Call Open for Nominations for Nationally and Internationally Influential Texas Medical Educators.

HOUSTON -- Third annual TIAA-CREF Distinguished Medical Educator Award honors the accomplishments of medical education professionals

TIAA-CREF and the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science today announce the opening call for statewide nominations and the 2006 steering

The TIAA-CREF Distinguished Medical Educator Award annually honors teaching physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals who have a long history of significant contributions to medical education and that have nationally and internationally impacted medical education. Eligible 2006 nominees are medical (teaching physician) or non-medical (nurse, doctorate or equivalent professional designation) who exemplify the highest qualities possible of leadership, guidance and dedication in medical education both professionally and personally. The recipient this year will follow in the footsteps of the 2004 inaugural award recipient, Dr. Ralph D. Feigin, J.S. Abercrombie Professor of Pediatrics and Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine and the Physician-in-Chief for Texas Children's Hospital; and the 2005 recipient, Dr. Herbert L. Fred, Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

"With this award, TIAA-CREF is honored to recognize these educators whose life work advances the greater good," said J.D. Hurd, individual consultant and registered representative at TIAA-CREF. "Through their influence on and mentorship of future physicians and nurses, these individuals are continually improving research, education and quality of healthcare."

The 2006 steering committee, established to govern the award and evaluate nomination entries, is comprised of some of the industry's top health professionals including Dr. Bobby Alford, Chancellor, Baylor College of Medicine; Dr. L. Maximilian Buja, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston Medical School; Dr. Willis C. Maddrey, Executive Vice President for Clinical Affairs at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas; Dr. David R. Smith, Chancellor of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; steering committee Chair Dr. Michael Speer, Medical Director of Quality and Outcomes Management at Texas Children's Hospital; Dr. Patricia Starck, Dean of UT School of Nursing at Houston; and Dr. Pamela Watson, Dean, UT Medical Branch School of Nursing.

To honor those who have made long-term investments in the lives of others, TIAA-CREF and the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science will jointly recognize the recipient at a Houston award ceremony in the late spring of 2006. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash honorarium and scholarships will be donated in the recipient's name to children attending the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science's Mini Medical School Summer Camp.

Nominations are now being received through January 16, 2006. To nominate a distinguished medical educator, visit http://www.tiaa-crefaward.org or call Melissa Quiroz at 713-523-7900 for more information.

TIAA-CREF is a national financial services group of companies and the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields. With more than $350 billion in combined assets under management (06/30/05), TIAA-CREF ranks in the top 100 on Fortune magazine's list of nation's largest companies. Further information can be found at http://www.tiaa-cref.org.