Hull York Medical School colleagues awarded University of York teaching honour

Dr Heidi Baseler and Dr Paul Pryor receive University of York Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award

Two members of teaching staff at Hull York Medical School have been honoured with a prestigious University of York Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award.

Dr Heidi Baseler, Lecturer in Imaging Sciences, and Dr Paul Pryor, Senior Lecturer in Cellular Microbiology, were recognised in this year’s awards for their demonstration of excellence in teaching and learning support at York.

The annual awards are given to members of staff who demonstrate sustained excellence across a range of teaching and support activities; take a creative approach to teaching and learning support, focused on student learning needs; and who go above and beyond the standard remit of their teaching or learning support role, making an impact on colleagues as well as students.

In selecting Dr Baseler for an award, the panel noted the ‘significant contribution’ Dr Baseler has made to the Hull York curriculum, as well as her ‘consistently high quality teaching’ and ‘exemplary’ support for students, which resulted in an award for Exceptional Contribution to Student Experience in the 2018 Hull York Medical School Teaching Excellence Awards. Dr Baseler’s research-centred teaching and creation of research opportunities for medical students, principally as INSPIRE academic lead, was also highlighted.

Dr Baseler said: ‘I am hugely honoured to receive this award for something I really care about: encouraging and supporting students in their quest for learning. Working with students inspires me, and has taught me to stay curious and not be afraid to question our assumptions about science and its role in medicine. Thanks to all my colleagues and students who have supported me!’

In selecting Dr Pryor for an award, the panel highlighted the ‘long-standing and whole-hearted commitment to students and the teaching community’ that Dr Pryor has demonstrated, acknowledging his ‘enormous enthusiasm’, sensitivity to students’ needs and use of interactive teaching methods that enable students to find complex information easy to understand.

Dr Pryor said: ‘I am delighted with the award, and proud that in response to student feedback I have been able to constantly improve my teaching practices and make a difference to both students and colleagues.’

Dean of Hull York Medical School, Professor Una Macleod, said: ‘I am delighted that Heidi and Paul have received the Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award. This is a reflection of their excellent work and multiple contributions within the School and across the University. Many congratulations to them both!’

The awards will be presented in person at the University’s postponed summer graduation ceremonies, later in the year.