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Warren Stinson, Ph.D. |
For 42 years, Warren Stinson, Ph.D., referred to his teaching style in the gross anatomy lab as “assisting learning.”
“I don’t teach students anything,” he said, explaining his philosophy. “I assist them in learning.”
His assistance will continue into his death.
Dr. Stinson, emeritus professor, genetics, cell biology and anatomy, died at his home April 28.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Stinson solicited anatomical gifts for medical study while serving on the Nebraska State Anatomical Board for more than three decades.
Now, he will continue to assist medical students in their learning through his final contribution as a teacher — his body.
His teaching style was punctuated with jokes, stories and sometimes irreverent humor, said longtime colleague Robert Binhammer, Ph.D., emeritus professor, genetics, cell biology and anatomy.
“He was very knowledgeable and eager to help anyone. He had a great sense of humor, which if you don’t have when you’re in a room with 50 cadavers, that can be deadly,” Dr. Binhammer said.
Visitation today
Visitation will be held at Heafey·Hoffmann·Dworak·Cutler, 7805 W. Center Rd., today from 5-8 p.m. Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
Born and educated in Oklahoma, Dr. Stinson started as a geologist and imagined working in the oil fields. But then geology jobs dried up. So he joined the Army.
While serving four years in the artillery, Dr. Stinson considered his options. The human body always made sense to him, so he decided to change his field of study when he was discharged as a lieutenant in 1967. He returned to Oklahoma State University for his master’s degree and subsequently received his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma Medical Center.
He joined UNMC’s faculty in 1970 and continued to teach anatomy for 11 years after his retirement in 2001. A conservative estimate is that he contributed to the education of 15,000 physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, physician assistants and allied health professionals. He had been at UNMC so long, that he was teaching the children of some of his earlier students.
Oh, the stories he could tell.
“He had phenomenal recall of all the students,” said Gordon Todd, Ph.D., emeritus professor, genetics, cell biology and anatomy. “And, for me, he was a great mentor. He taught me how to go with the flow and keep a positive outlook despite the grueling amount of work we had to do.”
Dr. Stinson, who served on the College of Medicine Admissions Committee, was innovative in introducing cross-sectional anatomy to the curriculum. He was named an Outstanding Teacher in 2001 by the UNMC Faculty Senate. He wrote 38 journal articles, authored three anatomy text books and co-authored the book, “Nutrition and Aging,” with his wife, Joni Kay Stinson.
Every good article Warren was a great guy to work with.
Wow….what an awesome legacy of educating generations of students. Well done, Warren! I'll always remember your ready smile and your great sense of humor.
Fond memories of Dr. Stinson. I still use some of the jokes I heard him say. Made anatomy very fun!
I must echo all the other comments . . . an excellent teacher, with humor always at the right moment. When needed, the perfect antithesis to Dr. Holyoke's intensity. What great memories of them both! (COM '75)
My sons and I appreciate your recognizing Warren in this manner. He loved UNMC and especially all the students he worked with over the years. Thank you Dr. Benhammer, Dr. Todd, and Dr. Longmoth for your kind words. Thanks to you Elizabeth Kumru for this nice article and to those of you who posted, visited, phoned, sent cards, and memorials. We are humbled.
Warren was a great teacher and a warm and caring individual. I was fortunate to have him both as a teacher and then as a colleague. I greatly appreciated his sense of humor. He was a wonderful role model and I will always remember him fondly.
(COM '82)