Never underestimate the importance of one person

Promotion and Tenure reception celebrates faculty, staff and the OHSU community

Sept. 27, 2018

Dean Sharon Anderson and members of the OHSU School of Medicine Promotion and Tenure Committee hosted the annual reception on Sept. 26 to honor faculty members promoted, appointed or receiving tenure in 2018.

See the list of 2018 promotions and appointments

Dean Sharon Anderson congratulates faculty"This year I'm thrilled to congratulate a total of 109 faculty members who have earned promotions and 11 faculty who are being appointed," said Dean Anderson. She also acknowledged three faculty members receiving tenure.

Of all faculty members receiving promotions, 55 percent are women.

  • 59 percent promoted to associate professor are women
  • 42 percent promoted to professor are women
  • 50 percent promoted to research professor are women

"Climbing the ladder of academia requires hard work, tenacity and significant accomplishment," Dean Anderson said, while noting that faculty can only succeed with the support of their families, mentors and extended community.

Dean Anderson introduced OHSU President Danny Jacobs, M.D., M.P.H., who congratulated the newly promoted and appointed faculty members. He said the faculty at OHSU are one of the reasons he is excited to be at this institution.

Fran Biagioli and facultyPromotion and Tenure Committee Chair Frances Biagioli, M.D., professor of family medicine, OHSU School of Medicine, welcomed guests and acknowledged the efforts of the committee in preparing and organizing the review process and reception.

Dennis Bourdette, M.D., professor and chair of neurology, introduced Rebecca Spain, M.D., associate professor of neurology. Dr. Spain highlighted the role of mentorship in her own career, and stated her hopes of being able to pay it forward by mentoring junior faculty members in turn.

Glenn Forister, Ph.D., P.A.-C., program director and associate professor, Division of Physician Assistant Education, introduced Pat Kenney-Moore, Ed.D., P.A.-C., professor, Physician Assistant Education. Dr. Kenney-Moore is the first P.A. to attain the rank of professor at OHSU, and outlined her growth since starting here in 1995. She credited the flexibility to balance work, professional development and ongoing education throughout her career at OHSU.

Dean Sharon Anderson with Dr. Pat Kenney-Moore

David Lieberman, M.D., professor and division head of gastroenterology and hepatology, OHSU School of Medicine, introduced Joseph Ahn, M.D., professor of medicine, OHSU School of Medicine. Dr. Ahn cited the role of mentors and family in his career, and encouraged attendees to remember the importance of one person – one mentor, one partner, one role model can have far-reaching influence.

Dr. Joseph Ahn"I'm standing here today in academic medicine because one person took a risk to support a struggling young person at a critical juncture," said Dr. Ahn. "I'm very grateful and also am reminded how important it is to encourage one person at a time, in my role as a physician, teacher and mentor. I hope to do my best to do so, one person at a time."

Photos by Rosina Grove. From top:

A round of applause. Dean Anderson invited attendees to congratulate this year's newly promoted and appointed faculty members.

Celebrating teamwork. Dr. Biagioli, left, sees the results of the Promotion and Tenure Committee's efforts at the reception to honor recipients.

Commemorating a first. Dr. Kenney-Moore and Dean Anderson savor the milestone for the Division of Physician Assistant Education.

One person's journey. Dr. Ahn acknowledges the support he's received throughout his career.