School of Medicine to Host Distinguished Awards Ceremony

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine will host its Dean’s Distinguished Awards event at 7 p.m. March 22 at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion, 602 Boston Ave.

The Dean’s Distinguished Awards were created to honor outstanding and dedicated support and service to the School of Medicine from community physicians. Steven L. Berk, M.D., TTUHSC executive vice president and provost and School of Medicine dean, said these physicians exhibit outstanding commitment and service and have been instrumental in advancing the School of Medicine’s mission.

Elias Ghandour, M.D., and Robert Salem, M.D., will receive the Top Dean’s Distinguished Award. Other awards are:

Preceptor of the Year

• Charles Wheeler, D.O.

Excellence in Teaching Award

• Family medicine: Robert Ordonez, M.D.


• Ophthalmology: Justin Anderson, M.D., and Alan Row, M.D.


• Orthopaedics: Mark D. D’Alise, M.D.


• Pediatrics: Mark Feist, M.D., and James Higgins, M.D.


• Urology: Howard Beck, M.D.

Excellence in Service Award

• Internal medicine: Davor Vugrin, M.D.


• Surgery: Robert Salem, M.D.

Support and Partnership Award

• The Lubbock Crosby Garza County Medical Society and Alliance

Since 1999, the School of Medicine has presented accomplished alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards. These awards recognize individuals nominated by their peers, for service and/or achievement.

Those to be honored are:

• Dale W. Stovall, M.D., School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Research Scientist Award


• Rodney Young, M.D.,  School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award


• Cynthia Jumper, M.D., School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award


• Suresh Prasad, M.D., School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Community Outreach Award

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