For Release:
Immediate (Monday, May 7, 2007)

Contacts:
Collin Parker
Fletcher Allen Public Relations
802-847-2886

UVM/Fletcher Allen Pediatrics Chief Wins Prestigious National Mentoring Award

BURLINGTON, VT – Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care and the University of Vermont College of Medicine today announced that Chief of Pediatrics Lewis First, M.D., received the Ambulatory Pediatric Association’s 2007 Miller-Sarkin Mentoring Award at the Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meeting in Toronto, Sunday, May 6.

According to the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, the Miller-Sarkin Award recognizes the contributions of an individual who has provided outstanding mentorship to learners or colleagues, both locally and nationally, and serves as a model to others who aspire to mentor others as they mature.

“[Dr. First] is always there to listen, give advice, open doors, and help each person find his or her way,” wrote pediatrician William Raszka, M.D., director of Pediatric Medical Student Education at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, in his letter of recommendation.  “It is a testament to his leadership, good council, and support that even 10 years after graduation from the Pediatric Residency former residents still call Lewis regularly for advice.”

Dr. First, who also serves as Chair of Pediatrics and Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education at the UVM College of Medicine, is currently a member of the Executive Board of the National Board of Medical Examiners. In addition, he recently served that organization as chair of the Step II Committee of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The co-editor in chief of “AAP Grand Rounds”, a monthly national newsletter that reports on articles of interest that are of relevance to the practicing pediatrician, First is the co-editor of several textbooks, including “Pediatrics” (Elsevier, 2004) and “Pediatric Medicine” (2nd Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1993). He has also been the recipient of named visiting professorships and lectureships across the country.  Dr. First earned B.A., M.D., and M.S. degrees from Harvard University and completed a pediatrics residency, as well as a fellowship in ambulatory pediatrics, at Boston Children's Hospital.

This latest honor is among a number of prestigious awards bestowed upon Dr. First.  He received the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) 2006 National Education Award; the 2002 Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award, given by the Association of American Medical Colleges; and the 2001 Green Mountain Pediatric award, given by the Vermont chapter of the AAP.

About the Ambulatory Pediatric Association

The APA fosters the health of children, adolescents and families by promoting generalism in academic pediatrics, and academics in general pediatrics. The Association has a membership of 1,800 pediatricians and other health professionals who are involved in the education of future pediatricians. Members are responsible for educational research and scholarship, clinical research, as well as patient care and advocacy focusing on the whole child in the context of the family and community.

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