The College of Medicine was well-represented among recipients from across Florida State University at last week’s Leadership Awards Night, held inside the FSU Student Union Ballrooms.

Hosted annually by the Office of Student Organizations and Involvement, the event recognizes FSU students, faculty, staff and organizations that have epitomized the definition of leadership by their exemplary contributions to the community through achievement, service or organizational leadership.

The College of Medicine awards winners included three individuals and two student organizations.

Benjamin Smith, director of the School of Physician Assistant Practice and an associate dean, received one of three Faculty Leadership Awards for major contributions in areas of service and leadership. He was nominated by a colleague for his wide range of leadership and communication skills, exemplary character, and willingness to engage in all areas of the department.

Smith joined the College of Medicine faculty in 2016, as the PA program was being created, and has served in multiple roles including teaching faculty, director of didactic education and associate program director. He served a year as interim director before his December 2022 promotion.

Heather Stitely, senior academic program specialist and community coordinator with the college’s Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) program, was one of three recipients of Staff Leadership Awards.

A committed mentor to IMS students since her 2018 arrival, Stitely has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the department’s Experiential Learning (EL) Database, which tracks student activity hours that are a graduation requirement. As an adviser, she meets with each of the program’s 500 students,  regularly posts EL opportunities online, connects students with opportunities based on personal and career goals, and helps keep them on track throughout the rigorous four-year, undergraduate pre-medical education program.

Matthew Stenberg, a junior in the IMS program, received the University Health Services (UHS) Student of the Year Award, for his dedication to the promotion of health and wellness within the FSU community. Working with UHS, he helped launch and deliver a comprehensive student outreach drug abuse awareness program, which included the distribution of Narcan kits within the university’s Greek system.

Stenberg completed Overdose Lifeline Narcan training last spring and made his first presentation to a fraternity in the fall, leading to the program’s expansion. In addition, he is a member of FSU’s Medical Response Unit, the Wellness Center’s CHAW (Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness) and recently began working as an EMT for Gadsden County Emergency Services. 

The honors kept coming for the IMS program as its Undergraduate American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) received the Purposeful Programming Award, which celebrates an organization promoting civic engagement and student development.

Over the past year, the chapter used events and social media to increase awareness of health issues, including menstrual and mental health, cervical cancer, and heart health, as well as sponsoring a discussion of current events in medicine. Additionally, members organized several donation drives, including collections of menstrual products, holiday toys, and books. They also participated in a creative collaboration to make cards and origami for pediatric patients at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

One of handful of undergraduate AMWA chapters nationally, it received the National AMWA Premedical Division's Humanitarian Branch Award earlier this year for its service to the Tallahassee community. Among the projects cited were revitalizing outdoor spaces for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend to create a welcoming environment to host programs and maintaining a two-year partnership with the Kearney Center that addresses food insecurity by providing consistent kitchen support.

The College of Medicine’s Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG), composed primarily of first- and second-year medical students, received the Chauffeur of Change Award, presented to one student organization displaying outstanding leadership and promoting impactful change through advocacy, service and mission-driven programming.  

FMIG was selected for its dedication to community service through programs like the Sabal Palm Health Education Project, where members made a difference in the lives of local elementary school students. It has also enhanced the academic experience for College of Medicine students through hands-on procedure nights. 

Top Photo: Matthew Stenberg, a junior in the IMS program, was recognized with the University Health Services Student of the Year Award.

Photos courtesy FSU Department of Student Affairs

Contact Bob Thomas at robert.thomas@med.fsu.edu