Mary Lynn McPherson, PharmD, MA, BCPS, CPE (UMSOP)
The Distinguished Educator Award for Outstanding Mentor recognizes one faculty member at UMB for their role in supporting, encouraging, and promoting a positive and inclusive scholarly and teaching environment and for contributing to the professional and personal development of graduate and professional students.
Dr. McPherson was chosen because she demonstrates a passion and interest for teaching, fosters active independent and guided learning among her mentees, engages students in a positive environment that promotes creativity in the profession, and shows proficiency in the field of palliative care.
Glenn Canares, DDS, MSD (UMSOD)
The Distinguished Educator Award for Outstanding Preceptor specifically recognizes a preceptor at UMB who exceeds expectations in precepting students, elevating the standards of teaching and mentorship of our trainees, and providing exceptional service to their profession.
Dr. Canares was chosen due to his ability to impart a sense of belonging among his students while encouraging them to excel in the profession. Additionally, he is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and excellence through programming initiatives that align with his values and philosophy and the core values of UMB.
Karen Gordes, PhD, PT, DScPT (Graduate School)
The Educational Scholarship/Publication Award aims to recognize scholarly contributions to education that have led to a publication (book, book chapter, or peer-reviewed journal article) that contributes to the literature or practice of graduate and professional education. Articles and published works may be “submitted,” “in-press,” or already published.
Dr. Gordes was chosen due to her successful contribution to advancing the practice of professional education. Her scholarly contributions include articles on best practices for educational planning and delivery in various learning environments, accreditation in the health professions, advising within the health professions, the impacts of interprofessional education, advancing clinical education, and strategic faculty development for health professions educators. One of her most recently published works is titled "An Exploration into the PA Entry-Level Doctoral Degree: Lessons Learned Across Health Professions.” This article has had significant value for the physician assistant (PA) education community, spurring conversations among PA educators at national meetings, and has been cited numerous times in other scholarly works.