FEATURE

Dr. John O'Reilly is Awarded the Zucker Clinical Teaching Prize for His Educational Innovations
He is Described as a "Friend" to Both Faculty & Students

John O'Reilly MD, Department of Pediatrics, is the recipient of The Milton and Natalie Zucker Clinical Teaching Prize for "Outstanding Innovation in Clinical Teaching." This award recognizes faculty members who, through their contributions to the curriculum, stimulate excitement and interest in discovering new methods of teaching. Dr. O'Reilly was chosen for his dedication in presenting the latest medical knowledge, particularly in Pediatrics.

Peer Recognition

This award is formal recognition by his peers, as well as his students, of his teaching excellence. Mrs. Zucker, sponsor of the award, feels that the peer selection process should be as significant as the actual awarding of the prizes. The process is an opportunity for faculty to consider who Tufts' top teachers are and why, so that they can explore what comprises teaching excellence and determine effective qualities for all faculty to emulate.

This year's nominations were solicited from all clinical departments, and submitted to the Curriculum Committee for discussion and closed ballot vote, with the final selection made by the Selection Committee comprising the Deans and the Chair of the Curriculum Committee, Dr. Kristin Dardano.

Career of Distinction

Since his start at Baystate in 1999, Dr. O'Reilly has been instrumental to the development of its most successful education programs, including the "Cliical Ethics Educaton program" for third-year TUSM students, which won a TUSM "Innovations in Education" Award for the 2005-06 academic year. In addition to his role as clinical instructor, Dr. O'Reilly is also the Pediatric Clerkship site Director, Chair of Undergraduate Medical Education Committee, and co-leader in the development of cases in Pediatric Ethics.

Dr. O'Reilly has received many other teaching awards, including Resident Mentoring Award, the TUSM Third-year Faculty Recognition for Excellence in Teaching Pediatrics, the TUSM Senior Class Award in Teaching, and the Faculty Teacher of the Year at Baystate.