Richard (Rick) Vari, senior dean for academic affairs and professor of physiology at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, has been named the first recipient of the “Outstanding Reviewer Award” by the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE).

Vari was recognized for the quality of his contributions as a journal reviewer for Medical Science Educator, a publication that focuses on teaching the sciences that are fundamental to modern medicine and health. He was selected from a pool of more than 200 IASME members who serve as reviewers for the journal.

“Whether it’s in the classroom or behind-the-scenes in scholarly activities, Rick is one of the most passionate and effective teachers of basic science with whom I have had the pleasure of working,” said Cynda Johnson, dean of the medical school. “He has been acknowledged with multiple teaching awards at every school in his 30-year career.”

In addition to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Vari’s academic appointments have been at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Tulane, and the University of North Dakota. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Kentucky.

IAMSE membership is made up of more than 1,000 basic scientists and physicians representing 49 countries dedicated to advancing health sciences education through development of innovative educational theory, practice, and research.

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