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Distinguished physician to serve on education council (12-27-99)

Michael J. Lichtenstein, MD, practicing geriatric physician and professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, has been selected to serve on the K–16 Leadership Council. This initiative of The University of Texas System was created to advance and sustain the effectiveness of public education in Texas from kindergarten through college.

A representative from each of the 15 institutions that comprise the UT System will participate in the council, which is headed by UT El Paso President Diana Natalicio. Council members will work to develop communication among educational organizations in the state, support creative research, assure K–16 curriculum alignment and advocate excellence in teacher preparation programs.

"I’m honored to have been chosen as the representative for the Health Science Center. It is strategically important that the knowledge and resources of the UT System are used to promote excellence in teacher training and K–16 education. Effectively translating the latest research findings into public education will enhance the futures of our children. I look forward to serving on the leadership council over the coming year," Dr. Lichtenstein said.

"Our Health Science Center has made an excellent start on this outreach process to link public schools with the University. Masters of Education programs for public school teachers in Physiology and Microbiology have already been established. For seven years now, we have worked to create and test science and math educational materials at the middle school level—a program called Positively Agingâ . This program has received national recognition and support from the National Institutes of Health for the past three years. I look forward to sharing these experiences with my colleagues on the K–16 council and learning about the educational partnerships at our sister institutions."

Contact: Will Sansom or Jennifer Lorenzo