Lois Starr, M.D., Ph.D., is one of the recipients of the Office of Academic Affairs’ 2019-20 Impact in Education Awards. She will receive the Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award.
- Name: Lois Starr, M.D., Ph.D.
- Title: Associate professor of pediatrics, Munroe-Meyer Institute
- Joined UNMC: Summer undergraduate research student in molecular genetics in 1998, graduated medical student at UNMC in 2007
- Hometown: Jansen, Nebraska
Inspirational Mentor of Educators Award
This award recognizes an individual who has mentored and sponsored junior faculty or trainees at the local, regional, or national level including a consistent track record of fostering future educators.
Tell us how mentors inspired you.
True mentorship is complicated, and I have benefited from several effective mentors. What I have appreciated the most is when I have received honesty about my weaknesses and strengths, a strong push to accomplish something I would not have attempted on my own and introductions to life-changing people and opportunities. You know who you are! Thank you.
Describe your proudest moment as an educator.
Seeing the purposeful joy when students, residents, and fellows land a complicated genetic diagnosis on their own — discovering answers the patient’s family has been waiting for.
What advice would you give other faculty members who want to have an impact in education?
Encourage learners not to worry about where to start or about what they don’t know. Everyone with a heart for medicine has a mind for learning.
Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy on teaching?
Unfortunately, I don’t. However, I would like to say that we have incredibly compassionate learners at UNMC and Children’s. This is a great match with patients who have genetic and rare conditions. They have so much to offer — perspective, most importantly.
Congratulations on a well-deserved award!
Way to go, Lois!
Congrats, Dr. Starr!
Congratulations Dr. Starr! Well deserved.