Drs. Sath Sudanthar, MD and Ryan Thomas, MD have been recognized for their contributions to pediatric resident education. Dr. Thomas awarded the Richard Ryszewski Resident Teaching Award for excellence in clinical teaching, and Dr. Sudhanthar was awarded the Jerold P. Veldman Award for excellence in teaching.
Dr. Richard Ryszewski was a member of the MSU/COM Pediatrics Department. A tireless worker, gave back to the profession and the community by working in the residency clinic whenever the need was there. He injected humor into his teaching and was known to ask his residents without fail “What new thing did you learn in clinic today?” He wanted patients to be seen in a timely fashion but then would stay after hours to be sure residents received their teaching for the day. Dr. Ryszewski died suddenly in 2004 as a beloved member of the residency teaching staff. The residency planted a tree on the grounds of the Ronald McDonald house that grows there today in full view of the hospital. The person, who gets this award, not only shows good knowledge of pediatrics, but seeks to provide an example to the residents of a dedicated, compassionate patient and family-centered approach to care.
Dr. Jerold Veldman was a remarkable man. After residency he did missionary work in India. After returning to Lansing area he was one of the founding members of Lansing Pediatrics. He was a founding board member of the Pediatric after-hours clinic that opened in 1974 and closed in 2008 after the opening of the Pediatric Emergency room at Sparrow. After leaving private practice he worked for the state and helped develop a health care system in Coldwater for mentally and developmentally challenged. At Sparrow he helped start the Newborn Nursery teaching service where he served as its 1st attending physician. For many years he has been admired for his clinical and teaching skills. Dr. Veldman won the teaching award so many times the residency named the award after him.
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Sudhanthar and Thomas!