Mission Magazine - Employees honored at Presidential Awards

The Presidential Distinguished Scholar award was presented to
Robert A. Clark, M.D. Photo by Lester Rosebrock

Employees honored at Presidential Awards

March 2011

Faculty and staff members who exemplify exceptional leadership in their fields were recognized at the 2011 Presidential Awards ceremony. The Health Science Center’s highest honor, the Presidential Distinguished Scholar award, was presented to Robert A. Clark, M.D. Dr. Clark is professor and associate chair for research in the Department of Medicine and assistant vice president for clinical research. The complete list of award recipients is as follows:

Presidential Distinguished Scholar
• Robert A. Clark, M.D., Medicine

Presidential Junior Research Scholar
• Carlos J. Orihuela, Ph.D. Microbiology and Immunology

President’s Choice
• Patti M. Lairsey, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Clinical Excellence Award
• Glen Medellin, M.D., FAAP, Pediatrics
• Frank R. Miller, M.D., FACS, Otolaryngology
• Charles Akos Szabo, M.D., Neurology

Teaching Excellence Award
• Lyda C. Arévalo-Flechas, Ph.D., M.S.N., RN,
Health Restoration and Care Systems Management
• Daniel Dumitru, M.D., Ph.D., Rehabilitation Medicine
• Charleen M. Moore, Ph.D., Cellular and Structural Biology
• Erica R. Oliveira, D.D.S., M.P.H., Comprehensive Dentistry
• Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, Ph.D., OTR, Occupational Therapy
• Rajeev Suri, M.D., Radiology

Employee Excellence in Service Award
• Brian Beck, CPC, Cancer Therapy & Research Center
• Gregg Beck, Cancer Therapy & Research Center
• Patsy G. Bortoni, Family and Community Medicine,
Regional Academic Health Center, Harlingen
• Kevin W. Hakala, M.S., Biochemistry
• Valerie E. Hutchison, Office of Sponsored Programs

View the printed program from the awards ceremony (pdf).

View a video tribute to these bright stars through which we will continue to make lives better.