiology and immunology emeritus who has become something of a legend at the medical school. Pfefferkorn taught her a lot about education, such as "the power of story to illuminate science," Kirkland said. "The punctuality with which he began and ended every lecture, the incredible amount of preparation that he put into each lecture, rehearsing it numerous times, and yet sounding fresh and entertaining each time, is an inspiration to me."

"In the 215-year history of the Medical School, one thing that has remained constant is the presence of outstanding educators," Souba said in his introduction to the ceremony. "These individuals represent the pinnacle of teaching excellence. They embody the very best of the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth."