Press Release
07-27-09
Zenaida Mendez
(973) 972-7273
mendezze@umdnj.edu
UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Named American Osteopathic Foundation 2009 Educator of the Year
STRATFORD, N.J. – Dr. Paul M. Krueger, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and associate dean for academic affairs at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine, has been named the American Osteopathic Foundation 2009 Educator of the Year.
Krueger, of Haddonfield, was named this year’s recipient at the AOA House of Delegates meeting in Chicago on July 17. The award, conferred upon only one recipient each year, honors an individual who upholds the osteopathic professions high standards of excellence in teaching and exemplifies a significant and long-standing contribution to the academic advancement of osteopathic students and the profession. Osteopathic medicine provides a holistic approach to patient care. It uses all of the techniques of modern medicine as well as hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine, whose goal is to maximize the body's ability to heal itself.
“The University congratulates Dr. Krueger on this extraordinary achievement,” said UMDNJ President William F. Owen, Jr., M.D. “This honor reflects the many marvelous contributions he makes every day to the high quality of teaching that UMDNJ students receive.”
Krueger has been a full-time faculty member of the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) since 1993. Prior to his current role as associate dean for education, Krueger served as the school’s acting chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and as assistant dean for education and curriculum.
“I am honored and humbled to win this award,” Krueger said. "I recognize that no one wins an award like this alone. I thank Dean Thomas Cavalieri, who creates an environment at SOM where educators and students can thrive, my many great mentors, and my colleagues across the country who have collaborated with me on educational projects and papers.”
Krueger has garnered national prominence and respect for his strong educational leadership within his specialty, obstetrics and gynecology, and is held in high esteem as an educator and educational leader for his expertise in educational assessment and competency-based education.
In the past year alone, Krueger has spearheaded the plan for the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine’s class size expansion, which resulted in 130 first-year students joining the school on Aug. 3; led the implementation of a new curriculum; developed an expanded Center for Teaching and Learning; and planned a 30,000 square-foot addition to the Academic Center to meet the school’s growing needs.
Meanwhile, Krueger continues to make scholarly contributions. He serves as principal investigator for a grant received in January 2009 from the UMDNJ Stuart D. Cook, M.D., Master Educators Guild, of which he is a member, to develop interdisciplinary teaching cases for use in SOM’s standardized patient laboratory. He also was lead author of an article on Osteopathic Clinical Training in Three Universities, which was published last month in the journal Academic Medicine.
Krueger’s distinction and dedication as an educator have been recognized by many past awards, including three Golden Apple for Excellence in Teaching Awards; the Christian R. and Mary E. Lindback Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award; the UMDNJ Excellence Award in Education; and two Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Foundation of UMDNJ.
The UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine is dedicated to providing excellence in medical education, research and health care for New Jersey and the nation. Working in cooperation with Kennedy Memorial Hospitals-University Medical Center, its principal affiliate, the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine places an emphasis on primary health care and community health services that reflect its osteopathic philosophy, with centers of excellence that demonstrate its commitment to developing clinically skillful, compassionate and culturally competent physicians from diverse backgrounds, who are prepared to become leaders in their communities.
