VALHALLA, N.Y. — Matthew Pravetz, OFM, was recently honored by the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) at New York Medical College here for his efforts in promoting a gender-fair environment for the education and training of physicians and assuring equal opportunities for women and men to study and practice medicine.
AMWA presented Matthew with the 2008 Gender Equity Award at a May 13 celebration at the college’s medical education center. Selection was made at each participating medical school by a representative vote of the student body. Specific behaviors, such as the use of gender-neutral and appropriate language and proactive programs to discourage harassment of students, are among the criteria used for selecting candidates, according to the AMWA, the nation’s largest organization of women physicians and medical students.
Matthew, who holds a doctorate, is an assistant professor in the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy. He is an expert on cytoskeletal elements of the developing brain, and embryology of human gastrointestinal and urogenital systems.
In announcing the award, the college shared student comments about Matthew, who lives at Holy Cross Friary in the Bronx.
They said: “Dr. Pravetz has been most inspirational in my quest to become a physician. He embodies all the qualities that aspiring doctors should strive for: dedication, compassion and leadership in the medical profession.”
“He is truly one of the highlights of my medical education.”
“He’s one of the most personable, approachable, and respectable people on campus. Who doesn’t love Dr. Pravetz?”
Also this year, Matthew received an excellence in teaching award.
An article on the Queens-born physician appeared in the December 2006 issue of The Anthonian