AUSTIN – Educators from University of Texas System health institutions have been recognized for implementing a project or program that demonstrates exceptional innovation and achievement in health science education.

The awards were presented on Feb. 24 at the Innovations in Health Science Education conference in Austin. The annual conference is hosted by The University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education, an organization of distinguished scholars recognized for their teaching excellence who are committed to the enhancement of health science education.

The following individuals were recognized and awarded a cash prize:

• 1st Place ($7,500): Jeffrey P.  Spike, Ph.D., from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, for his presentation “Interdisciplinary and Inter-professional Ethics”
• 2nd Place ($5,000): John H. Byrne, Ph.D., from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, for his presentation “Neuroscience Online”
• 3rd Place ($2,500): Barbara M. Doucet, Ph.D. , OTR, from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, for her presentation “Free Post-Stroke Clinic”

Established in 2005, the Academy includes more than 100 faculty members from within the UT System.

“What makes members of our academy unique is that we educate individuals, health professionals and others to take care of one another and to add to the body of knowledge – and these people do that in a very special way,” said Kenneth I. Shine, M.D., executive vice chancellor for health affairs at the UT System. “I congratulate our newest members and wish them continued success as they continue to find new ways to innovate in education.”

Also at the conference, the Academy named its new president-elect, Margaret Uthman, M.D., from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.