College of Medicine Class of 2026 Awards
During the week of Commencement, the spirit of celebration and accomplishments filled the NEOMED campus. The College of Medicine Class of 2026 came together for its annual Awards Ceremony, honoring students and faculty whose leadership, dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the NEOMED community.
Throughout the evening, a number of distinguished awards were presented, recognizing academic excellence, compassionate care, mentorship and commitment to the future of medicine.
NEOMED Student Awards
Class of 2026 Class Speaker: Nathaniel Abdelnour
Class of 2026 Gonfalonians: Samuel Accordino, Thomas Cahill, Nicholas Gehrke, Matthew Lowery, Amanda Milo, and Cole Thompson
Excellence in Emergency Medicine: Kyla Kackley
Excellence in Family Medicine Award: Sydney Bitting
Excellence in Internal Medicine Award: Brandon Petrovich
Excellence in Obstetrics/Gynecology Award: Alexis Steer
Excellence in Pediatrics Award: Sarah Claxton
Excellence in Psychiatry Award: Nicholas Wu
Excellence in Surgery Award: Jared Hinton
Ohio Chapter of ACP Outstanding Medical Student of the Year Award: Thomas Cahill
Ideal Physician Award
Samuel Accordino, Bethany Bair, Camryn Hawkins, Amanda Milo, Riley Moberly, and Joie Watterson
Awarded to six students whom peers would most like to have as their own physician, as exemplified through their excellent intellectual and clinical skills, empathy and patient rapport, as well as their diligence and support of fellow classmates.
Matthew Allen Lewis Award for Outstanding Patient Care and Mastery of Science in Medicine
Katelyn Sidloski
Awarded to one senior student possessing outstanding communication skills, empathy and compassion with patients and families, plus a high level of technical expertise and skills in the science of medicine.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Sean Hergenrother
Awarded to one senior student based on exemplary academic accomplishments, class rank, and contributions to the College and community.
Service to College of Medicine Award
Nathaniel Abdelnour
Awarded to a senior student who has significantly contributed time, energies, ideas and support to College of Medicine functions and activities, committees, faculty and staff.
Volunteer Service to Community Award
Natasha Salmen
Awarded to a senior student who has graciously provided time and support to community service programs, has displayed a caring attitude and is committed to bettering the community.
William H. Falor, M.D. Research Award
Jared Hinton and Natasha Salmen
Awarded to two senior students who have demonstrated pursuit of research projects, presentations and publication of research results.
Class of 2026 Class Gift
Katelyn Sidloski
Awarded to one senior student possessing outstanding communication skills, empathy and compassion with patients and families, plus a high level of technical expertise and skills in the science of medicine.
NATIONAL STUDENT AWARDS
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
Riley Moberly
Presented to a graduating student who is a member of the NEOMED Virtuous Healer Honor Society and best demonstrates the Gold Foundation’s ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care, respect for patients, their families and health care colleagues, as well as demonstrated clinical excellence.
United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award
Aditi Deshmukh
The Physicians Professional Advisory Committee (PPAC) of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) awards medicine students with the Excellence in Public Health Award each year.
Both PPAC and USPHS recognizes medicine students who are involved in public health issues in their community as well as increase awareness of the Public Health Service and its mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation.
FACULTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Outstanding Service to the Class Award
Corrie Stofcho, M.D. (’06), Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
Harmony Stanger, M.B.A., Director of Student Affairs
Awarded by the senior graduating class to faculty/staff members who have provided outstanding service to the student body.