TIAA-CREF Distinguished Medical Educator Award - Dr. Frank C. Arnett Jr.

The three missions of the Medical School are research, education, and clinical care, and Frank C. Arnett Jr., M.D., believes training the next generation of physicians is the most important part of that mission.

"I think teaching is the most important mission of the school and each faculty member, but one must enjoy doing it well," Arnett said. "One must become excited to see a student or trainee evolve into a highly competent and outstanding physician, scientist, teacher, or all of the above."

Arnett is the 2006 winner of the TIAA-CREF Distinguished Medical Educator Award, which annually honors teaching physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals who have a long history of significant contributions to medical education and who have nationally and internationally impacted medical education. TIAA-CREF and the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science provide support for the award, and Arnett will be formally recognized at a June 22 award ceremony.

Arnett joined the Medical School in 1984 as director of the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics - a role he held until 2000 when he became chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. He served as chair until 2004 and is now the Elizabeth Bidgood Chair in Rheumatology and a professor of internal medicine.

"I teach in all four years of medical school, as well as residents and fellows," Arnett said, adding that this allows him to see the students blossom over the years. "It's amazing to see the difference between a first-year medical student and a first-year resident - the transformation is extraordinary."

Arnett's other teaching awards include the John P. McGovern Award in 2000 and 2003, the Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award in 2001, and the President's Scholar Award for Teaching in 2005. He feels honored to be recognized by TIAA-CREF as an educator and said that a teacher should also learn from his students. "The teacher needs to feel good at the end of the day because he or she has taught something new but also has learned something new themselves," he said.

The award carries a $10,000 honorarium, and scholarships will be donated in Arnett's name to children attending the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science's Mini Medical School Summer Camp. The 2005 TIAA-CREF Distinguished Medical Educator was Herbert L. Fred, M.D., professor of internal medicine.