Byrd receives university teaching award

GREENVILLE, N.C.   (June 5, 2001)   —   Dr. Jim Byrd of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at ECU has received one of six University of North Carolina Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Awards. 

Byrd, who is professor and section chief of general internal medicine, is the only award recipient from the Allied Health Sciences Division. The award includes a $1,000 prize. Winners were selected by faculty committees.

Dr. Jim Byrd.

At the medical school, Byrd teaches all four levels of medical students. Byrd said his teaching style involves lecture, small group instruction in the classroom, in the medical clinics and on the wards, and one-on-one mentoring.

“The School of Medicine students are adult learners,” he said. “With each classroom or bedside teaching encounter I believe that I must challenge students to find out what they need to know about the problem or case. The students are great at uncovering what is incomplete in their knowledge, and then I help them find the resources to answer their questions. I see myself as a coach who can provide the platform for learning, giving directions about patient care and provide timely feedback on the process of care. The eventual outcome for the students depends on their preparation, self-motivation and willingness to work together to become outstanding physicians.”

Byrd joined ECU in 1995 after 11 years at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was director of the fellowship program in general internal medicine.

“Teaching in the medical school is a privilege that I treasure,” Byrd said. “Daily I am renewed by my interactions with students, residents and faculty.”

Contact: Jeannine Manning Hutson | 252-744-2481