Dr. Arnold Luterman, former Ripps-Meisler professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and retired director of the burn center at the USA Medical Center, recently received the Alabama Academy of Science’s 2014 Gardner Award. The award committee unanimously selected Dr. Luterman for Alabama’s highest academic award.The award was presented at the 91st Joint Junior and Senior Alabama Academy of Science Annual banquet, which was held on March 13, 2014, at 7 p.m. at Auburn University.
Dr. Luterman joined the USA faculty in 1981 and served as chief of surgery and chair of the department of surgery from 1994 to 2002. He also developed the Level I Trauma Center at the USA Medical Center and served as its first director from 1981 to 1985 -- at the same time, Dr. Luterman was the director of emergency services.
To add to his accomplishments, Dr. Luterman also established the Regional Burn Center and served as its director until 2012.
During his tenure at USA, Dr. Luterman was also the director of the surgery post-graduate training program, as well as assistant dean for graduate medical education.
In 2013, Dr. Luterman was selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award sponsored by the USA Medical Alumni Association, an honor that recognizes outstanding leadership and a commitment to advancing medical education. He was also one of 50 Outstanding Scholarly and Creative Works Contributors awarded at the University of South Alabama’s 50th Anniversary in May.
Dr. Luterman, who retired from USA after more than 30 years of service, was selected for the 2014 Gardner award by the Alabama Academy of Science for his continued contributions in science and his service to the academy.
