McClain named recipient of Beckman Award

Honor recognizes top mentors in medical education.
McClain named recipient of Beckman Award

Dr. Craig J. McClain, Chief of Research Affairs for the University of Louisville Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, was recognized as a top mentor with the Beckman Award.

A vital cornerstone of medical education is mentoring, and a member of the University of Louisville Department of Medicine is being recognized as one of the best.

Craig J. McClain, M.D., has been named a 2013 recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award, given by  the Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust to recognize educators who have inspired their former students to "create an organization which has demonstrably conferred a benefit on the community at large" or "establish on a lasting basis a concept, procedure, or movement of comparable benefit to the community at large."

Dr. McClain, Chief of Research Affairs for the U of L Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Associate Vice President for Translational Research, will receive the award on November 9, 2013 at the The Carter Center in Atlanta.

"This is a unexpected honor," McClain said. "A major reward of mentoring is watching your students achieve success."

In addition, Dr. McClain will also receive a check for $25,000 as part of the award.

Matthew Cave, M.D., nominated Dr. McClain for the award. Dr. Cave is currently an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and a former student of Dr. McClain.

"I am pleased to see that Dr. McClain's mentorship was recognized with the Beckman Award," Cave said. "His mentorship enabled me to establish a research laboratory of my own at U of L and train students in liver disease/toxicology. Dr. McClain continues to be an outstanding role model for all young aspiring physician-scientists."

McClain added, "I think Matt Cave's contributions to medicine will be exceptional. I am pleased that so many of my students are contributing to medicine and science all across the country."

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust was established in 2008 under the Will of Gail McKnight Beckman. Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. serves as the trustee.

Gail McKnight Beckman created the award in memory of her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman. Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock 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 she taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Beckman authored nine books and textbooks about child and adolescent Psychology. Dr. Beckman was a champion of gender equality and an advocate for the advancement of women in academia.