National University alumnus Patrick Frank, DC, ‘94, was recently recognized for teaching excellence in basic sciences at the University of Toledo College of Medicine. At a graduation awards ceremony on May 19, he received the Robert T. Tidrick Golden Apple Award. The award is bestowed by the students of the current graduating class to both faculty and clinicians in honor of Dr. Tidrick, a surgeon and educator at the former Medical College of Ohio.

“I am extremely humbled and honored that they chose me as their choice for the basic science faculty honoree,” Dr. Frank said.

Dr. Frank worked in private practice for 23 years when he was recommended to teach the gross anatomy course of the medical program at the University of Toledo based on his background in anatomy dissection while a student at National University. He started teaching in 2013 before eventually accepting a full-time tenure-eligible position in 2016.

“My love for teaching came from my time spent working for Gregory Cramer, DC, PhD, (then chair of the Anatomy Department) as the fellow of the anatomy lab,” Dr. Frank said. “I spent many hours preparing prosections for his book – Basic and Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and Autonomic Nervous System.”

He also credits his time with former NUHS professors Susan Darby, PhD, Barclay Bakkum, DC, PhD, Robert Humphreys, MS, DC, and Ezra Cohen, DC.

“I am so blessed to have had them as my instructors and mentors,” he said. “Their exceptional teaching styles and command of gross anatomy and neuroanatomy were inspirational and planted the seed for teaching.”

Before graduating from NUHS, Dr. Frank also worked as a teaching assistant for gross anatomy laboratory and the neurology courses, both subjects he now teaches.

Today, his favorite parts about teaching are being challenged and learning new things.

(Left to right) Daughter Sally, wife Miriam, (Dr. Frank), and son Sam were in attendance; daughter Lucy was unable to attend.

“Above all, I enjoy being around very talented and intelligent people and being pushed beyond my comfort zone,” he said. “Every day as a teacher is a new experience and that makes every day exciting. I look forward to going to the school every day and seeing what the day has in store for me.”