Two VCU faculty members garner women's professional achievement awards

By Charmaine Curtis
University News Services

Two Virginia Commonwealth University faculty members received the VCU Women in Science, Dentistry, Osteopathy and Medicine (WISDM) Professional Achievement Award at the 13th Annual Wisdom Leadership Conference.

Ann Simpson Fulcher, M.D., and Betsy A. Hagan, D.D.S., received the award, which acknowledges special contributions and accomplishments of women faculty in the schools of medicine and dentistry. To qualify for the award, nominees must serve as strong role models for the professional development of women faculty by consistently demonstrating qualities that show excellence.

Fulcher, recipient of the VCU School of Medicine award, has been with VCU for 10 years and is on the board of the VCU Health System. She is the chairman of the department of radiology at VCU's School of Medicine and the VCU Medical Center. Fulcher is the medical center's youngest chairwoman, the only woman chair of a clinical department at the school and among just a few women radiology chairs in the nation. Colleagues say she shows concern for and interest in patients, residents and coworkers.

"Dr. Fulcher’s career reflects excellence in leadership, scholarship, clinical expertise, administrative ability and professional accomplishments," said Mary Ann Turner, M.D., professor of radiology and vice chair of radiology.

Hagan, recipient of the VCU School of Dentistry award, has been with the VCU School of Dentistry for 25 years. She serves as senior associate dean and director of clinics for the VCU School of Dentistry. Hagan was recognized for consistently bringing excellence and leadership to the profession and for being a strong role model and mentor of faculty and students.

The award is based on the demonstration of seven qualities, including success as a mentor and role model; clinical excellence; leadership; scholarly endeavors; teaching expertise; administrative skills; and professional accomplishments.

For more information, visit www.womeninmedicine.vcu.edu.