Stephanie M. Dalton, DDS, receives Sprtel award

Congratulations to Stephanie M. Dalton, DDS, recipient of this year's Scott Sprtel Resident Award of Excellence. Dr. Dalton is the 14th recipient of the award that was created in memory of Scott Sprtel, MD, who died in a bicycle accident in 2003.

Stephanie M. Dalton, DDS (center) is this year's Scott Sprtel Resident Award of Excellence award winning. She is pictured with (L) Thomas MacKenzie, DDS, and (R) Gregory P. Thompson, MD.

The Sprtel award is presented each year to the resident who has most closely demonstrated the qualities, characteristics and compassion one would hope to find in the 'ideal' physician. Residents and fellows were nominated based on excellence in areas of teaching, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, professionalism, attitude, integrity, patient care and compassion.

Thomas MacKenzie, DDS, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program director, says of Dr. Dalton: "She has had a tremendous impact on the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency as well as Gundersen as a whole. As she worked throughout the hospital on many other medical and surgical services, others took notice of her ability to meld her expertise and her compassion. Dr. Dalton is someone you would want on your team if you needed surgery. As she joins her father in private practice in Dubuque, Iowa, she will do great things and serve her patients well. We wish her the best in the future."

According to Gregory P. Thompson, MD, director of Medical Education, "A review of the comments related to Dr. Dalton's nomination revealed many exemplary attributes. In regards to the Scott Sprtel, MD, Resident Award of Excellence, the attributes of note included being a staunch advocate for her patients and demonstrating the perfect balance of empathy and objective, evidence-based decision making that represents the hallmark of an excellent surgeon. She is most deserving of the award."

Dr. Dalton obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and her dental degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.