The University of Louisville School of Medicine recently honored Lori W. Wagner, M.D., M.A., FACP, with the Outstanding Educator Award.

Dr. Wagner is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the UofL Division of General Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine & Medical Education.

She currently serves as Director of the Primary Care Education Program and is Section Chief of Outpatient General Internal Medicine at the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

"I am thrilled to be recognized for my teaching accomplishments," Wagner said. "My experience in the Certificate for Health Professional Education program and the Masters of Arts in Higher Education program at the University of Louisville has been invaluable, and has been paramount to my success."

Recognizing innovative, short-term accomplishments in education, the Outstanding Educator Award promotes excellence in educational leadership and scholarship, faculty development in teaching and learning and Interdisciplinary teaching.

In addition, the award honors basic science teaching of medical students, clinical teaching of medical students, graduate teaching, and interdisciplinary or interdepartmental teaching.

"Dr. Wagner is an example of the stellar educators housed in the department," Dr. Jesse Roman, Chairman of the UofL Department of Medicine said. "We are proud of her accomplishments and pleased to have her serve as a role model for our trainees and faculty alike."

Wagner was recognized for a number of her attributes as an educator; additionally her incorporation of a Reflective Narrative exercise for the enhancement of interpersonal communication skills and emotional empathy is an example of a significant innovation in a previously well-established program.

This learning activity was also selected for presentation at the Gold Humanism Honor Society Biennial Conference in October in Atlanta, and as an innovation presentation at the AAMC Medical Education Meeting in November in Chicago.

Dr. Wagner was initially nominated for the award by her division chief, Dr. Barbara Casper, and received further support from Dr. Roman.

Her credentials were then reviewed by a selection committee, appointed by the Office of Medical Education. One educator was chosen out of the pool of candidates.