On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate John Szarek on being awarded the Edward Patrick Finnerty Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be given out at the 29th Annual IAMSE Conference in June. This award is bestowed upon an individual member who has demonstrated sustained involvement in and commitment to the advancement of the International Association of Medical Science Educators through their many types of service to the organization at the maximal level of performance.
The special nature of this award makes it one for which a member may not apply. Rather, it represents the superlative level of recognition that the organization, through selection by its Board of Directors, can provide to a most worthy individual whose work on behalf of IAMSE has shown a consistent history of distinguished accomplishments.
| 2025 Edward Patrick Finnerty Lifetime Achievement Award recipient John Szarek |
Dr. John L. Szarek serves as Professor and Vice Chair for Curriculum in the Department of Medical Education and Education Director for Simulation at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He received his B.S. degrees in biological sciences and pharmacy from the University of Illinois in Urbana and Chicago, respectively. He earned his doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Vermont.
John has been a member of IAMSE since 1999, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and development through various leadership roles and scholarly activities. He served on the IAMSE Board of Directors from 2004-2006, and 2007-2013, including serving as Secretary from 2012-2013. His commitment to advancing IAMSE is evident through his extensive service, including Chair of the Technology Committee (2006-2009), MedU Science Pharmacology Core Director (2014-2018), and member of the Publications Committee (2010-2023).
Throughout his tenure with IAMSE, John has regularly contributed to the organization’s annual conferences, serving on several program committees (2004, 2005, 2007, 2013) and chairing the 2006 program, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His expertise in medical education is reflected in his extensive presentation record at IAMSE Conferences, where he has led workshops and focus sessions on topics ranging from simulation-based education to active learning strategies. He has presented several posters, won best poster presentation in 2023, delivered a plenary presentation in 2005, and contributed chapters in three IAMSE Manuals. John was recognized with the IAMSE Master Teacher Award in June 2015.
It is with sincere appreciation and gratitude to his continued efforts and outstanding support that we bestow this award to our dear friend and colleague, John Szarek. Congratulations, and thank you for all that you do for IAMSE.
Peter GM de Jong
President, IAMSE