UPDATE Students give doctor thumbs up for his skill

SPRINGDALE — A lifelong lover of learning, Dr. Steve Thomason has been recognized for his skill at passing on his knowledge.

Thomason (Northwest Arkansas Profile, Feb. 7, 2010) recently was given the UAMS/ AHEC 2009-10 Northwest Clinical Faculty Teacher of the Year Award. The award was chosen by students who studied under Thomason at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, where he is the medical director.

“It’s a real joy,” Thomason says. “Any time as a teacher you’re recognized by the people you’re teaching, that’s the best feedback you can have.It’s very gratifying.”

There are eight Arkansas Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) in the state, including the one in Northwest Arkansas. Physicians who are in their residencies in these centers study and work with community doctors, and at the end of the year, they choose one as their teacher of the year.

Thomason says he takes a simple approach to teaching, which he believes helps him best connect with residents.

“It’s a combination of demonstrating what good care might look like, meaning listening to patients and showing them therespect and the dignities and support they need, and also talking about the science that is behind the specialty of hospice and palliative care,” Thomason says. “It’s also taking the time to know [the residents], too, and treating them with respect anddignity.”

Between his work at Circle of Lifeandhis time spent as a priest associate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Thomason keeps a very busy schedule. Still, he has found time this summer to read and work in the garden of his Fayetteville house with his wife, Kathy.

“I’m having a great time [this summer],” Thomason says. “My roses are blooming, and the garden has been especially prolific this year. The sunflowers are now reaching 7 feet tall. That’s my R-and-R outside of work, to piddle in the garden.” The Update feature brings readers up to date with the goings on of former Northwest Arkansas Profiles subjects. Suggestions should be made to

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