Champions of the College of Medicine Badge Programs

At the College of Medicine, some of the most important work happens behind the scenes, driven by passion, vision and dedication. The volunteer directors of NEOMED’s COM Badge Programs are the true movers and shakers of these initiatives. Without formal recognition, they dedicate their time and energy to designing programs, mentoring students and shaping experiences that empower the next generation of compassionate, skilled physicians.

The COM Badge Programs offer seven distinct learning communities for medical students to explore areas of passion and purpose, from community health and advocacy to medical humanism and research. Each program helps students develop the professional and personal qualities that define compassionate physicians, and behind the badges stand dedicated directors guiding that journey.

Their work often happens quietly: designing meaningful curricula, mentoring students, reviewing reflections and fostering connections that strengthen our learning communities. Yet their impact resonates deeply across NEOMED, shaping both the culture of the College of Medicine and the future of healthcare.

Thank you to our COM Badge Program directors:

• Mike Appleman, director of all Health Advocacy and Leadership Programs (HEAL): Rural Medicine (RMED), Patient Advocacy and Community Health (PACH), and Urban Primary Care Practice (UPCP).
• Claudia (CV) Garcia and Victor Torres, co-directors of Medical Spanish Essentials Badge.
• Rachel Bracken, Ph.D. and Eliot Mostow, M.D., co-directors of Oak Badge for Medical Humanism.
• William M. Chilian, Ph.D., and Vahagn Ohanyan, M.D., Ph.D., co-directors of Research and Scholarship Badge.
• Bernhard Fassl, M.D., director of Global Health Badge.

Your generosity, mentorship and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. You are truly NEOMED’s unsung heroes!

- submitted by Kara Bloom