VCU news

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and School of Dentistry have honored two faculty members with the 17th Annual Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine (WISDM) Professional Achievement Award for their special contributions and accomplishments in the schools of Medicine and Dentistry.

The award recognizes those women who have served as strong role models and mentors for the professional development of women faculty.

This year’s honorees are Mary Helen Hackney, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine’s Division of Hematology and Oncology, and Kim Isringhausen, M.P.H., assistant professor in the School of Dentistry’s Division of Dental Hygiene. 

President of the WISDM Executive Council, Hackney is a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer.

According to Kelsey E.S. Salley, M.D., associate program director for Women’s Health, Hackney’s compassionate approach to patient care, combined with her leadership abilities and mentoring relationships with residents, students and fellows are among the many qualities that make her an ideal role model deserving of the prestigious award.

“I’ve been on the committee to select past recipients of this award and have always been in awe of them,” said Hackney, who held her cell phone close by so that her mother, who was unable to attend the ceremony, could hear her daughter accept the award. “I’m very humbled to be standing here at this time.”

Hackney’s primary practice focuses on systemic treatment for all stages of breast cancer. This includes chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, new drugs and clinical trial participation. She also offers counseling regarding risk reduction for breast cancer and is the local primary investigator for the national breast cancer prevention trial.

Hackney also sees patients with other hematology and oncology problems through the Rural Cancer Outreach Program, and another focus is cancer education for non-oncology medical professionals and for the lay population.

Isringhausen received the School of Dentistry Award. She became a School of Dentistry faculty member in 2002 and in 2005 became director of the Division of Dental Hygiene. During that time, she completed a master’s of public health degree at VCU.

Although she is not a dentist, because of her public health education and her accomplishments as a division director, Dean Ron Hunt asked Isringhausen to take on additional leadership responsibilities as the director of the preceptorship programs for the dental school.

“I’ve attended the WISDM conference for a number of years and have had the opportunity to see many honored for their achievements,” said Isringhausen. “I’m truly honored to be among their ranks.

“It inspires me to be a role model and mentor,” she said. “Today’s recognition is as much a tribute to those who have mentored me, and I hope to continue achieving good things and continue inspiring others the way they have inspired me.”

Isringhausen’s teaching and leadership abilities also have been recognized by students and professional organizations. She recently was honored as Dental Hygiene Faculty Member of the Year and Best Student Advocate. In addition, her preceptorship program won a 40 Acts of Caring Award for service to the community during VCU’s 40th anniversary celebration last fall.

Isringhausen also has been recognized by the American Dental Education Association, including selection into the ADEA Allied Dental Faculty Leadership Development Program and the ADEA/GlaxoSmithKline Teaching Fellowship.

The WISDM Professional Achievement Award is presented annually by the Women in Science, Dentistry, and Medicine Faculty Organization, VCU School of Medicine, MCV Campus.

The award was established in 1993 to acknowledge the special contributions and accomplishments of women faculty in the School of Medicine and to recognize those women for their special contributions, dedication, leadership, mentorship and accomplishments in the schools of Medicine and Dentistry.

The WISDM faculty organization solicits nominations annually. For more information, visit http://www.womeninmedicine.vcu.edu/APAA.html.