MACON — Henry E. Young, Ph.D., was presented the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Faculty Humanism in Medicine Award from Mercer University School of Medicine during commencement May 7 in Macon. Young – the first non-physician to ever receive the award in the School’s history – was chosen by the Class of 2005 for his empathetic, sensitive and respective behavior in providing patient care.
Since joining the faculty of the medical school in 1988, Young has held a variety of positions, currently serving as a professor of anatomy and an adjunct professor of pediatrics. He has taught embryology, histology, and gross anatomy. Young is an internationally recognized authority in the field of adult stem cells. While at Mercer, he discovered adult germ layer lineage mesodermal stem cells, adult epiblast-like stem cells, and adult blastomere-like stem cells. He and his collaborators are currently exploring the use of these adult-derived stem cells for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, myocardial infarction, type-I diabetes and chemotherapy-induced infertility.
Mercer medical students state that Young is extremely approachable and knowledgeable about not only embryology, but also anatomy and physiology. He volunteered countless hours, assisting students during the musculoskeletal phase of their studies. Young has opened his research laboratory to interested medical students, clinical residents, clinical faculty, local physicians, Mercer University undergraduate students and Wesleyan College undergraduate students to assist, collaborate and publish following his research endeavors.
Young received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Ohio State University in 1974, a master of science degree in zoology from University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1977, a doctor of philosophy degree in anatomy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1983, and a postdoctoral fellowship in biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 1987.
About the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award:
A key component of medical education is the compassionate and humanistic care of patients. In support of that premise, the NBI Healthcare Foundation initiated the Humanism in Medicine Awards to recognize and honor graduating students and faculty members who have demonstrated the highest standard of compassion and sensitivity in their interactions with patients. Each year Mercer University School of Medicine graduating students and the faculty select a faculty member and a student who embody empathic, sensitive and respective behavior in providing patient care.
About Mercer University and the School of Medicine:
Mercer University’s School of Medicine was established in 1982 to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and health care needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia. The School only accepts Georgia residents into its medical degree program. Students entering Mercer University School of Medicine will be graduated from a school that utilizes a problem-based medical education program that provides early patient care experiences. Such an academic environment fosters the early development of clinical problem-solving and instills in each student an awareness of the place of the basic medical sciences in medical practice. The School has two teaching hospitals: Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon and Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.
Founded in 1833, Mercer University has campuses in Macon and Atlanta as well as three regional academic centers. With 10 schools and colleges, the University offers programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law and theology. For 15 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named Mercer University as one of the leading universities in the South.
