Karen Hauer, MD, PhD Honored with National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Award for Achievement in Medical Education Assessment

Karen Hauer, MD, PhD, UCSF School of Medicine Vice Dean for Education, was recently recognized for her significant contributions to the field of medical education research and assessment by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), a national nonprofit that develops and manages the national licensing examinations for medical students and trainees.

In the NBME news release, NBME President and CEO Peter Katsufrakis, MD, MBA, noted:

“NBME takes pride in being part of and supporting the community of educators, researchers and clinicians who are dedicated to advancing assessment science, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care,” Dr. Katsufrakis said. “Dr. Hauer exemplifies the finest qualities of a medical educator and researcher. We are pleased to honor her remarkable contributions with the Hubbard Award, the most prestigious recognition bestowed by NBME upon members of our community.” 

“It is a huge honor and very humbling,” Dr. Hauer said. “I feel that I am following in the footsteps of giants when I look at the list of individuals who have received this award – some of whom I’ve admired, some I’ve collaborated with, and some who have mentored me over the years.”

Established in 1983, the John P. Hubbard Award for Achievement in Medical Education Assessment recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the pursuit of excellence in assessment in medical education. During his time at NBME, Dr. Hubbard led NBME into a new era of evaluation that resulted in the adoption of objective testing methods. The Hubbard Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the assessment of professional competency and educational program development at any level along the continuum of medical education and delivery of health care.

Dr. Hauer was recognized during the NBME Annual Meeting in March. View Dr. Hauer’s scholarly presentation, titled, “Learner Assessment: Quality, Trust, and Equity,” which highlights five pivotal events in her career in assessment, below.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hauer on this well-deserved honor!