Dr. James Netterville examines a patient.
Dr. James L. Netterville, professor of Otolaryngology, is the first recipient of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Candle (Caring, Advocating, Nurturing, Determin-ation, Leadership, and Empathy) Award, a monthly award given by Vanderbilt medical students to individuals who have devoted themselves to teaching and mentoring.
Recipients of the award are nominated and chosen based upon their positive impact on the lives of physicians-in-training, and are recognized by their students as examples of excellence in medical education.
“Dr. Netterville has been a great mentor who has not only devoted his time to teaching residents and medical students, but also has been an extraordinary physician who has consistently demonstrated empathy towards his patients,” a student wrote in nominating Netterville. “In addition to being a great leader and a mentor, his genuine concerns for his patients, colleagues, and students were evident in his caring and gentle manner which permeated through everyone who has had an opportunity to work with him. Not only that, his interest in providing service in an underserved country has significantly influenced my career choice. To me, he is one of the best examples of a great doctor I aspire to become.”