The criteria for this award focus on the coordinator’s ability to design and implement innovations that significantly impact the health and well-being of our student community. Susan has far exceeded these expectations. Over the past six years, she has not only managed the complex logistics of our TTR course but has also been the driving force behind key innovations that have transformed the student experience. 

Susan’s redesign of the TTR course, three years in a row, reflects her deep commitment to adapting to the changing needs of our students and the realities of the learning environment. Whether it was adjusting the course to align with the simulation center’s availability, responding to student needs, or navigating the complexities of COVID restrictions, Susan was always ahead of the curve, ensuring that our students received the highest quality education possible. 

But Susan’s contributions go far beyond logistics. She introduced cadaver-based suturing practice to address student feedback about the realism of our training tools, an innovation that not only enhanced learning but also better prepared our students for their future clinical experiences. Her creation of the Teaching to Learn, Learning to Teach project—an engaging and competitive educational experience—gave students a tangible and meaningful capstone to their time at Upstate. 

Susan’s impact on the course and the student experience is both demonstrable and profound. The consistent positive feedback from students speaks to the environment of excellence she fosters. Her tireless work behind the scenes ensures that everything runs smoothly, from guest speakers to final presentations, making her an indispensable part of our team. 

In line with the award’s criteria, Susan is not only currently active in her role but has consistently shown a profound and lasting impact on the TTR course and our student community. Her innovative contributions have made a lasting difference in the health and well-being of our students, and for that, we are all deeply grateful.

Please join us in congratulating Susan Anderson on this well-deserved recognition!