(L-R) Jack Tuszynski, Department of Oncology; Maryam Sharifzadeh-Amin, School of Dentistry; Ross Tsuyuki, Department of Medicine; Jonathan Martin, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology.
To recognize those who provide countless hours of support, the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry hosted their annual mentoring awards event May 14. The 2015 Awards for Excellence celebrated Jack Tuszynksi, Jonathan Martin, Ross Tsuyuki and Maryam Sharifzadeh-Amin.
The mentoring awards are divided into two categories-basic science and clinical-and are presented to individuals with more than (Tier I) or less than (Tier II) 15 years of academic experience. Faculty members are nominated by their students or their department chair.
Having received the awards all the recipients agree that mentoring is about passing on knowledge and experience.
Jack Tuszynski believes providing mentorship to future scientists is one of the greatest responsibilities he has. Being able to listen, and influence the lives and careers of young people, is vital in ensuring their future success, he says.
"As an academic, I find being constantly exposed to young, enthusiastic and highly intelligent people one of the greatest privileges the job brings with it. Mentoring is not entirely altruistic, as it allows us to receive much, or even more, as we give. We receive the young people's energy, contagious enthusiasm and fresh perspectives on issues that might otherwise become stale and uninspiring," says Tuszynski.
Tuszynski joined the University of Alberta in 1988. He is now a professor in the Department of Oncology and has held the Allard Chair since 2005.
Ross Tsuyuki is honoured to be receiving the award, but admits it actually belongs to his students.
"I feel mentoring is a responsibility that we all have. It's extremely satisfying. It's about opening doors, facilitating and supporting students," he says. "Ultimately, it comes down to caring for the success of the mentee." Tsuyuki is a professor in medicine and is the director of the EPICORE Centre and COMPRIS. In 2005 he received the Canadian Pharmacist of the Year award from the Canadian Pharmacist Association.
Maryam Sharifzadeh-Amin's students describe her as approachable, dedicated and engaged. They say her sincerity and dedication is admired by both the dental and non-dental community.
The School of Dentistry's associate professor's advice to other mentors is simple: "Learn about your students and tailor your mentoring plan based on their needs. Go beyond being a teacher and share your experiences with them."