Northeast Iowa AHEC Names Dr. Matthew Smith 2011 Preceptor of the Year

March 24th, 2011

Dr. Matthew Smith, a Waterloo family physician is recognized as the 2011 Preceptor of the Year

In celebration of National AHEC Week, Northeast Iowa AHEC named Dr. Matthew Smith their 2011 Preceptor of the Year. The annual award is based on nominations from Northeast Iowa AHEC's clinical training students. A family physician in Waterloo, Dr. Smith was recognized for his clinical expertise, demeanor with patients and staff, business sense and willingness to let students experience multiple aspects of patient care during their rotations.

Dr. Smith has been involved as a preceptor with Northeast Iowa AHEC since it began its partnership with Des Moines University to act as a host for DMU's osteopathic medicine students. Every year, Dr. Smith takes on the third-year medical students, and in some cases, welcomes them back in their fourth years as many request a second rotation with him. The students describe him as brilliant, welcoming, intense and selfless.

Dr. Smith has been a great asset to Northeast Iowa AHEC and has helped several students improve clinically, personally and professionally. Many students look at the prospect of family medicine differently after seeing his approach and attitude towards his patients and practice. Recruiting and training primary care physicians in underserved areas is a key component of the AHEC mission. Northeast Iowa AHEC appreciates everything Dr. Smith has done and continues to do in support of that mission.

Share