Medical students award Golden Apples

From left, J. Scott Neumeister, M.D., and Troy Plumb, M.D.

From left, J. Scott Neumeister, M.D., and Troy Plumb, M.D.

Medical students recently awarded teaching honors to four educators in the College of Medicine.

Keely Cassidy, M.D., assistant professor, genetics, cell biology and anatomy, received the Golden Apple Award from first-year medical students (Class of 2023).

Daniel Hershberger, M.D., assistant professor, internal medicine-pulmonary and critical care, received the Golden Apple Award from second-year medical students (Class of 2022)

UNMC’s fourth-year medical students (Class of 2020) honored two faculty members with Hirschmann Golden Apple Awards:

  • Troy Plumb, M.D., associate professor, internal medicine-nephrology, was recognized for pre-clinical expertise;
  • J. Scott Neumeister, M.D., associate professor, internal medicine-general medicine, was recognized for clinical excellence.









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From left, Daniel Hershberger, M.D., and Keely Cassidy, M.D.

Dr. Cassidy was recognized for her instrumental role in education of first- and second-year medical students, and well as her multidimensional approach to education in the Gross Anatomy Lab, lecture hall and small group case discussions. Nominators praised her dedication to students and her mentorship.

“Dr. Cassidy has been an incredible example of not only the educator I hope to become for any younger generations of physicians, but also the type of educator I hope to be for my patients someday,” one nominator wrote. “She is an inspiration to professional, strong, intelligent woman, and I can think of no one more deserving than she for this award.”

Dr. Hershberger was recognized exemplary organization of the respiratory block, intuitive teaching style and dedication to students and their learning.

One nominator said students appreciate Dr. Hershberger’s work as a frontline physician during the COVID-19 crisis, adding, “I think I can speak for my class when I say that you are the type of physician we hope to emulate someday.”

Dr. Plumb is actively involved in teaching first- and second-year medical students in nephrology, as well as third- or fourth-year students in clinical rotations.

Nominators noted the Dr. Plumb effectively taught a complicated subject, making it easy and fun, and mentioning his sense of humor.

“Dr. Plumb was always cheerful and funny during lectures,” one wrote, while another added, “He didn’t complicate things, he was practical, and he kept his sense of humor even during technical difficulties.”

Dr. Neumeister was recognized for his internal medicine lectures and small groups during thirds and fourth year, where he would wait patiently for a student to find the right answer.

“He was well known for his facial expressions in response to wrong or very wrong answers and beig will to wait in complete silence for you to come up with the right one,” one nominator said.

“While his gravitas was intimidating, he was a wonderful teacher and made the challenging learning experience fun,” one student wrote. Another added, “I have no doubt that I will be a better clinician because of him.”

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