Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine student receives national honor

Jason Thuener, (center) receives the 2011 AMA Foundation Leadership Award from Richard Hubbard, M.D., Senior Director, External Medical Affairs, Pfizer Inc., (left) and Cecil Wilson, M.D., President, American Medical Association, (right).

Jason E. Thuener, a third-year student at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, has been named a recipient of the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s 2011 Leadership Award. Thuener, who plans to pursue a career in internal medicine or radiology, is one of only 24 medical students in the nation to receive this leadership award that recognizes outstanding non-clinical leadership skills in advocacy, community service and education.

Originally from Brunswick, Ohio, Thuener traveled to Jamaica on a medical mission as part of the International Health Program, organized by the student-led Global Health Initiative at the Boonshoft School of Medicine. For over two years, he coached for the Special Olympics and volunteered with the medical school’s Weekend Intervention Program for impaired drivers, a program that links the court system with substance abuse treatment programs. Thuener also served as the administrative director of Student-to-Student, a community education program run by Boonshoft School of Medicine medical students. The program sends medical students into classrooms in the Dayton area to talk with students about a variety of health topics including nutrition, human anatomy, puberty, teen pregnancy and substance abuse.

“Mr. Thuener exemplifies our students’ commitment to leadership and community service,” said Howard M. Part, M.D., dean of the Boonshoft School of Medicine. “As a community-based medical school, our curriculum stresses leadership and service to the community, which is why many of our students decide to come here. Mr. Thuener’s extraordinary dedication to helping others has made him truly deserving of this national award.”

As part of this award, Thuener will be provided with special training to develop his skills as a future leader in organized medicine and community affairs.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Thuener, contact Cindy Young, Marketing and Communications, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, (937) 775-4839 or cindy.young@wright.edu.