Four faculty from KU School of Medicine-Wichita were honored with prestigious teaching awards during the School of Medicine annual retreat Friday, Aug. 28, in Kansas City.

Therese Cusick, M.D., FACS, clinical professor, Department of Surgery, received the Ruth Bohan Teaching Professorship Award. The Ruth Bohan Teaching Professorship is the most prestigious teaching award given at KU School of Medicine. The award recognizes excellence in teaching and seeks to continue the tradition of outstanding education in the medical school.

Brett Grizzell, M.D., professor and chair, Department of Surgery, received the Early Career Achievement Alumni Award. The Early Career Achievement Alumni Award is presented to a KU School of Medicine alum who has graduated within the last 20 years. This award recognizes contributions early in their career, in their respective profession, to patient care, to research and/or scholarship, and through community service or volunteering.

Ashley Robbins, M.D., clinical associate professor and chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, is the Wichita recipient of the Rolfe Becker, M.D., and Sylvia Becker Mentoring Award. This award seeks to recognize outstanding mentorship of learners (medical students, residents and/or fellows) and to support efforts for enhanced mentorship. Up to three awards are given out, with one award each given to a faculty member from the Kansas City, Wichita and Salina campuses.

Jack Shellito, M.D., professor emeritus, Department of Surgery, received the Lifetime Mentoring Award “The Jayhawk.” This award recognizes individuals who have achieved professor rank and have worked at the School of Medicine for over 20 years. During that time, they must have demonstrated a commitment to fostering the intellectual, creative, scholarly and professional growth of their junior faculty.

Shellito received his award during the faculty retreat in Kansas City and Robbins appeared virtually at the meeting. Cusick and Grizzell, who were unable to attend, received their awards from Laura Tatpati, M.D., KU School of Medicine-Wichita dean, during a general surgery faculty meeting Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Above, left: Ashley Robbins, M.D.