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Nighttime view of Temple University Children's Medical Center Temple University Hospital in background, Kresge Hall (left) and Medical Research Building (right) in foreground Old Medical School building in foreground, Jones Hall, General Services building and Student Faculty Center to the right

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SCHOOL OF MEDICINE DOC HONORED BY NATION'S MED STUDENTS

Paul Lyons, MD, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine. Photo by Joseph V. Labolito, Temple University.

Paul Lyons, MD, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine. Photo by Joseph V. Labolito, Temple University.


The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) will present Paul Lyons, MD, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the School of Medicine, with the 2008 National Golden Apple for Teaching Excellence Award on March 14 for his impact on the education and personal lives of his students.

 

Lyons teaches his first and second year medical students basic clinical skills, and directs the clerkship program for third and fourth year medical students, which allows them to interact with patients as medical professionals for the first time.  He also instructs both students and residents at Temple University Hospital in adolescent health and obstetrics.

 

Lyons noted that teaching and patient care are one in the same, because students love to talk to patients and hear their stories, which in turn makes the experience more meaningful to the patient.

 

The 2004 winner of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, Lyons’ students praise him as an esteemed mentor and role model.  He is also the recipient of the Exemplary Teaching Award from the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and the Resident Teacher Award from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.

 

“Teaching is what gets me out of bed in the morning. It's the most important part of my job and the reason why I'm here," said Lyons.

 

In addition to his teaching duties, Lyons is heavily involved in several student-run groups including the Family Medicine Interest Group, the Geriatrics Interest Group, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.  He also helped start Temple CARES, a student-run clinic that offers free health services to members of the North Philadelphia community. 

 

In winter of 2005, Lyons accompanied his students to hurricane-ravaged parts of New Orleans to provide medical supplies and care.

 

“Dr. Lyons has been more than just a teacher and adviser; he has been a true mentor and friend,” said fourth-year medical student Jenny Chiang, who nominated Lyons for the award. “It is his involvement outside the classroom that shows his dedication to the students and sets him apart from other faculty.”

 

Lyons received his medical degree from Ohio State University and completed his residency at University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. He has been a faculty member at Temple University School of Medicine since 1998.

 

AMSA, the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States, presents the National Golden Apple award each year to a medical school professor who has made a significant impact on the educational value that a medical student receives.


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By Renee Cree

renee.cree@temple.edu

March 5, 2008