It might seem odd, but a steaming cup of coconut chicken noodle soup can go a long way toward advancing patient care, research and education. Similarly, a medical school’s success can be enhanced with a simple reassurance when young scientists worry about research funding, lab experiments or their futures. Or an empathetic “I understand” to a medical student grieving a patient’s death.
Soup, reassurance and empathy exemplify relationships between faculty mentors at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and their mentees — students, residents, and early-career physicians and scientists. By all accounts, such seemingly small gestures can have profound effects on mentees navigating the complex and, at moments, overwhelming steps for success in classrooms, labs and clinical settings.
To recognize the importance of and appreciation for mentorship and sponsorship on the Medical Campus, the school will honor 53 faculty with Dean’s Impact Awards in a ceremony Tuesday, April 30, at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
“Inherent in the success of the School of Medicine is an emphasis on mentors and sponsors and the critical role they play in the career development of clinicians, educators and researchers,” said Renée A. Shellhaas, MD, who facilitated the awards as the senior associate dean for faculty promotions and career development. “Outstanding mentorship takes time and dedication to teach, guide, inspire and advocate on behalf of mentees.
“Likewise, sponsors who leverage their own professional standing and experience to advance others’ careers – through expanding networks, nominations for awards, positions and promotions – can significantly and positively impact careers,” added Shellhaas, also the David T. Blasingame Professor of Neurology. “The time and commitment of mentors and sponsors are too often underrecognized, but without these leaders, the School of Medicine could not reach its potential. Together, mentorship and sponsorship support the perseverance and inspiration needed for great success.”
David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, the George and Carol Bauer Dean of the School of Medicine, and the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor, praises mentors and sponsors for dedicated time, expertise and compassion with students, residents, fellows and junior faculty.
“Mentorship and sponsorship are critical to successful scientific, educational and clinical careers,” Perlmutter said. “Both can open new doors, inspire new ideas in research and teaching, model excellence in patient care and spark even more important relationships. Their impact and momentum are felt not only at WashU Medicine, but in our legacy of developing careers that have impacted medical and scientific advances more broadly.”
Stories of mentorship and sponsorship exhibited by three of the medical school faculty members who are being honored with this year’s Dean’s Impact Awards follow. Each leads with details from award nomination materials.