Penn Vet’s Lillian R. Aronson, VMD, DACVS, Earns Prestigious Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching

Lillian R. Aronson of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) has earned the prestigious Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Dr. Aronson is one of eight faculty members at the University to receive the award this spring.  

Aronson is a professor of surgery in the clinician educator track at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital where she serves as director of the Advanced Urinary Care service. She is also the founder and coordinator of the renal transplantation program. Her clinical expertise includes all areas of soft tissue surgery, particularly microvascular surgery and complex urinary tract surgery, including renal transplantation and treatment of urolithiasis. Aronson’s research interests lie in the field of feline and canine renal transplantation, including mechanisms of immunosuppressive therapy and renal hypertrophy.

“I am thrilled that Lilly has earned this recognition by the University,” said Mark Oyama, professor of cardiology and chair of the department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine. “Lilly specializes in soft tissue surgery—a core competency for every veterinary student—and her teaching has profoundly influenced countless students, clinicians, and the patients they serve. She has cultivated a remarkable learning space where students are encouraged to take risks, succeed and fail, observe and practice, and grow in confidence—all while contributing meaningfully to patient care.”

One student nominator writes, “Dr. Aronson excels at fostering a sense of learning while building confidence. I have seen her meet each student at their own level, no matter what their skill and knowledge level was.” Another student submitted, “I appreciated her case-based approach to rounds and she was always willing to answer any questions that arose. Working with Dr. Aronson was great. She instilled confidence in me and that made me want to work really hard so I wouldn’t let her down!”

“She made me strive to be a better clinical student, and I looked forward to starting what is arguably one of the more demanding rotations in our curriculum,” writes a third student. “She reminded me that there is always time to be patient and kind not just to our patients, but to our colleagues, clients, and the people around us at all times.”

During her time at Penn Vet, Aronson has trained over 70 residents, many of whom have become leaders in veterinary surgery within academia and private practice. One former resident writes, “She offers personalized guidance and support, whether it’s helping us navigate challenging cases, providing career advice, or simply offering encouragement during difficult moments in our training. Her kindness and humility create an environment where we feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel.”

Another former resident submitted, “Whether performing complex renal transplant procedures or teaching basic mass removal, she knew exactly how firmly to hold our hands and pushed us enough to help us grow, but not so much that we felt unsupported.”

Aronson received her undergraduate degree in science from Lehigh University and earned her VMD from Penn Vet. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

About the Lindback Award

The Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching at the University of Pennsylvania was established in 1961 with the help of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation. Christian Lindback was president and principal owner of Abbotts Dairies, Inc. and a trustee of Bucknell University. The Foundation established Lindback Awards for Distinguished Teaching at colleges and universities throughout Abbotts Dairies, Inc.’s service area in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. The University gives out eight Lindback awards each year, four to those in health-related disciplines, and four to those in other departments and divisions. Award winners are determined by nominations and recommendations made by faculty and students based on detailed criteria.