Kathy Geurink, M.A.
Clinical Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene

Geurink received the 2007 Pfizer/American Dental Hygienists’ Association Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene. Among her many contributions, Geurink has established a wide variety of rotations for dental hygiene students, collaborated with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to establish the first school-based oral health program in Texas, and authored a widely used textbook on the hygienist’s role in public health.

Rajam Ramamurthy, M.D.
Medical Director of the Premature Infant Development (PREMIEre) Program

Dr. Ramamurthy was appointed to the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). She is one of two representatives on the board from the American Medical Association (AMA). The ECFMG Board is a national organization made up of representatives from the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Board of Medical Specialties, AMA, Association of Hospital Medical Education, Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Medical Association. Through its program of certification, ECFMG assesses the readiness of international medical graduates to enter U.S. residency or fellowship programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Linda A. Smith, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Chair of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Dr. Smith was named a 2007 Piper Professor by The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. The Piper Professor Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the teaching profession in colleges and universities throughout Texas. Fifteen awards are given annually to "well-rounded, outgoing teachers, devoted to the profession, who have made a special impact on students and the community." Dr. Smith is a certified clinical laboratory scientist, and recently concluded a six-year term as chair of the National Credentialing Agency for the Laboratory Personnel Examination Council.