TAMPA, Fla (Nov. 6, 2017) — The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has recognized University of South Florida (USF) physician Dr. Laurie Woodard for exemplifying qualities of a caring and compassionate mentor in the teaching and advising of medical students. She was presented with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award on Nov. 5 during the AAMC’s annual meeting in Boston, Mass.
Dr. Laurie Woodard received the AAMC 2017 Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award
Dr. Woodard is a professor of family medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and she co-founded and leads the college’s Health Disparities Scholarly Concentration. She has inspired and nurtured many student-led initiatives supporting underserved communities, including the BRIDGE Clinic, Tampa Bay Street Medicine and USF Health Nicaragua. As a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and their health, Dr. Woodard has developed specialized instruction in disability for medical students at all levels, participates in national efforts to incorporate disability in core health care curricula, and models a hands-on commitment through her community volunteer activities.
“It is a joy to see Dr. Woodard’s tireless efforts to improve care for underserved populations recognized nationally. I can’t imagine a better role model for our students,” said Kira Zwygart, MD, associate dean of student affairs and professor of family medicine at the Morsani College of Medicine. “Dr. Woodard has certainly inspired our department over the years, reminding us by her example to uphold humanistic values in the care of our patients and community.”
“She reminds all comers that it is a privilege to work with patients from every walk of life, and her experiences and teaching highlight the value of the relationship and trust that can be formed between a compassionate physician and a patient,” said Sarah Dimino, MD, a 2016 graduate of the Health Disparities Scholarly Concentration.
Dr. Woodard, third from left, with colleagues from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at this year’s AAMC Awards Ceremony.
Dr. Woodard was among nine medical educators, researchers and patient care providers from across the country honored by the AAMC at this year’s annual meeting. For more, go to https://news.aamc.org/press-releases/article/aamc_awards_11062017/.
The AAMC is a not-for profit organization that administers the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is required for admission to medical schools and residency programs. The AAMC was established in 1876 and is based in Washington, D.C.
