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Caro, Morrissey reflect on Society of Teaching Scholars induction

David Caro, MD, at right, stands next to Michael Good, MD, dean of the UF College of Medicine, during the Society of Teaching Scholars' induction ceremony in Gainesville.
Thomas Morrissey, MD, PhD, left, stands next to Michael Good, MD, dean of the UF College of Medicine, during the Society of Teaching Scholars' induction ceremony in Gainesville.

David Caro, MD, and Thomas Morrissey, MD, PhD, say they are truly honored to be members of the University of Florida Society of Teaching Scholars, a distinction not many other UF faculty hold.

Caro and Morrissey, both associate professors of emergency medicine at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, were inducted into the Society of Teaching Scholars in February during a reception in Gainesville. Each year since 2000, the society has recognized College of Medicine faculty who excel mightily as educators and help advance their discipline in the areas of scholarship, research and curriculum development.

“I think this will serve to remind me of what has gotten me to this position. Teaching and education have been the focus of my career to date, so my continued progress will be directed in that vein,” said Caro, who’s been a UF faculty member since 1997.

“It means a great deal to be nominated by our local Graduate Medical Education office,” said Morrissey, who became a UF faculty member in 2000. “It shows how much they watch and care about what we do for the students here in Jacksonville.”

They both say it’s been wonderful to work with the students and residents who’ve gone through the emergency medicine residency program over the years. Caro is the program director and Morrissey is assistant director.

“In large part, it’s one of the strengths that have kept me energized throughout my educational tenure here,” Caro said about the teaching component.

Morrissey, who is also the college’s clerkship director for emergency medicine, said having two faculty members from the same department inducted into the society represents the importance of emergency medicine in preparing the country’s future medical leaders.  

“The emergency department is a looking glass into the functional state of our country’s health care system,” Morrissey said. “The educational experiences our department provides help prepare our students and residents to shine as they care for the patients of tomorrow.”

Caro received his medical degree from University of South Florida in Tampa. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. Morrissey received his medical degree from University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville.

Caro and Morrissey, who are both board-certified in emergency medicine, are just the third and fourth Jacksonville faculty members to be inducted into the Society of Teaching Scholars. Frank Genuardi, MD, the Jacksonville associate dean for student affairs, and Elisa Zenni, MD, associate dean for educational affairs, are the other two.

Nine faculty were inducted this year, bringing the society’s count to 45 members. To be considered for induction, applying faculty members must submit a portfolio featuring curriculum-related documents, letters of recommendation, peer evaluations and other items that illustrate educational dedication and excellence in their respective discipline.

“We are pleased to have two faculty members to be inducted into the Society of Teaching Scholars this year,” said Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD, dean of the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. “Drs. Caro and Morrissey have done exceptional work as clinical and teaching faculty of emergency medicine. This accolade is evidence of their truly excellent service throughout the years.”

Featured Faculty

David A. Caro, MD

David A. Caro, MD

Professor
Associate Designated Institutional Official, UFCOM-J; Associate Chair, Educational Affairs, Department of Emergency Medicine

Thomas K. Morrissey, MD, PhD

Thomas K. Morrissey, MD, PhD

Associate Professor
Assistant Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency; Clerkship Director