The Presidential Distinguished Scholar award was presented to Robert A. Clark, M.D. Photo by Lester RosebrockFaculty and staff members who exemplify exceptional leadership in their fields were recognized at the 2011 Presidential Awards ceremony. The Health Science Center’s highest honor, the Presidential Distinguished Scholar award, was presented to Robert A. Clark, M.D. Dr. Clark is professor and associate chair for research in the Department of Medicine and assistant vice president for clinical research. The complete list of award recipients is as follows:
Presidential Distinguished Scholar
• Robert A. Clark, M.D., Medicine
Presidential Junior Research Scholar
• Carlos J. Orihuela, Ph.D. Microbiology and Immunology
President’s Choice
• Patti M. Lairsey, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Clinical Excellence Award
• Glen Medellin, M.D., FAAP, Pediatrics
• Frank R. Miller, M.D., FACS, Otolaryngology
• Charles Akos Szabo, M.D., Neurology
Teaching Excellence Award
• Lyda C. Arévalo-Flechas, Ph.D., M.S.N., RN,
Health Restoration and Care Systems Management
• Daniel Dumitru, M.D., Ph.D., Rehabilitation Medicine
• Charleen M. Moore, Ph.D., Cellular and Structural Biology
• Erica R. Oliveira, D.D.S., M.P.H., Comprehensive Dentistry
• Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, Ph.D., OTR, Occupational Therapy
• Rajeev Suri, M.D., Radiology
Employee Excellence in Service Award
• Brian Beck, CPC, Cancer Therapy & Research Center
• Gregg Beck, Cancer Therapy & Research Center
• Patsy G. Bortoni, Family and Community Medicine,
Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen
• Kevin W. Hakala, M.S., Biochemistry
• Valerie E. Hutchison, Office of Sponsored Programs