Contact: Ian Clark
(608) 890-5641
iclark@uwhealth.org
MADISON, Wis. — Dr. Patrick McBride has been the associate dean for students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) for more than a decade, and as he prepares to close this chapter of his career on June 1, he’s being reminded of the impact he’s made in a big way.
McBride was awarded the Norman Bassett Award for Outstanding Achievement in Higher Education Administration for his valued work as “Dean McBride.” The Norman Bassett Award is made possible by the Norman Bassett Foundation, named after the owner and first president of library supply company Demco Inc.
“Dr. McBride has provided sage advice and career counseling to thousands of students,” wrote Elizabeth Petty, senior associate dean of academic affairs at the SMPH, in her nomination letter. “He has an exemplary track record in the office over the past decade and has built effective and efficient programs that have led to outstanding outcomes for our students and our institution, and is very deserving of this prestigious award.”
“He is beloved by many years of medical students for good reason,” wrote Gwen McIntosh, assistant dean for students at the SMPH. “They clearly see and experience his passion for supporting and nurturing students through the rigors of medical education. His long career in student services certainly merits special recognition.”
The award is only available for UW-Madison–affiliated nominees. Awardees must show a record of excellence in student services work over a long period of time and/or distinguished achievement in developing new, creative and effective programs for meeting student needs.
“Dean McBride is an extraordinarily accomplished physician leader, who while dedicating his career to advancing the field of preventive cardiology, has arguably made an even greater impact while serving as an advocate and mentor for thousands of medical students, medical residents and faculty throughout his tenure here,” wrote Michelle Buelow, associate director of the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health program at the SMPH.
Yet, his open-door policy, program development to support students as they endure the stresses of medical school and the long hours he’s spent at the school are only a portion of what is provided by the dedicated team at Student Services, according to McBride.
“I feel like I’ve been very blessed to be a part of UW-Madison and this medical school, so I know the medical school is really stressful, so it’s really nice to hear that I’ve made an impact, but I’m part of a team,” he said. “There are a lot of people here in student services that have an impact and sometimes, sitting at the top of that, I get credit for the work that a lot of people do, but it’s nice to know that our whole group is being recognized for the support we provide students.”
While McBride is stepping away from the role, he is continuing his research and clinical responsibilities. He co-directs a comprehensive clinical preventive-cardiology program, which he helped to change from cardiac rehabilitation into a modern preventive cardiology program in the ‘80s. Through his research, preventive cardiology at the UW helped establish cholesterol and other guidelines, and implemented statewide teaching programs on cholesterol screening and management, changing how physicians use cholesterol as an indicator of health.
“I’ve been here 31 years as a faculty member, and I decided that in the last third of my career I wanted to give back to the students because of the support that I had when I was a student here,” said McBride. “The day that this building opened was essentially my first day as dean, so it was really nice to have been part of this great school. It’s an incredible opportunity to follow the journey of medical students. They’re extraordinary people doing very hard work, and to be there and be part of their experience is a blessing. It’s been a great career. Most people stay in the job for about three years, so 11 years is plenty.”
