At the 38th Annual Justus F. Lehman Symposium, held on June 10, the 2024 UW Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Mentorship Awards were presented. Each award highlights the significant impact these mentors have had on the development of students, trainees, and early career faculty.
Joseph M. Czerniecki, MD Award for Excellence in Clinician-Scientist Mentorship: Mark P. Jensen, PhD
Professor Mark P. Jensen, PhD, was honored with the Joseph M. Czerniecki, MD Award for Excellence in Clinician-Scientist Mentorship. Dr. Jensen's mentorship has been instrumental in the growth of numerous trainees and early career faculty within our department. Testimonials from mentees highlight his kindness, patience, and dedication to developing their research skills, grantsmanship, and personal growth.
Among the many glowing testimonials in his nomination materials, one nominator said,
From the first time I reached out to Mark from 2,000 miles away to express my interest in his work, I’ve appreciated his receptivity and mutual enthusiasm despite the vast chasm between my embryonic career and the 70-page CV his accomplishments fill. Mark consistently demonstrates that kindness, patience, and caring need not be sacrificed in the pursuit of outstanding scientific achievement; rather, such virtues fortify the community in which good science grows. Even with his rigorous program of research, he makes time to develop the interpersonal relationships aspiring researchers depend on to cultivate their interests and help them take the next steps, wherever they are in their journey.
Congratulations, Dr. Jensen!
Kathryn M. Yorkston, PhD, Award for Excellence in Student/Trainee Mentorship: Chet Moritz, PhD
Dr. Chet Moritz, CJ and Elizabeth Hwang Endowed Professor in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Rehabilitation Medicine, received the Kathryn M. Yorkston, PhD, Award for Excellence in Student/Trainee Mentorship. Dr. Moritz offers extensive support of PhD students. His award nominators noted,
Chet has been one of our strongest mentors in the PhD program in terms of the number of students he mentors, his success in financially supporting students, and the very high caliber of work his students produce in their program.
His dedication extends beyond individual mentorship. He actively participates in guest lectures, panels, and departmental mentoring programs, significantly contributing to the professional development of both students and early career faculty. Dr. Moritz is consistently described as a highly skilled, supportive, thoughtful, selfless mentor.
Congratulations, Dr. Moritz!
Teresa L. Massagli, MD Award for Mentoring Excellence: Cindy Lin, MD, FACSM, FAAPMR
Dr. Cindy Lin, Clinical Associate Professor and Endowed Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine, was awarded the Teresa L. Massagli, MD Award for Mentoring Excellence. Dr. Lin's mentorship spans research, clinical care, teaching, and professional development. She is commended for her dedication, responsiveness, and ability to foster significant scholarship and professional growth among her mentees.
Dr. Lin's impact is evident in the numerous research opportunities she has provided, her support for student publications, and her role as a role model and mentor. One of her nominators said:
Dr. Lin was a key role model and mentor to me as an undergraduate researcher at UW. Till today, I've never had a mentor who combines professionalism, sportsmanship, and cheerful determination in the way Dr. Lin does. By holding high standards and believing in my potential, she inspired me to do my best work. When I think of the kind of mentor and teammate I want to be, Dr. Lin's example is a north star. Seeing Dr. Lin work to promote healthy human movement among her colleagues just as much as her patients, Dr. Lin showed me what it means to practice a profession with one's whole self. Seeing her passion for helping people through care, science, and advocacy helped me find my current career path… Reflecting back, I see that Dr. Lin's mentorship left an impact on my enduring interest in using technology to help people live their most mobile and meaningful lives. Dr. Lin helped me live mine. I hope to pay it forward.”
Congratulations, Dr. Lin!
The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is proud to recognize these outstanding mentors for their dedication and excellence in guiding the next generation. Their contributions are invaluable to the department; to our students, trainees and fellows; and to the broader medical community.