Kellner honored for contributions to teaching

Kenneth R. Kellner, M.D., Ph.D. Photo by Maria Belen Farias

It came as a pleasant surprise for Kenneth R. Kellner, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, when he was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education by the College of Medicine Society of Teaching Scholars.

“I was totally shocked,” said Kellner, who is the eighth faculty member to be honored with this award. “To be recognized by your peers is the highest honor I can ask for.”

The award-winning doctor has been the director of the third-year clinical clerkship for the department of obstetrics and gynecology for 25 years.

“It has been a great 25 years,” he said. “I have been lucky to have worked with close to 3,000 students during that time.”

The Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the specialty’s national educational organization, has recognized UF’s clerkship as the best in the country.

“He has a passion for teaching and for creating an optimal learning environment,” said Kyle Rarey, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and cell biology who served as interim senior associate dean for educational affairs for more than two years. “He’s an extraordinary medical educator who every day shows up with a passion for teaching.”

During Kellner’s time as the director, the clerkship also has been recognized by the graduating medical school class with the Golden Apple Award as the best clinical clerkship nine times, which is more than any other clerkship.

Kellner is also an internationally recognized expert on perinatal bereavement and perinatal loss and has served as president of the North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology.