November 2, 2007

Every year the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recognizes 10 outstanding teachers of new physicians nationwide. William Sonis, MD, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Training Program, is among those to receive the 2008 Parker J. Palmer "Courage to Teach" Award. This honor is given to distinguished program directors who are nominated by faculty and residents in recognition of their commitment to teaching and development of innovative and effective residency programs.

"As teachers we must help students at all levels," says Sonis. "I don't believe there is a difference between work and life; they all appear co-mingled. Our job is to demonstrate balance and harmony, particularly in child psychiatry." He attributes this honor to the working relationship he enjoys with his colleagues. "I couldn't have gotten this award without the residents and faculty. They allow me to succeed."

Sonis will formally receive the "Courage to Teach" award during a dinner on February 11, 2008 at the ACGME's winter board of directors meeting in Rosemont, Ill. In addition, award recipients are invited to attend an educational retreat in May 2008 at the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Mich.