Gary Hoff, D.O., associate professor of behavioral medicine at DMU, was selected as the 2014 George W. Northup Educator of the Year Award by the national Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) House of Delegates during its spring convention in Washington, DC, March 7-8. He was nominated by the DMU SOMA chapter.
The award was developed in honor of George Northup, D.O., a mentor to many osteopathic medical students throughout his career. Each year, local SOMA chapters nominate a professor, dean or faculty member from their osteopathic medical schools who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Northup. Participating chapter finalists present three- to five-minute videos of their nominees to the SOMA House of Delegates, which votes on the winning educator.
The DMU SOMA chapter video about Hoff noted his thorough, caring teaching style, particularly on the history of osteopathic medicine and cardiology; the ways he incorporates the arts and humanities in his teaching and student interactions; and his facilitation of the University’s “Healer’s Art” course. He will be the honored guest during the SOMA Foundation award reception this October in Seattle.
In his 32 years of teaching, Hoff has helped prepare an estimated 6,000 physicians. He’s also an accomplished artist, community volunteer and the 2013 Roger T. Stetson Rotarian of the Year of the Rotary Club of Des Moines. In December, The DO, the magazine of the American Osteopathic Association, profiled him in its “Healer Next Door” series.
