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Golden Apple Awards recognizes excellence in teaching The coveted Golden Apple Awards recognizing excellence in teaching were presented on Friday, Oct. 22. For the past 40 years, medical students have selected members of the faculty and staff who have been most influential to their education and honored them with Golden Apple and Special Appreciation Awards. The first-year class Golden Apple Award went to Frank Spinale, M.D., Ph.D., professor of surgery. Christopher Fredericks, Ph.D., professor of physiology, received the Special Appreciation Award.  The second-year class honored Gabriel Virella, M.D., Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology, with a Golden Apple Award. Sandy Schaller from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine was selected to receive the Special Appreciation Award. House staff members Paige Gernt, M.D., a fourth-year resident in obstetrics and gynecology, and Tina Stewart, M.D., a second-year resident in pediatrics, tied for the Golden Apple Award for House Staff presented by the class of 2000. The Golden Apple Award for clinical science faculty was presented to Donna Johnson, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. Sue Wetherholt, administrative assistant, Department of Surgery received the Special Appreciation Award. Bruce Easterling, a third-year student of the College of Medicine, was presented the Novartis Outstanding Community Service Award for his dedication to several projects including the Winwood Home for Boys. The Golden Apple Awards are sponsored by the American Medical Student Association.