RVU-MCOM Faculty Member Named SOMA Educator of the Year
Rocky Vista University Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU-MCOM) Associate Professor of Physiology, Brett Condon, PhD, has been named the 2026 George W. Northup Educator of the Year by the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA).
The national award recognizes educators who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to going “above and beyond to enhance students’ educational experiences,” according to the SOMA Foundation website. The award honors George Northup, DO, an educator who is remembered for his passion for enriching the lives and educational experiences of osteopathic medicine students.
An Outstanding Educator
Known for his effective approaches to teaching and signature colorful bowtie, Dr. Condon has made a lasting impact on students. RVU-MCOM’s SOMA chapter created a video with student and faculty testimonials for the application to nominate Dr. Condon.
Students appreciate Dr. Condon’s passion for education and willingness to use a variety of styles to help them grasp course content. He uses class feedback to improve his teaching and wants students to enjoy what they’re learning, sharing his favorite quote during the video, “the only thing more contagious than enthusiasm is the lack of enthusiasm.”
“By teaching enthusiastically, my hope is that students will enjoy difficult topics a little bit more,” Dr. Condon said.
Dr. Condon’s approach to teaching stems from his experience as a former medical student, having completed two years at Wake Forest University School of Medicine before changing career paths and becoming an educator. He understands what medical students struggle with and is often seen walking through campus during the weekend before exams to offer help.
“I’ve been there before. I’ve been the medical student studying for those hard, stressful exams and wishing I could ask someone that last question that I needed to make it all make sense,” Dr. Condon said.
RVU-MCOM faculty also praise Dr. Condon’s collegiality, highlighting him as an expert in evidence-based pedagogy and a dependable partner willing to fill in for faculty vacancies if needed.
“It is incredibly flattering, overwhelming, and speaks to the kindness and thoughtfulness of my students to have even been nominated for this award,” Dr. Candon said.
About Dr. Condon
Dr. Condon is a member of the RVU-MCOM inaugural faculty when the program started in 2023 and has 8 years of teaching experience. He earned his PhD in biochemistry at Duke University with certificates in cellular and molecular biology and college teaching and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Before teaching at RVU, Dr. Condon was an assistant professor of biology at Drexel University.
RVU’s Commitment to Academic Excellence
RVU’s faculty and staff are committed to achieving new heights in medical education. Learn more about how faculty and staff embody RVU’s values and shape students into compassionate and competent physicians on the Peak News & Stories page.