The Academy of Medical Educators (AME) Excellence in Medical Education Award Committee has awarded two internal medicine faculty.
Megan Wolak, M.D., assistant professor in the division of hospital medicine and associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, received teaching, innovation and development awards. Paramarajan Piranavan, M.D., chief of the division of rheumatology, received a teaching award.
The AME awards are a symbol of commitment and outstanding contributions to medical education – the categories span the pillars of an influential and effective medical educator. They are earned through commitment to and evidence of a meaningful contribution to the award category and require an accumulation of data and evidence to support a commitment with objective, measurable outcomes.
"Personally – these awards signify the epitome of medical education at UK," Wolak said. "My most trusted mentors and colleagues have these honors – and to join their ranks is a testament to what they gave me and what I hope to give back to the community. Often, our work as educators is somewhat in silo – only our learners or immediate leadership may know about the incredible work that faculty are doing, so its nice to have an avenue to be recognized – especially for me in the innovation category – which for me is one of my proudest professional achievements."
Piranavan's teaching award recognizes faculty who demonstrate sustained excellence, innovation and meaningful contributions to medical education. It celebrates a commitment to teaching, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of physicians.
"Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career," Piranavan said. "This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the opportunity to shape not only the knowledge and clinical skills of our learners, but also their curiosity, critical thinking and commitment to lifelong learning. I am grateful to my trainees and colleagues, who continually inspire me to become a better educator."