Stephen DiCarlo, PhD
Wayne State University School of Medicine
The 2010
Arthur C. Guyton Physiology Educator of the Year Award recipient is Dr. Stephen E. DiCarlo. Dr. DiCarlo was nominated by Dr. David Rodenbaugh and was selected by the APS Teaching Section award subcommittee chaired by Dr. Erica Wehrwein. This award was created in recognition to Dr. Arthur C. Guyton's accomplishments as a great scientist, a master teacher, and an inspiring role model for so many people that work in the area of Physiology. Dr. DiCarlo exemplifies Dr. Guyton�s educational philosophy of "learn by doing". It is of interest to note that Dr. DiCarlo is a scientific descendant of Dr. Guyton as he trained with Dr. Lowell Stone (doctoral advisor) and Dr. Vernon Bishop (post doctoral advisor) who were both trainees of Dr. Guyton.
Dr. DiCarlo is both an accomplished scientist, and outstanding educator. He has impacted the lives of so many students by fostering learning both in- and out-side of the classroom. His personal investment in research and education has contributed to his development as an outstanding physiology educator of heroic proportions. One of his virtues in the classroom is that he does not focus on what the student thinks about him. He just focuses on thinking. His refreshing and sometimes unconventional approaches, including models, computer games, role-playing and peer-peer instructions, involve and engage students in a learning process that teaches students more than just the materials that need to be covered.
Repeatedly, individuals whose professionally lives have been impacted by Dr. DiCarlo, commented on his ability to generate opportunity out of obstacles in order to achieve academic discovery. What is also unique to Dr. DiCarlo's research lab is the fact that everyone in his research lab must be involved in education also. As a result, he creates a diverse learning community that focuses on more than just basic science research. He is committed to changing lives using not only the classroom, but also the research lab. In his opinion, both forums are vital for not only expanding our knowledge and perspectives about the science of physiology, but also promoting lifelong learning.
Dr. DiCarlo is well deserving of this prestigious award in honor of Dr. Guyton and on behalf of the APS Teaching Section and award sponsor Elsevier we offer our most sincere congratulations.