Leo Bannister

Leo Bannister serves as the Assistant Director of Medical Humanities and Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at San Antonio's Interdisciplinary School for Engagement. A retired combat veteran from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, he transitioned from military service to academia, earning a graduate degree in Applied Philosophy and Ethics from Texas State University after retiring in 2008.

• Education: Graduate degree in Applied Philosophy and Ethics from Texas State University
• Teaching Experience: 2015-present in San Antonio area, including Medical Humanities program at UTSA since Fall 2016

His research and teaching intersect philosophy, ethics, and medicine, with a focus on bioethics, feminist philosophy, and disability perspectives in healthcare. He has explored these themes through presentations like "Bioethics and the Fate of the Responsible Self" and "A Disability Perspective on Medicine" since 2013.

Recognized for teaching excellence in 2023 with UIW's Doyle Award, he has also been twice nominated for UTSA's top teaching honors. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary engagement, connecting philosophical theory to practical applications in medical education.

• Honors: UIW Doyle Award (2023), UTSA President's Distinguished Achievement Award nominee (2020), UTSA Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award nominee (2019)

As a first-generation graduate student, Bannister brings unique perspective to his role, having taught courses ranging from Intro to Medical Humanities to Honors College seminars on wellbeing and contemporary moral issues.