Since 2003, the CANDLE Award has been presented to clinicians who make a significant impact on the education of students at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
This year the award was renamed the F. Tremaine Billings Jr., M.D. Award for Clinical Teaching, in memory of Billings’ dedication to medical students.
Billings completed his residency at Vanderbilt as the chief medical resident, served as the School of Medicine’s first Dean of Students and was the associate dean for Medical Center Development, initiating Vanderbilt’s program for the underserved in Appalachia. He died in 2007.
“The renaming of the CANDLE Award by the current medical students and the School of Medicine is a gracious honor,” said Billings’ grandson, Frederic T. (Josh) Billings IV, M.D., M.Sc., assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt.
“Grandfather served his students and patients relentlessly. He demonstrated that a sound medical knowledge and careful attention to patients’ concerns make good doctors. We miss his influence.”
Medical students nominate members of the house staff who exhibit a committed effort in the development of the physicians-in-training at Vanderbilt.
“The Billings Award is a venue for medical students to recognize and thank residents and fellows who have demonstrated a dedication to our clinical education,” said Jake DeVolder, Class of 2015, co-chair of the F. Tremaine Billings, Jr., M.D. Award Selection Committee.
“We chose to rename the award to honor Dr. Billings as an exemplar of such dedication and as an invaluable member of the Vanderbilt community.”
DeVolder, along with co-chair Patrick Kelly, hope the award inspires others to make teaching a priority. Students can go here to learn more about the award as well as nominate a candidate.
Award winners are selected twice a year. Nominations are accepted year-round.
