Washington, DC - December 22, 2005 - Dr. Peter S. MacWilliams is the recipient of the 2005 National Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges announced today. Dr. MacWilliams is a Professor and Chief of Staff for Diagnostic and Imaging Services in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. MacWilliams strives to generate a positive learning environment through trust, respect, and sincerity. "My goal is to have students develop the self-confidence to identify and solve problems by combining learning principles, visual skills, and the ability to access information," he said.
Dr. MacWilliams has a history of relating to students on both a professional and personal level. He works to not only educate students on his curricula, but also to help them understand their responsibilities outside of the classroom.
According to Dr. Daryl Buss, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine , "Being a really great teacher is also about being a great mentor, and Dr. MacWilliams illustrates the power and impact of combining both abilities."
Dr. MacWilliams worked with Dr. Susan Hyland, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, to establish the Ad Hoc Stress and Chemical Impairment Committee in 1986. The committee is comprised of students, faculty and staff, and is responsible for creating awareness and open communication on issues of stress and chemical impairment. Since its inception, Dr. MacWilliams has been asked to speak at meetings of allied groups about the committee at least once a year.
Dr. MacWilliams received his pre-veterinary training and DVM degree at Cornell University , and is licensed in both New York and Wisconsin . Dr. MacWilliams worked in both small and large animal practice before joining the staff of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where, in addition to teaching, he received his postgraduate diploma in veterinary clinical pathology and his Ph.D.
Dr. MacWilliams is a past president of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and has most recently received the 2002 Walter Renk Distinguished Professor Award.
The Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award was established in 1963 by Norden Laboratories. The award, named for the company founder, recognizes outstanding teachers who contribute significantly to the advancement of the veterinary medical education through ability, dedication, character and leadership. Winners of the Distinguished Teacher Award are then evaluated annually to select the National Award winner.
The Norden-Pfizer award ceremony will be held during the AAVMC's Annual Meeting, taking place from March 11-14, 2006, in Washington , DC . Dr. MacWilliams will be presented with the award at the Norden-Pfizer luncheon on Sunday, March 12, 2006.
Press inquiries should be directed to:
Kevin Finkelstein
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
1101 Vermont Avenue, NW Suite 301
Washington , D.C. 20005-3521
Phone (202) 371-9195, X10
Fax (202) 842-0773