Lindsey Sward, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has been appointed assistant dean for clinical education in the college.
“In this newly created position, Dr. Sward will lead efforts to continue and improve our work of producing highly skilled, compassionate physicians for Arkansas,” Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice chancellor and dean, and James Graham, vice dean for academic affairs, said in an announcement to faculty.
“With the recent expansion of the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, the addition of a three-year accelerated M.D. track aimed at producing more primary care physicians, and our growth across the state, this position will help us ensure that we provide consistent and excellent clinical instruction for all of our medical students,” Smyth and Graham said. “Dr. Sward brings exceptional teaching skills and a strong commitment to our educational mission to her new post.”
Sward has garnered many honors from UAMS medical students including five Golden Apple awards from junior and senior classes, which are awarded to the faculty member voted by each class as the top teacher during the year. She also has received multiple Red Sash and Gold Sash awards for teaching and has been selected twice by graduating seniors to give the “Faculty Charge” address at their Honors Convocation ceremony. Sward also has been recognized nationally by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a Fellow and through ACOG’s Mentor of the Year Award and National Faculty Award.
Sward has served in numerous educational leadership roles since joining the faculty in 2015, including medical student clerkship director in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2017. She serves on the college’s Curriculum Committee and Clinical Skills Subcommittee, and on the UAMS Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Self Study Task Force. Sward is a clinical teaching preceptor in the Practice of Medicine I and II courses. She will continue to serve in many of these roles in addition to her ongoing commitment to excellent care for her patients. A native of Conway, Sward received her medical degree from the College of Medicine in 2009. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UAMS, serving as chief resident during her final year.