Weshinskey receives award
News

Teaching symposium highlights SIU’s historic scholarship, success

Published Date:

Since its founding in 1970, SIU School of Medicine has become famous for its willingness to do things differently, emphasizing hands-on training techniques and new curriculum in medical education. That pioneering spirit was ever-present at the 15th Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium at the Springfield campus April 17, hosted by the Academy for Scholarship in Education.

AuditoriumThe day began with introductions from Dr. Boyung Suh and Dr. Aysha Rafaquat, the Symposium co-chairs.

An enchanting musical performance from residents Dr. Cecelia Lai and Dr. Navnoor Singh raised spirits and set the mood for the stimulating Keynote Panel, ‘Innovation: If It Ain’t Broke, Make It Better!’ A short video prefaced the group conversation, as the audience was treated to an oral retrospective of SIU School of Medicine’s origin, delivered by none other than our inaugural dean, Dr. Richard Moy himself, via video.

Hope Cherry and Dr. Sue Hingle co-facilitated the roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Debra Klamen, senior associate dean for education and curriculum, and chair of the Department of Medical Education; Dr. Chris McDowell, executive associate dean of SIU School of Medicine; and Dr. Kevin Dorsey, former dean of SIU Medicine. They shared stories of valuable lessons learned—and taught—by instructors who would become industry influencers.

Throughout the day, trainees, faculty and staff presented and shared medical education research and innovation ideas with participants and guests in breakout sessions. Many of these took place in the medical library. There, learners and faculty also shared new study results on posters and a special display showcased some of the medical school’s landmark educational achievements.

At midday, the Academy medical education program presented awards to the year’s student and faculty educators.

STUDENT AWARDS

Taylor & McClureCommitment to Teaching Honorees: Zelinda Taylor, Natalie McClure (pictured at right) & Adam Western

Outstanding Student Medical Educator of the Year: Ashley-Ann Walker & Djamina Esperance (pictured below with Dr. Debra Klamen)

Walker & Esperance

FACULTY AWARDS

Academy Scholar: Meredith Volle, MD

J. Kevin Dorsey Outstanding Educator of the Year: Martha Hlafka, MD & Ayame Takahashi, MD (pictured below with Dr. Kevin Dorsey)

Hlafka & Takahashi with Dorsey

Debra Klamen Medical Education Innovation Award: Nicholas Weshinskey, PhD (at top of page, getting hugged)

 

After the awards presentations, a Story Slam built upon variations of the day’s theme, ‘If It Ain’t Broke....’ Students, staff and faculty members shared reflections on how they rose to embrace change at different times in their lives. As Dr. Rafaquat said in her introduction, “Our storytellers today are here ... to show us what it means to strive not just for what works, but for what could be better. That beautifully reflects the spirit of growth, resilience and innovation we have here at SIU.” 

Allison Mool, the Story Slam cohost and a Symposium committee student member said, “Thank you to our brave story tellers and to each of you for holding space for the journeys they shared today. We hope their stories spark your own ideas, renew your spirt, and remind you that even if things aren’t broken, they are still full of possibility.”

Great food, generous sponsors and a corps of volunteers also contributed to the symposium’s success.  View photos from the event on Zenfolio

More from SIU News

Legion of Legacies medallion

Medical school celebrates 50th anniversary of inaugural class

SIU School of Medicine will celebrate a historic milestone honoring the Class of 1975—its first graduating class—at their 50-year reunion on June 21. They will offer tribute with the launch of a Legion of Legacies.
2025 Pharmacology Awards Event

2025 Pharmacology Awards honor determination & scientific excellence

The Department of Pharmacology at SIU School of Medicine held its 2025 Awards, celebrating the dedication and scientific achievements of its students and researchers. The annual event highlighted
Wei Du and the THUNDER Imager

SIU labs can bring the THUNDER with new 3D imaging microscope

A new microscope at SIU School of Medicine can quickly make the invisible visible. The THUNDER Imager TM , a highly advanced technology now in use at SIU’s Core Research Facilities, lets scientists