Benjy F. Brooks Award, John P. McGovern Award: Dr. Pedro Mancias

On pace to sweep the Medical School’s teaching awards, Dr. Pedro Mancias is the winner of both the Benjy F. Brooks Teaching Award and the John P. McGovern Award this year.

The John P. McGovern Award, made possible by an endowment from the McGovern Foundation, is given annually to the outstanding clinical faculty member as chosen by the senior class.

Established in 1991 by the Alumni Association, the Benjy Brooks award is presented by the alumni of the Medical School to recognize individuals “who complement and enhance the education program by serving as role models for students.” It is named in honor of Dr. Benjy Brooks, the first board-certified woman pediatric surgeon in the United States, who joined the Medical School’s faculty in 1973 and remained active in the life of the Medical School until her death in 1998.

“I was extremely humbled to have been chosen from so many great teachers and clinical faculty at our esteemed institution,” Mancias said.

Mancias said he aims to teach by example.

“I like the students to see the passion that I have for what I do,” he said. “I am just so thankful for the many mentors, teachers, colleagues, and students who I have had the privilege to be around. Wherever there is a teacher, a student will be near; moreover, wherever there is a student, a teacher is always there.”

Mancias, associate professor of pediatrics, joined the Medical School in 1996. He is a ’88 graduate of the Medical School and completed two years of pediatric training at the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock. He finished his pediatric neurology residency and fellowship in pediatric electromyography and neuromuscular disorders at the UT Medical School at Houston.

His research interests include congenital neuropathies, congenital neuromuscular disorders, and acquired neuropathies. He received the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award last year.

Previous recipients of the McGovern award include Octavio Pinell, M.D., 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995; Alberto Puig, M.D., Ph.D., 2007, 2005; Frank Arnett, M.D., 2003, 2000; Eugene Toy, M.D., 2008, 2002; Edward Yeomans, M.D., 1998; John F. Donnelly, M.D., 1996, 1993, 1990; James T. Willerson, M.D., 1994; John M. Passmore, M.D., 1992; Herbert L. DuPont, M.D., 1991.

Former recipients of the Benjy F. Brooks Teaching Award include Walter M. Kirkendall, M.D., 1991; William S. Fields, M.D., 1992; James T. Willerson, M.D., 1994; Harold T. Pruessner, M.D., 1995; Herbert L. DuPont, M.D., 1997; Larry D. Scott, M.D., 1999; Herbert L. Fred, M.D., 1999; Becky L. McGraw-Wall, M.D., 2000; Terry K. Satterwhite, M.D., 2001; Cheves M. Smythe, M.D., 2002; Ian Butler, M.D., 2003; and Francisco Fuentes, M.D., 2004.

— Darla Brown, Office of Communications, Medical School