The UNMC College of Medicine last week announced the winners of the 2017-18 Hirschmann Prizes and Golden Apple Awards, given by medical students to the best instructors.
The Hirschmann Prize recognizes two faculty members, one pre-clinical and one clinical, who the senior class feels have contributed to the education of medical students. Each year, the fourth-year medical class nominates and selects the winner. Guidelines for nominations include innovative educational methods, professionalism, and awareness of the educational needs of students. This award is supported by the Hirschmann family, which includes a father and son who are alumni of the College of Medicine.
Class of 2018 Hirschmann Prizes
- Basic Sciences: David McMillan, Ph.D., pharmacology and experimental neuroscience
- Clinical: Matt Devries, M.D., radiology
In nominating Dr. McMillan, students praised his “helpful explanations, amazingly organized handouts, and general enthusiasm.”
“He has made pharmacology less stressful to learn and has made me think critically about pharmacological treatments,” one student wrote.
“I wish Dr. McMillan would teach every class we have in medical school, and I’m hoping if we give him awards, he will cherish us as much as we cherish him,” said another.
Students call Dr. Devries “engaging,” a “good speaker,” and “very enthusiastic.”
“He explained things at an M4 level while still challenging us,” one student said.
UNMC’s first and second-year medical students also annually recognize outstanding teachers with Golden Apple Awards, which are presented by the medical center’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association. This year’s Golden Apple Award winners include:
 |
Amy Cannella, M.D. |
- Dr. McMillan
Class of 2021
- Amy Cannella, M.D., division of rheumatology, department of internal medicine
Students said Dr. Cannella “not only educated the students, but she also dedicated her time in many different aspects, in an effort to form each student into the best physician they can be.
“Outside of the time spent in the lecture hall, Dr. Cannella brought in patients of her own and from other specialties, to allow the students to learn through experience. She also created, taught, and administered a clinical examination to prepare the students with knowledge for when they are working in a hospital clinic.”