In 2014, Susan M. Cox, M.D., the former executive vice dean for academics and inaugural chair of the Department of Medical Education at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, came on board as one of the school’s first employees and a primary architect of its groundbreaking curriculum.
Apart from her foundational work with Dell Med’s signature approach to education, Sue also championed the school’s Academy of Distinguished Educators, newly named in her honor. Created with a gift from Sue and her husband, Doug Morris, the Susan M. Cox, M.D. Academy of Distinguished Educators recognizes outstanding teachers and leaders. Faculty are nominated each year by students and peers, with additional consideration given to their contributions to medical scholarship. Academy members receive support for research, innovation and professional development.
The academy’s newest members are Steve Taylor, M.D., Sujit Iyer, M.D., and Steve Steffensen, M.D. Congratulations to this year’s inductees!
Sue’s inspiration for the gift creating the academy was her desire to recognize and support great teachers — a reflection of her passion for medical education throughout her 40-year medical career. Sue and Doug also created a scholarship for medical students.
In 2020, Sue was named planning dean for the University of Texas at Tyler’s new medical school, which under her leadership received preliminary accreditation in June 2022. She also led the accreditation process for Dell Med, which earned full accreditation in 2020.
It’s only fitting that a doctor and teacher so dedicated to recognizing the outstanding achievements of medical educators should be recognized for the same. Please join me in celebrating Sue’s continuing leadership, generosity and accomplishments with the naming of the Susan M. Cox, M.D. Academy of Distinguished Educators.