St. George’s University pathology professor Shivayogi Bhusnurmath was recently honored with an RCPath Achievement Award by the Royal College of Pathologists for his outstanding contributions to pathology education. He was presented with his award virtually as part of the College Council meeting in November.
The College, which oversees the training of pathologists and scientists working in 17 different specialties, including hematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology launched the awards to celebrate excellence in pathology practice and promote high standards in pathology education, training, and research.
Dr. Bhusnurmath attributes this award to the successful joint efforts in planning and execution of many educational innovations with his wife, Dr. Bharti Bhusnurmath, co-chair of the Department of Pathology and director of the medical pathology diagnostic laboratory at SGU’s School of Medicine.
“Winning the award from the Royal College of Pathologists is truly humbling,” said Dr. Bhusnurmath, dean of academic affairs, SGU. “The College has outreach throughout the globe, including Asia, Africa, Far East, and Australia. It is satisfying to see the recognition of the combined efforts of Dr. Bharti and I spanning four decades in pathology education worldwide.”
Dr. Bhusnurmath and his wife are two of SGU’s longest-tenured faculty members, having joined the University in 1996. Their accomplishments include revolutionizing clinical problem-based teaching of pathology through the extensive use of clinical vignettes in lectures; initiating audience polling systems in lectures; introducing small-group learning activities with objectives related to communication skills and professional behavior; creating a unique international clinical tutor teaching fellowship program, which has benefitted over 300 international medical graduates to study pathology; and generating an interest in pathology that has resulted in dozens of SGU graduates entering pathology residency programs in the US each year.
“In many ways, this award represents the excellence in education platforms and innovations at SGU,” added Dr. Bhusnurmath. “It was achieved only with the support of visionary leaders such as Chancellor Charles Modica, former dean of basic sciences; Dr. Allen Pensick, former vice chancellor; Dr. Keith Taylor; Dr. Steve Weitzman, dean emeritus; and our energetic new dean full of exemplary educational ideas, Dr. Marios Loukas and his team. This award should allow the flag of SGU to fly high internationally and help more students achieve their dreams of becoming a doctor at our university.”
– Ray-Donna Peters
