Marjorie S. Sirridge, MD Excellence in Medicine & Science Award

History

Dr. Marjorie Spurrier Sirridge is a distinguished KU School of Medicine alumnus, who graduated first in her medical class in 1944. She specialized in Internal Medicine-Hematology and was subsequently active in teaching and administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, where she was one of the founding faculty members. She helped develop the docent system and later became Dean. She was an active mentor and role model for men and women. In addition to her many accomplishments, Dr. Sirridge placed a high value on family life and believed women could achieve great things without sacrificing their personal or family life.
More details of Dr. Sirridge's career are available on the National Library of Medicine's Changing the face of Medicine exhibition.

At the WIMS Annual Dinner on August 18, 2011, Dr. Sirridge was presented with a crystal bowl to commemorate the award in her honor. Drs. Brenda Rongish and Julie Wei made the presentation. The inscription reads, "The Marjorie S. Sirridge, MD Excellence in Medicine and Science Award was established in 2011 by the University of Kansas School of Medicine Women in Medicine and Science Organization, in order to honor and recognize Dr. Sirridge's extraordinary leadership, vision, and years spent serving as a role model and mentor for faculty and students."

Purpose
To acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of women faculty in the KU School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and the School of Health Professions. The Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) organization honors Dr. Sirridge each year by presenting this award to deserving women who manifest Dr. Sirridge's ideals. The award was established March 15, 2011.

Eligibility
Female faculty member in the KU School of Medicine, School of Nursing, or School of Health Professions

Criteria

• Success as a mentor and role model for women faculty, trainees and students
• Professional excellence in clinical and/or basic sciences
• Leadership at the university and/or national level
• Involvement in WIMS programs and initiatives         

Mechanism

• Up to two awards presented per year
• Amount: $1,500 (for personal use and/or professional development)
• Award sponsor: ING and KU Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) organization

Nomination process
Self-nomination or nomination by KUMC colleague 

• Submission of candidate nomination package in a single pdf document via e-mail to: Cheryl Gibson, MD, cgibson@kumc.edu, WIMS Recognition Committtee chair
  • Complete Award Nomination Form with candidate contact information
  • Letter from the nominator stating why the candidate is deserving; specifically addressing the criteria listed above, 2 pages maximum.
  • 3 letters of reference; specifically addressing applicable criteria listed above (minimum of 1 letter from outside of KU School of Medicine, preferably external to KUMC)        
  • Candidate's updated full-length CV

Evaluation process

• Recognition committee will review the nomination materials and will rank candidates
• Recognition committee will report rankings to the WIMS Executive Committee
• All candidates will be notified of the decision prior to the annual WIMS fall dinner, when the awards are presented.

Award presentation
The award winner(s) will be guests at the annual WIMS fall dinner to receive their award.

Award Recipients