Rebecca Bahn, M.D., Named CTSA Mentor of the Year
Sherine Gabriel, M.D. and Rebecca Bahn, M.D.
Rebecca S. Bahn, M.D., was named Mentor of the Year by the Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA).
Sherine Gabriel, M.D., director of CTSA Education Resources, presented Dr. Bahn with the award and a commemorative clock during CTSA Grand Rounds, July 2.
"Mentoring is something we take very seriously and we work at very hard within the CTSA and across Mayo, and there are many, many wonderful mentors at Mayo, many outstanding mentors," said Dr. Gabriel. "But this award really identifies an individual who stands above the rest in terms of their commitment, their exceptional contributions towards mentoring."
Dr. Bahn, a professor of medicine and consultant within the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, has a long history of mentoring, having worked with more than 30 young investigators throughout her career, especially during the last 18 years in which she has been a primary investigator.
"Mentorship is one of the most rewarding parts of my career — it has been for many years — and I just consider myself very lucky to be able to play a role in the lives of so many very talented and successful young researchers," she said.
Dr. Bahn is currently Chair, Research Career Development Sub Committee and Associate Dean of Research for Career Development; as well as Co-Chair, CTSA Postdoctoral Programs Committee. These and other leadership roles were cited as key factors in her selection as mentor of the year.
One of her protégés, Marius Stan, M.D., had this to say, "Through her example and tireless support...I became intrigued by the possibility of pursuing a clinical research career."
He said that Dr. Bahn's excellent guidance propelled him forward in his career, and called her "an example of perfectly balanced researcher, expert clinician and national leader in the field of thyroidology."
Dr. Bahn is the second individual to receive this distinguished award, the previous award winner was Ognjen Gajic, M.D. Awardees are nominated by scholars and faculty within CTSA's postdoctoral programs. Nominees are faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the mentoring of CTSA scholars within the KL2, Ph.D. or master's programs. Read more
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