Walter Rocca, M.D. (MSEP ’93), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, was recognized as the 2017 Educator of the Year by the Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS). The award recognizes faculty for outstanding contributions to the CCaTS education program. This award is the second for Dr. Rocca, who also received it in 2008.

David Warner, M.D. (ANES ’87), director of CCaTS Education Resources, says, “I would like to thank Dr. Rocca for his many longstanding contributions to the CCaTS education program. Over the last 17 years, he has impacted more than 450 CCaTS learners and has played an integral role in developing online programs to reach online learners across Mayo Clinic and beyond.”

Student comment about Dr. Rocca:

“Dr. Rocca’s enthusiasm and ability to clarify complex issues makes it fun to come to class. He has an absolutely phenomenal mind; exceptional thinker, research and teacher – the best I’ve had at Mayo.”

Dr. Rocca is a professor of epidemiology and neurology and the Ralph S. and Beverely E. Caulkins Professor of Neurodegenerative Diseases Research.