Tendler Named President of Endocrine Society

Dr. Beatriz Tendler, associate professor of medicine at the Health Center, is the new president of the Connecticut Endocrine Society.

The Connecticut Endocrine Society is a nonprofit society comprising professionals of multiple specialties which include endocrinologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and other interacting providers. The Society, established in 1976, promotes basic and clinical research through a collaborative process, promotes patient education and awareness, encourages information sharing and networking, and educates and trains fellows.

McFadden Named Surgeon-in-Chief

Dr. David McFadden, professor and chairman of the Department of Surgery, will serve as Surgeon-in-Chief for the Health Center. In this new role, McFadden will partner with the medical director of the operating room and the operating room executive committee to ensure a culture of professionalism and accountability associated with exemplary patient care.

Working collaboratively with anesthesia, nursing, and administrative leadership, McFadden will be instrumental in developing and deploying strategic initiatives, capital allocation, quality improvement and operational efficiency efforts within surgical services. McFadden served in a similar role previously at West Virginia University and the University of Vermont.

Clark-Dufner Wins Women Leaders in Medicine Award

Petra Clark-Dufner, associate director of Connecticut Area Health Education Center, has received the 2013 Women Leaders in Medicine Award from the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). To be nominated for the award, Clark-Dufner was personally identified by one or more students as a source of inspiration, leadership and support. AMSA created the Women Leaders in Medicine award in 2007 to recognize women physicians and educators who serve as role models for women who are currently in their medical training.

The award presentation will take place at the 2013 AMSA 63rd Annual Convention & Exposition, March 14 in Washington, D.C.

Laurencin Recognized with Beckman Trust Award

Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, director of the Institute for Regenerative Engineering and the chief executive officer of the Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, has been recognized with the Beckman Trust Award. Laurencin is among 22 distinguished professors from universities around the United States who are being recognized for inspiring their former students to make a significant contribution to society.

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust was founded in 2008 under the will of Gail McKnight Beckman in honor of her mother Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman. Dr. Beckman was an educator, a renowned author and a pioneer in the field of psychology. She was one of the first female psychology professors at Columbia University and later taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

American College of Physicians Presents Annual Awards

The Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) presented its Laureate Award to two physicians with UConn ties.

Dr. Stephen P. O’Mahony of Fairfield is a UConn School of Medicine graduate. Mahoney launched one of the state’s first hospitalist programs at Norwalk Hospital in 1999. He’s currently an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Yale and serves on the ACP’s Governor’s Council.

Dr. Keith vom Eigen of West Hartford works to promote the ACP agenda through physician advocacy and legislative efforts. He practices and teaches internal medicine to medical students and residents at the UConn School of Medicine at the Burgdorf Health Center in the North End of Hartford.