Type Of Business:
University
Expertise:
Medical education; Medical education administration; Academic leadership; Clinical operations; Practice management; Pediatric kidney diseases
Major Product/SVS:
Undergraduate and graduate medical education
Favorite Business Publication:
Harvard International Review; Physician Executive Journal; Health Leaders
Hobbies/Sports:
Woodworking; Gardening
Education Degrees:
MBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha (2001); Ph.D. in Cancer Immunology, Graduate College, University of Nebraska (1976); MD, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska (1976)
Affiliations Awards:
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics; Fellow, American College of Physician Executives; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society; Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
Industry:
Medical Education
State/Country of Origin:
IA/USA
Children's Names:
Brian, Scott, Isabella, Tristan, Tennyson
Date of Distinction:
8/31/2010
Work History:
Regional Academic Health Center, UT Health Science Center San Antonio (2009-Present); Chairman, Pediatrics, Associate Dean for Faculty Development, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at Amarillo (2003-2004); Associate Chair, Pediatrics Education, University of Nebraska Medical Center (1993-2003); Director, Pediatric Undergraduate Education, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (1986-1993); Pediatric Nephrologist, Director of Pediatrics Residency Program, Wilford Hall Medical Center,TX (1981-1986); Colonel, U.S. Air Force; Flight Surgeon, U.S. Air Force (1968-1993)
Career Achievements:
Special Adviser to the Regional Dean in Acquiring Six Core Residencies in Order to Create a New Medical School, Rio Grande Valley, MD, with Distinction; Ph.D., with Distinction; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society; Various Awards for Teaching at the Local, Regional, National and International Level; Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics; Fellow, American College of Physician Executives; Revitalization of a Failing Pediatric Department and Pediatric Residency Program
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
He is separated from his peers by a broad range of professional experience, including medical practice, medical education, educational research, and the business aspects of academic medicine. This separates him from his peers because very few people in his profession have this breadth and depth of expertise.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
His greatest career achievements were being awarded the Ambulatory Pediatric Association's Outstanding Teaching Award, which had never been given for an undergraduate teaching program, and obtaining full accreditation for a pediatric residency program. This program was in trouble for many years prior to his arrival. Its accreditation was accomplished in less than five years while Dr. McCurdy was still serving as the pediatric department chairman.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
He would like to be remembered as an excellent teacher of teachers, and as one who inspired others to become excellent at whatever they choose.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlights of his career were taking over a pediatric department and pediatric residency program at a difficult time, stabilizing all aspects of the department, and gaining a full five years of accreditation for the program.
Charity:
Co-Founder, Children's Association for Maximum Potential, Center Point, TX; Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America; Golden Squad Council, Boy Scouts of America; Omaha Chapter, American Red Cross
Number Of Years In Profession:
36
Number Of Years In Current Position:
4
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his persistence, hard work, focus, and commitment to helping the individuals he works with do their best.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession because he descends from a long line of teachers and has always seen himself as a teacher.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. McCurdy entered the U.S. military at the lowest enlisted grade and was promoted to the rank of colonel in less than 25 years. He was among a group of U.S. Air Force physicians who established the Children's Association for Maximum Potential, the mission of which is to strengthen and inspire individuals with special needs, and those who care for them, through recreation, respite, and education. Dr. McCurdy has also attained the rank of tenured professor. In his spare time, he is an amateur radio operator.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing two graduate medical education programs in the Rio Grande Valley; Participating in curriculum and content development; Planning additional programs
Education Certifications:
Board Certification in Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology; Certified Physician Executive
Awards/Honors:
Defense Superior Service Medal (1993); Joint Service Commendation Medal, U.S. Air Force (1989); Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America (1985)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. McCurdy aims to establish a four-year medical school in the Rio Grande Valley.