Choptank Community Health System has announced that Dr. Jordan Burnette has been named the recipient of the 2026 Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society’s Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award, presented in partnership with Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC).
Dr. Burnette received the award during a ceremony held on April 13 at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md.
The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society’s Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award recognizes physicians who contribute with distinction to the education and training of clinical students. Volunteer clinical faculty often play a vital role in shaping the next generation of health care providers yet receive limited formal recognition for their efforts.
Clinical faculty in community-based practices dedicate significant time and expertise to training medical students and residents, often outside of their primary patient care responsibilities. The Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award recognizes these important contributions to clinical education and may be presented annually to a physician within each medical school’s Alpha Omega Alpha chapter.
In addition to this recognition, award recipients who are not already members of Alpha Omega Alpha may be considered for faculty membership.
Candidates must undergo the organization’s formal selection process, which evaluates leadership, professionalism, teaching excellence, and clinical skill, and must meet established criteria for induction. Volunteer Clinical Faculty nominees are considered in addition to those selected through the standard faculty nomination process.
“Volunteer clinical faculty are essential to preparing the next generation of health care professionals, and their contributions often go unrecognized,” said Lisa Widmaier, executive director of the Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center. “Dr. Burnette exemplifies the dedication, mentorship, and commitment to excellence that this award was created to honor. His impact on students and the community is both meaningful and lasting.”
Dr. Burnette serves as a Family Medicine Physician at Choptank Health and has been actively involved in mentoring and training 3rd and 4th-year medical students through the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Colleagues and students alike recognize Dr. Burnette for his deep medical knowledge, engaging teaching style, and unwavering respect for both learners and patients.
One student stated, “I had a phenomenal time with Dr. Burnette. He is the best preceptor I have had during my clinical training, and I hope more medical students rotate in this area and get to work with him.” Dr. Burnette greatly enjoys teaching and looks forward to continuing in the months and years ahead.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Burnette for this well-deserved recognition,” said Sara Rich, CEO and president of Choptank Community Health System. “His passion for teaching, along with his commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care, strengthens both our organization and the future of health care on the Eastern Shore. This honor reflects the difference he makes every day in the lives of his patients and the students he mentors.”
ESAHEC works to improve access to quality health care across Maryland’s Eastern Shore by supporting health workforce development, including clinical training opportunities for students in community-based settings.
Choptank Health partners with ESAHEC and other organizations to expand clinical education and strengthen the pipeline of health professionals serving rural and underserved communities.
Choptank Community Health System provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, with a mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare for all.
New medical patients are welcome at all locations, with more at www.choptankhealth.org.
