Rutgers School of Health Related Professions Honors Award Winners

NEWARK, NJ – As the senior dietician in a Minnesota hospital, Dr. Heidi Ganzer balked when she was placed in charge of an initiative to improve nutrition for cancer patients.

But she couldn’t find anyone else to take the job on.

That challenge turned into a life-changing opportunity. At the Rutgers School of Health Relations Convocation 2016, on May 13, Dr. Ganzer was honored with the Stanley S. Bergen, M.D. Medal of Excellence for her groundbreaking work in the field of oncology nutrition.

“Even after 27 years of practice, there is nothing else I would rather do,” said Dr. Ganzer. “I’m most proud of the work I do with the head and neck cancer population. For them, the treatment can be extremely challenging and it may impact their ability to eat for the rest of their lives.”

Dr. Ganzer, an adjunct assistant professor at SHRP who received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition at the school, was one of five outstanding faculty and alumni recognized at the 2016 Convocation, held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Their stories of perseverance, service, leadership and achievement in their fields served as an inspiration for the more than 370 graduating students at the ceremony.

In addition to Dr. Ganzer, awards were presented to:

• Dr. Michael Connors, who received his Master of Physical Therapy degree at SHRP. He was given the Distinguished Alumni Award. As a result of his work to reduce injuries, a ballet company in his home state of Texas has performed two seasons of The Nutcracker without injury, for the first time in 30 years. He has been a fierce advocate for the profession, a teacher, mentor and researcher.

• Dr. Lauren Snowden, an adjunct professor nominated by the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences. She received the Distinguished Service Award. She was recognized for her gift for teaching, which she does with a level of creativity and knowledge that make her labs and lectures rich in content and innovative in design.

• Dr. Allison Brown, an assistant professor who won the Excellence in Teaching Award. Students in her Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences classes called her “a fountain of knowledge.” In their nomination, students said they aspire to be like Dr. Brown, who they called easy-going, professional, charismatic, and supportive.

• Dr. Peggy Swarbrick, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling, who was honored with the Excellence in Research Award for her collaborative work to shed light on why the mentally ill live with chronic medical conditions that could easily be diagnosed and treated.