In his role, Gard led programs for the development of testing and student self-assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness. He also served as the college’s liaison for the National Board of Medical Examiners.
A noted scientist and educator, Gard served as a professor of cell biology and neuroscience at the USA College of Medicine, teaching medical students since 1990.
During his time at USA, Gard was named Mortar Board Top Prof in 2005, Best Basic Science Professor and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society. Over the years Gard has taught medical neuroscience and neuroanatomy to more than 2,000 USA graduates, inspiring many to pursue careers in neurology and neurosurgery.
“When I was 6 years old, my dad gave me a microscope and that’s what started it all,” Gard said. “I’ve been fortunate throughout my life to have the NIH support me as a student, post-doc and all the way up the ranks here while I got to study the most fantastic cell you could ever take out of the brain and grow in a culture dish.”
Gard’s research interest was cellular and developmental neurobiology with a focus on the regulation of oligodendrocyte development, myelination and multiple sclerosis. During his career, he published more than 25 manuscripts, authored two textbooks, and was featured on more than 25 abstracts and meeting presentations. Gard served several years on grant review panels for the NIH concerning molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain development.
“You have been a major pillar at the college of medicine,” said John Marymont, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the USA College of Medicine, at a recent retirement reception. “Most notably, your analytics and what you’ve done for our accreditation was brilliant. On behalf of this university, thank you for everything.”
T.J. Hundley, M.D., associate dean for medical education, also offered heartfelt wishes to Gard. “You’ve touched the lives of so many students over the course of your career, including mine 19 years ago,” he said. “The education program is better because of you, and we thank you for everything you’ve done.”
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Anthony Gard, Ph.D., is surrounded by third-year medical students after his final lecture on June 28, 2021. |
