University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine professor Diane M. Harper received two major awards in May.

Harper, a physician who teaches medical students and residents in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Community and Family Medicine, received “Femme De L’Annee” or “Woman of the Year 2013” in Monte Carlo, Monaco.  She also received the 2013 Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Excellence in Education Award at the group’s annual conference in Baltimore.

Harper’s selection for both awards was based on her career focused on women’s health, especially HPV (Human Papillomavirus, cervical dysplasia) and its prevention and treatment. She has lectured internationally many times on the topic, including as a keynote speaker at the American Academy of Family Physicians Annual Scientific Assembly. She is a frequent expert source for media coverage of HPV, including an appearance on “The Dr. Oz Show.”

Woman of the Year 2013 in Monte Carlo

Harper was one of two women recognized “with High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco” for her contributions to science and society. One recipient of the award, created last year by journalist Cinzia Colman, has ties to Monaco; the other is an international winner. Harper was this year’s international awardee, selected by a committee after being nominated by her European gynecology peers.

“I felt extremely honored to be nominated, and then to experience such an elegant award ceremony,” Harper said.

2013 Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Excellence in Education Award

Here’s what the award notification letter from Jerry Kruse, president of the Board of Directors of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, said: “As a talented clinician, active researcher and a passionate teacher you have touched the lives of many future physicians. You have provided excellence in education at every level from medical students, family medicine residents, residents in obstetrics and gynecology, national and international meetings, and to the public and national audiences via television.”

Harper grew up in the Kansas City area. She attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology for undergraduate and graduate degrees, and the University of Kansas for master’s in public health and medical degrees. After teaching at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, she and her husband, Bill Harper, returned to Kansas City. She has served on faculty since 2009 for UMKC.

“I love teaching to whoever wants to listen,” Harper said. “I enjoy pushing people to think, to research and to perform with confidence. To be recognized for that is simply incredible.”