Excellence in Leadership Award

Society of Critical Care Medicine's Texas Chapter Recognizes UHCOP's Matt Wanat for 'Above and Beyond' Service

UH College of Pharmacy's Matthew A. Wanat, Pharm.D., BCPS, clinical assistant professor, recently was honored with the Texas Chapter of the Society of Critical Care Medicine's 2014 Excellence in Leadership Award for his extraordinary service to the chapter over the past year. 

"Receiving this award is a great honor," Wanat said. 'I am very appreciative for the opportunity to work with an excellent multidisciplinary team within our chapter to accomplish our goals of providing educational opportunities for our members. I look forward to continued success for the SCCM Texas Chapter going forward."

A critical care pharmacy specialist at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wanat served as both on the chapter's Board of Directors and co-chair of its Communications Committee. These duties included serving as editor of the chapter newsletter and website. Wanat also served on the planning committee for the chapter's annual symposium.  

The award is presented by the TSCCM Executive Council to a member of the chapter’s leadership who not only fulfills but goes above and beyond given responsibilities, contributing greatly to the continued success, growth, and sustainability of the chapter.

Jeff Bruno, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCNSP, immediate past president of TSCCM and MD Anderson Cancer Center clinical pharmacy specialist/PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency director, said Wanat "epitomizes" the award criteria.

"To foster the next generation of TSCCM leaders, Dr. Wanat also mentored the current (2015) chair for the Communications Committee, ensuring stability, comfort, and a firm understanding of responsibilities prior to relinquishing oversight," Bruno said. "Overall, Dr. Wanat was instrumental to the success of the TSCCM in 2014, and we are grateful to have him as a continuing member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors."