Preceptor Award

In recognition of the development of our Army-Baylor students in their residency year, the Current residents may nominate their preceptor to the Residency Director for an award. Faculty members may also nominate current or prior preceptors for this award. The Residency Committee will consider each nomination and will recommend for approval by the Program Director the preceptor that best meets the criteria demonstrated by Dean Toland.

The Dean Toland Preceptor of the Year for 2022: Mr. J. Ronald Johnson

Mr. Ronald Johnson, Medical Center Director of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS), is an exemplary leader with many years of experience, personally investing in his resident's professional development. His willingness to mentor, his transparent and caring approach to leading a federal healthcare facility, and his encouragement and support were key components of the Army-Baylor residential year experience. 

Mr. Johnson has provided his resident with a unique combination of nearly unlimited access to senior leadership mixed with the expectation that the residency is what the student makes of it. He provided his resident with full access to his calendar and encouraged attendance at as many senior level meetings as possible. He scheduled time to meet one-on-one each week, providing space for more nuanced conversations debriefing the events of the week, talking through professional interactions, problem-solving, discussions around his leadership style, and on finding success within the VA organizational structure. Mr. Johnson has always been supportive and encouraging in these meetings. At the same time, he challenged his resident to find opportunities and to dive into projects, and often reminded them that this residency year is what they make of it.

Mr. Johnson introduced his resident personally to other leaders within the organization and encouraged building relationships and use them as learning opportunities. He provided office space for administrative residents within the Director’s Suite, physically placing the resident directly in the flow of daily senior leader interactions. He invited his resident to accompany him off-site to community and VA events, including a ground-breaking ceremony for a new facility and a speaking engagement at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mr. Johnson provided several opportunities for his resident to success.  From stepping into the role of Acting Program Director for three outpatient Polytrauma programs, to attending ACHE, working with the local COVID Incident Command on facility messaging and signing, and leading a working group in mental health focused on responding to critical employee events. He has also invested significant time into the larger Army-Baylor program, serving on the Oral Boards as an examiner multiple times over the years, as well as recruiting and precepting other students. 

Mr. Johnson in a town hall meeting focused on kindness, and encouraged his employees to treat each other with respect and dignity. He talked about how this approach would not only create a better working environment, but also ensure that our veterans are receiving the best care possible. He helped create an organization individuals are proud to work for a leader who cared about how staff treat each other, and it served as an example of ethical and professional conduct for the Army-Baylor resident.  For these reasons he has been nominated and receives the Dean Toland Preceptor of the Year Award.

Previous Dean Toland Preceptor of the Year Awardees

The Dean Toland Preceptor of the Year Award is named for William G. Toland. Dean Toland had a profound, long-lasting impact on our program and its graduates. As a teacher to faculty and residents alike, he shared his knowledge and expertise. The intent of this award is to continue to honor him with sincere respect, affection, and gratitude for his contributions.

2021 - Dan Miller, Methodist Hospital

2020 - Corwin Harper

2019 - LTC Steven D. Hankins

2018 - Mary Savitsky

2017 - COL David Parker

2016 - COL Daniel G. Bonnichsen

2015 - Joanne Krumberger

2012 - Mark Perry, PhD

2011 - COL John Gaal

2010 - Mr. Gary Davis

2009 - CAPT Michael N. Hendee

2008 - COL David Bitterman

2007 - COL John Shero

2006 - LTC Steven D. Hale

2005 - Dr. Steven P. Kleinglass

2004 - LTC Lee W. Briggs

2003 - COL (R) George Masi & COL(R) Terry Cunningham

2002 - Ms. Patricia A. McKlem

2001 - LTC Mark Perry

2000 - CAPT Patricia M. Denzer

1999 - Mr. William Rasco

1998 - COL William Cahill

1997 - COL Darwin Eugene Fine

1996 - COL Kirk Reamy

1995 - COL Mary Ann Svetlik

Last Updated: 20220705