Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award - Dr. John W. Sparks

John W. Sparks, M.D., David R. Park Professor of Pediatrics and director of the Fellowship Program in Neonatology, has been named the winner of the Herbert L. and Margaret W. DuPont Master Clinical Teaching Award.

Established in 2001 and made possible by a gift from the DuPonts, the award recognizes and preserves the essence and quality of the master clinical teacher, reflecting the Medical School's top priority of quality clinical medical education.

Sparks teaches a variety of courses, including second-year students in problem-based learning (PBL); a series of evening seminars in The Healer's Art, which he describes as a "great experience to get to know first- and second-year students;" and "Ethics and Professionalism," a second-year seminar.

Sparks said he has specifically made time for teaching - especially during his busy tenure as chair of the Department of Pediatrics from 1995-2005.

"It's a nice opportunity to meet with students, and it's what being at the Medical School is all about - teaching. Our chief resident for pediatrics for next year was one of my former PBL students. It's very satisfying to see her and to see others grow professionally after their student days," he said.

Sparks also teaches on the neonatal unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he teaches fellows, residents, and fourth-year students taking electives, and he has taught on the general pediatric service at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital with the third-year clerkship and residents.

"That is a great first exposure to pediatrics for the students - at the first of the month they are hesitant, learning how to approach the family and the children. Then by the end, they come away really knowing something," he said.

Pediatrics also has an active neonatal fellowship program, which Sparks directs.

As far as his teaching philosophy, Sparks explained it as a three-pronged approach. "Individually assessing each student, seeing where their skills are one-on-one, is key," he said. "Second, teaching the technical aspects with a degree of rigor is essential - they are here to learn from our service. And third, the professional skills, compassion, ethics, and professional development help to make the whole physician."

Sparks graduated from Harvard Medical School and did his residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He came to the Medical School in 1991.

Previous recipients of the award are Victor R. Lavis, M.D., 2005; Philip R. Orlander, M.D., 2004; Ian J. Butler, M.D., 2003; Patrick G. Brosnan, M.D., 2002; and Frank C. Arnett Jr., M.D., 2001.