Eighty-seven faculty members celebrated during a ceremony honoring achievements and mentorship

On Oct. 7, Dean Mark Richardson, invited guests and members from the Promotion and Tenure committee hosted the annual reception in the Old Library to celebrate the 87 School of Medicine faculty members promoted or receiving tenure in 2014.

Emcee and host Dave Ellison, M.D., professor of medicine (nephrology and hypertension), OHSU School of Medicine, and incoming chair of the Promotion and Tenure Committee, welcomed guests. “I personally congratulate all who were promoted this year, as well as your families," he said. "The hard work of the promoted individuals is often matched by the support and encouragement of family members, who have had to live with the long hours and sometimes stressful events that are often necessary to get to this point.”

Dean Richardson encouraged attendees to consider the cumulative impact of faculty mentoring. “Just as someone – or many someone’s – helped you get to this place in your academic career, you now are a resource for your colleagues. You are inspiration to your colleagues….The ripple effect of mentorship is beyond what any of us can individually see – it affects individuals, our school, and what together we can accomplish on behalf of improving human health and well-being,” he said.

Six guest speakers continued the theme of mentorship with comments displaying both gratitude and humor. Donn Spight, M.D., associate professor of surgery, OHSU School of Medicine – introduced by Samer Mattar, M.D., professor of surgery, OHSU School of Medicine – reflected on his path: “Funny to think back on how I ended up in Oregon. [I thought] why would anyone want to go to Oregon?” He continued, “I ended up in Oregon because of mentorship…I took that leap of faith.”

Paul Flint, M.D., professor and chair of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, OHSU School of Medicine, introduced Teresa Nicolson, M.D., professor of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, OHSU School of Medicine, by recounting highlights of her research with zebra fish.

Rounding out the speakers, Devan Kansagara, M.D., associate professor of medicine, OHSU School of Medicine – introduced by Elizabeth Allen, M.D., associate professor of medicine, OHSU School of Medicine – likened his academic career to his daily bike commute – complete with flat tires and helpful peers. He said, “My experience in academics mirrors my bike commuting. I’ve never worn spandex…I often got passed going uphill and downhill.” However he continued, “I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had many mentors…to make the road smoother.” Dr. Kansagara finished his comments by pledging to use his knowledge to provide this same support to future colleagues.

Congratulations to all the faculty promoted and given tenure for 2014!
 
See the entire list of advancements on Inside the SOM (login required)

By the numbers

• 87 faculty members were promoted from 18 of the school’s 26 departments
• 31 faculty members were promoted to Associate Professor
• 21 faculty members were promoted to Clinical Associate Professor
• 2 faculty members were promoted to Research Associate Professor
• 28 faculty members were promoted to Professor
• 5 faculty members were promoted to Clinical Professor