Dr. David Tillman, associate professor, BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Clinical Science Teaching Award for Madison by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association. The honor, chosen by fourth-year medical students, celebrates a clinician-educator who demonstrates outstanding commitment to medical education and mentorship.
Students described Tillman as “the epitome of a fantastic mentor,” praising his encouragement, accessibility and ability to connect with learners on both a personal and professional level. “Dr. Tillman could make anyone want to go into emergency medicine,” the students shared.
In addition to his role as a clinical educator, Tillman serves as Associate Dean for MD Admissions at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, where he leads the school’s recruitment and admissions strategy for its Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. His academic interests include simulation-based learning, curriculum development and guiding students through some of medicine’s most pivotal transitions.
A key part of his mission is building an inclusive, supportive learning environment that fosters belonging and meets students where they are. His approach to mentorship and education is grounded in the same values that shape his clinical practice. “I’m passionate about care without conditions,” Tillman says. “Patients don’t have to earn our best efforts.”
It’s a mindset he brings into academic medicine — advocating for a future health care workforce that is not only clinically skilled, but also reflective of and responsive to the diverse communities it serves.
Through both his teaching and admissions leadership, Dr. Tillman is committed to supporting learners as they discover their passion for medicine and develop the skills and knowledge to become exceptional clinicians.