Dr. Ratna Vadlamudi, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, has been named the GSBS “Mentor of the Year.”

The award was given to Dr. Vadlamudi during the annual Mentor Appreciation Lunch which recognizes faculty who serve as mentors for students in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Over 14 students nominated their mentor and the selection was decided by a committee of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences alumni.

“I read the letters and there were a lot of great accolades. The style of mentoring was very different for each person but you got the idea that the mentors were really tailoring their experience to their mentee. There was also a lot of mention of mentors going above and beyond like helping students with life and home and such,” said Dr. David Weiss, dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Health San Antonio during the event.

The other names that were nominated included: Dr. Susan L Mooberry, Dr. Jean C. Bopassa

Dr. Patrick L. Ramsey, Dr. Balasubashini Muralimanohara, Dr. Naomi Sayre, Dr. T.R. Kannan, Dr. Dr. Bess Frost, Dr. Mike Wargovich, Dr. David S. Libich, Dr. Patricia Dahia, Dr. April L. Risinger and Dr. Naomi Sayre.

Dr. Vadlamudi was nominated by 2^ndyear student Kristin Altwegg who is in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences program in the Cancer Biology discipline.

“Dr. Vadlamudi is an incredible mentor. He has helped our exchange students get their driver license and gave advice on car buying, he helped a new post-doc find an apartment and get furniture.  I have seen him stay late into the night because a labmate needed a safe ride home. He truly cares about the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone in his lab.”

Altwegg was further impressed by Dr. Vadlamudi’s desire to learn more when she learned that he was taking continuing education classes at night at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to be a better communicator, leader and mentor.

During the event, Dr. Vadlamudi was inducted into the GSBS Academy for Mentors where he will help lead classes on mentorship and a check for $7500. Students also gave Graduate School-branded tumblers to their mentors in recognition of their efforts and time.

Melissa Nunez, 2^nd year student in the Master of Science in Immunology and Infection program explained that the event was really meaningful to her.

“It is great to acknowledge mentors who have greatly impacted their mentees lives because, unfortunately, the meaning of a mentor can be forgotten. A mentor is selfless and willing to go the extra mile for others. As a mentee, when my mentor believes in me and encourages me to keep pushing forward, I will, in return, do my best to reach our goals because I want to make my mentor proud. The role of a mentor is vital in a student’s growth and advancement in their academic career.”

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This article was written by Charlotte Anthony, marketing specialist at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Health San Antonio.