Ahead of the Class of 2023’s graduation on May 6, the College of Medicine held its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 4, to recognize and celebrate outstanding graduating students and faculty. As students entered the event, they were greeted by faculty and staff serving refreshments in College-branded aprons.
Eugene Mowad, M.D., interim dean, opened the ceremony, welcoming all in attendance and commending the students on their resiliency. He stated, “You’ve been through so much and you’ve created an odd history of sorts through NEOMED as the we watched you become educated as the future of our health care workforce during a global pandemic. Your achievements are really a testament to your character and I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish at graduates of NEOMED.”
The recipients were selected through nominations and a voting process from their peers. These leaders are recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, service to the community, outstanding patient care, service to the College, research and more. Student winners were presented with an award certificate, and some were presented with their first desk plaque inscribed with “M.D.” after their name.
Congratulations to the following students on their well-deserved recognition:
STUDENT AWARDS
Class of 2023 Class Speaker: Alessandro Brunetti (above)
Class of 2023 Gonfalonian: Ali Syed
Diversity Leader Award: Aviva Aguilar
Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award: Hayley Drlik
Excellence in Family Medicine Award: Jamie Pandey
Excellence in Internal Medicine Award: Matthew Nied
Excellence in Obstetrics/Gynecology Award: Itohan Aikhionbare
Excellence in Pediatrics Award: Krithika Sundaram
Excellence in Psychiatry Award: Sarah Eley
Excellence in Surgery Award: Derek Teeling
Ohio Chapter of ACP Outstanding Medical Student of the Year Award: Matthew Kubina
Ideal Physician Award, awarded to five 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: Carla Baaklini, Sophie Bell, Frank Castro, Jamie Pandey and Ali Syed
Matthew Allen Lewis Award for Outstanding Patient Care and Mastery of the Science of Medicine, 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: Jamie Pandey
Outstanding Achievement Award, awarded to one senior student based on exemplary academic accomplishments, class rank, and contributions to the College and community: Sanjay Jinka
Service to College of Medicine Award, 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: Jamie Pandey
Volunteer Service of Community Award, 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: Evelyn Lee
William H. Falor, M.D. Research Award, awarded to two senior students who have demonstrated pursuit of research projects, presentations and publication of research results: Gordon Hong and Gabriel Mirhaidari
NATIONAL STUDENT AWARDS
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, 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: Krithika Sundaram
United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award, awarded by the Physicians Professional Advisory Committee (PPAC) of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) for 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: Monika Satoskar
FACULTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Commencement Hooders are faculty members chosen by the Class of 2023 to bestow the doctoral hood over the shoulders of the graduates to signify the professional stature attained by terminal degree during the commencement ceremony.
Julie Aultman, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate Studies, professor of Family and Community Medicine
Mariquita Belen, M.D., associate professor of Family and Community Medicine
Paul Lecat, M.D., professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, professor of Family and Community Medicine
Douglas Moses, M.D. (’95), associate dean for admissions and student affairs, clinical professor of Pediatrics
Eugene Mowad, M.D., interim dean, College of Medicine, clinical professor of Pediatrics
Rupesh Raina, M.D., professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Corrie Stofcho, M.D. (’06), assistant dean of students, clinical associate professor of Pediatrics
Hans Thewissen, Ph.D., chair, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Distinguished University Professor
Jesse Young, Ph.D., professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology
Joseph Zarconi, M.D. (’81), professor of Internal Medicine
Outstanding Service to the Class Award, awarded by the senior graduating class to a faculty member and a staff member who provided outstanding service to the student body: Paul Lecat, M.D., and Corrie Stofcho, M.D.
CLASS OF 2023, CLASS GIFT
The Class of 2023 has decided to purchase carts and printing equipment for the Student-Run Free Clinic.
In a final reflection of the night, student speaker Alessandro Burnetti shared some advice for his fellow classmates, saying, “NEOMED gave us a home and a chance to grow into enthusiastic doctors. Do not squander it. Do not fall victim to toxicity and anger. Do not allow burnout to rip your compassion. Keep working for your community. Keep on spreading kindness and love.”
Watch Alessandro Brunette's speech to the College of Medicine Class of 2023