Dr. Williamson Awarded Prestigious Teaching Honor

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Feinberg School of Medicine Instructor Receives 2009 Pfizer Teacher Development Award

Dr. Tuwanda Williamson

Dr. Tuwanda C. Williamson, a family physician and clinical instructor in the Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine, was selected to receive the 2009 Pfizer Teacher Development Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation (AAFP Foundation). Williamson is among a select group of physicians from across the nation being honored.

“I applaud the efforts of these award winners for their dedication to the values of family medicine and to teaching the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Mark H. Belfer, AAFP Foundation President.

The annual award recognizes 15 outstanding, community-based physicians who teach family medicine on a part-time basis and acknowledges Williamson’s scholastic achievements, leadership qualities and commitment to education in the field of family medicine.

“It is an honor to be considered in the same group as other very distinguished and accomplished family medicine physicians,” Williamson said. “Although I never planned to have a career in academic medicine, I have realized that I absolutely love teaching.”

The Department of Family and Community Medicine will honor Williamson — and present the $1,500 award — at a reception recognizing her achievement. The award provides funding for each recipient to attend an activity of their choice which will advance their professional development and teaching competencies.

“I am considering using the funds to take medical education classes that would further develop my instruction skills with students and residents,” Williamson said.

Williamson earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical Center and is a graduate of the Ventura Family Medicine Residency Program. She has been an instructor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine for two years.

To learn more about the AAFP Foundation, or the Pfizer Teacher Development Award, visit: http://www.aafpfoundation.org.