Nov. 7, 2007 — University of Virginia neurosurgeon Dr. John Jane has been honored for his commitment to training new physicians.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education recently announced Jane, a professor of neurological surgery in the School of Medicine, is one of the recipients of the 2008 Parker J. Palmer "Courage to Teach" Award.

The award, given annually since 2001, is presented to distinguished program directors, nominated by faculty and residents, in recognition of their commitment to teaching and the development of innovative and effective residency programs. The award is named after Parker J. Palmer, a senior advisor at the Fetzer Institute and the author of "The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life."

"Like most physicians, I consider taking care of patients to be the most important aspect of my work. However, as an academic physician, my most important function is teaching," said Jane, director of the School of Medicine's Neurosurgical Training Program.

During his tenure at U.Va., Jane has trained 55 neurosurgeons, 16 of whom now chair their own departments of neurosurgery. In addition, another 25 surgeons he trained have pursued careers in academic medicine.

"Dr. Jane personifies the academic physician. People all across our country have benefited from the knowledge and skills he has taught a generation of neurosurgeons," said Dr. Sharon Hostler, interim dean and vice president of the School of Medicine.