Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award: Erin Furr Stimming, MD
Erin Furr Stimming, MD, professor in the Department of Neurology and Memorial Hermann Chair, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.
The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award annually honors faculty who are exemplary in their compassion and sensitivity in the delivery of care to patients and their families, who administer scientifically excellent clinical care, and who serve as role models to students.
Furr Stimming said she “couldn’t believe it” and was thrilled and humbled to learn of the honor.
“This award symbolizes the reason I decided to pursue medicine — to provide compassionate, collaborative, humanistic care,” Furr Stimming said. “As a movement disorder neurologist, I have had the privilege of following many of my patients for over a decade and am honored to travel the journey with them. While we acknowledge that most neurodegenerative diseases will prevail given the lack of approved disease-modifying or curative therapies, we focus on the wins, even if small; and together, we mourn the losses while remaining hopeful for the future of research. I am especially honored to receive this award given those that have received it previously; all incredible physicians and role models.”
In her teaching philosophy, Furr Stimming said that she believes in engaging and educating learners in a positive, supportive environment. She said McGovern Medical Students put a great deal of pressure on themselves to perform, but she tries to minimize their stress and maximize their performance by gently guiding them to push themselves while providing affirmations along the way.
“I regularly remind our students of the sacred relationship between the physician and patient and emphasize the importance of empathetically listening to every patient,” she said. “I remind them of their essential role on the treatment team and hope they never underestimate the impact they can have during every patient encounter. I feel that McGovern Medical School fosters a culture that ensures we collaboratively provide exceptional, humanistic care, always placing our patients first.”
Furr Stimming credited multiple mentors instrumental in guiding her career, including Mya Schiess, MD, whom she credits as the reason she joined UTHealth Houston. She also credits James Ferrendelli, MD; James Grotta, MD; Jerry Wolinsky, MD; and Louise McCullough, MD, PhD, as not only her department chairs but superb mentors.
Furr Stimming thanks her family for allowing her to pursue her dreams and her friends and colleagues at UTHealth Houston that she also considers her family. She also expresses gratitude for her patients and their families for continually inspiring her as they face devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease with courage resilience and grace.
“I am immensely grateful to have the opportunity to work with my wonderful patients, colleagues, and learners at McGovern Medical School,” she said.
Previous winners of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award are: Nahid Rianon, MBBS, DrPH, 2022; Robby Wesley, DO, 2021 Jennifer Swails, MD, 2020; Milton “Chip” Routt, Jr., MD, 2019; Daniel J. Freet, MD, 2018; Michelle S. Barratt, MD, MPH, 2017; Francisco Fuentes, MD, 2016; Heinrich Taegtmeyer, MD, 2015; Joseph Love, DO, 2014; Joanne Oakes, MD, 2013; Stefano Sdringola-Maranga, MD, 2012; Saleem Khan, MD, 2011; Gus W. Krucke, MD, 2010; James “Red” Duke, MD, 2009; Pedro Mancias, MD, 2008; Keith Hoots, MD, 2006; Larry C. Gilstrap III, MD, 2005; Virginia A. Moyer, MD, MPH, 2004; Cheves M. Smythe, MD, 2003; Oscar Rosales, MD, 2002; Philip C. Johnson, MD, 2001; Philip R. Orlander, MD, 2000; and John R. Stroehlein, MD, 1999.