Professor of the Year

Doug Knutson, MD

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." ~ William A. Ward

Since 1931, the senior class of the College of Medicine has awarded a single faculty member with the Professor of the Year Award. As the highest honor a faculty member can earn from the graduating class, the Professor of the Year is given based on the demonstration of excellence in and commitment to teaching and mentoring in medical education. Today, the Class of 2008 is proud to present Doug Knutson, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine, with the 2008 Professor of the Year Award.

Dr. Knutson completed his undergraduate work at Miami University of Ohio, where he earned bachelor degrees in finance and economics. After graduation he worked in banking for 5 years before deciding to purse a career in medicine. He completed post baccalaureate work at the University of Cincinnati before coming to medical school at The Ohio State University. Here he excelled as a medical student, earning grades of "Honors" in his Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine and Cardiology clerkships. He was given the Department of Pediatrics student award, the OAFP senior student award, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Knutson then completed his residency in Family Medicine at Riverside Methodist Hospital and worked in private practice for four years before joining OSU as a full time faculty member in 2000.

Upon returning to OSU, Dr. Knutson devoted himself to his passion for teaching, where his demonstration of compassion and care in medicine has served as a wonderful model for young physicians in training. In 2003 he became director of the Physician Development curriculum, the role for which he is most remembered by medical students. He teaches us in both large and small groups, helping us refine our clinical skills throughout medical school. In addition to his role in teaching medical students, Dr. Knutson sits on numerous academic committees and is also director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. In 2007 he became a tenured associate professor.

Dr. Knutson is famous for introducing us to the physical exam as first and second year medical students. He is the recipient of multiple teaching awards from medical students, including Outstanding Teaching Awards for Physician Development in 2006 and 2007, Outstanding Teaching Award for the Integrated Pathway in 2006, Distinguished Educator Award in 2004, and Outstanding Teaching for PBL in 2001. Furthermore, Dr. Knutson has been recognized by colleagues and house staff for his outstanding efforts as an educator, earning the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians' "Family Medicine Educator of the Year" Award in 2007, Family Medicine Education Consortium "Mid-career Faculty Achievement Award" in 2005, the Department of Family Medicine Residency Program "Family Physician Faculty of the Year," in 2004, Department of Family Medicine Residency Program "Family Physician Teacher of the Year" in 2003, Department of Family Medicine's "Excellence in Teaching Award" in 2002, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Foundation New Faculty Scholar Award in 2002.

Outside of his dedication to patients and students, one of Dr. Knutson's favorite pastimes is running. He has run a handful of full and half marathons and his current challenge is to improve his swimming and biking to someday complete a triathlon. He enjoys traveling, particularly for annual winter ski trips. More than anything he enjoys spending time with good friends and family.

Dr. Knutson has been described by our class as an enthusiastic, patient, and caring teacher, one that truly invests in our experience as medical students. He guided us through the often awkward process of mastering the physical exam with warmth and humor. He was always professional without being overbearing and serious. Dr. Knutson often personalized his teachings with stories from his own career and of his mistakes, that we as students might learn and feel more at ease. He demonstrated an attitude towards patients, students, and colleagues that we one day hope to emulate. He is truly an asset to his patients, the medical school, and to us, your graduating class of 2008.

So on behalf of the Class of 2008, I am honored to present Doug Knutson, M.D. with the Professor of the Year Award.

Rushyuan Jay Lee
Class of 2008 President