North Central PA Times

Geisinger College of Health Sciences recently announced that John L. Szarek, a professor of pharmacology and vice chair of curriculum at the School of Medicine, has been honored with the Edward Patrick Finnerty Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade, presented by the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), recognizes a member's sustained commitment to advancing the organization.

Szarek will accept the award at the 29th annual IAMSE Conference in June in Calgary. The award is a significant honor within the organization and is not open for application. According to IAMSE, it is "the superlative level of recognition that the organization, through selection by its board of directors, can provide to a most worthy individual whose work on behalf of IAMSE has shown a consistent history of distinguished accomplishments."

Dr. Szarek expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am truly honored to receive this recognition from an organization that has been such an important part of my professional journey." He emphasized the collaborative effort and supportive environment at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, which has encouraged his contributions to medical education.

A member of IAMSE since 1999, Dr. Szarek has played various roles within the organization, including serving on the Board of Directors and as secretary. His contributions to IAMSE are notable, with involvement in numerous conferences, program committees, and educational sessions. In 2023, he won the best poster presentation award and was previously recognized with the IAMSE Master Teacher Award in June 2015.

IAMSE is dedicated to advancing health profession education through teacher development, ensuring that the instruction of medical science remains rooted in foundational sciences and effective teaching practices.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences focuses on innovation in healthcare education, providing a range of programs across medicine, nursing, and research, aiming to improve community health and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.

For more information, visit geisinger.edu/gchs. Questions about the institution's nondiscrimination policy can be directed to the Title IX coordinator at geisinger.edu/titleix.