Congratulations to Sara Briechle; Julie Aultman, Ph.D.; and Mary Massie-Story, M.D. – the first recipients of the new President’s Excellence Awards.
The honorees were presented with their awards during the May 26 meeting of the NEOMED Board of Trustees. This was the first year for the awards, which will be presented annually.
President’s Staff Excellence in Continuous Improvement Award
Sara Briechle, Senior Process Engineer
The President’s Staff Excellence in Continuous Improvement Award honors a NEOMED staff member who represents the highest level of performance for achievements and contributions related to operational efficiencies while also exhibiting the University’s values of leadership, excellence, advocacy, diversity, equity and respect. Candidates will have made positive contributions not only to their immediate areas of work but also to the NEOMED community.
“In her short time at NEOMED, Sara has had an enormous impact by leading a Lean Six Sigma initiative for the University’s faculty and staff as well as members of our community. She identifies the best outcome for all involved and truly exemplifies the core values of the University. She continues to take an active role in the success of everyone who has participated in yellow belt training by offering opportunities to meet one-on-one to ensure the learners have the best experience and are able to bring this knowledge back to their respective departments as well as look at ways to collaborate and support each other through the program. She is highly regarded, oftentimes sought for input and advice and essentially considered a leader.”
-Michelle Mulhern, Chief of Staff
“Sara’s knowledge has created a ripple effect across the University that has led to numerous process improvements as well as individual employee empowerment. People have easily rallied behind the University goals, assisted by her infectious enthusiasm, capability to lead by example, and practice of inclusion and respect for all.”
-Marissa E. Shepherd, Grants Accounting Manager
President’s Excellence in Teaching Award – Rootstown-based Faculty
Julie Aultman, Ph.D., Director of the Medical Ethics and Humanities Program and Professor of Family and Community Medicine
The President’s Excellence in Teaching Award honors a NEOMED Rootstown-based faculty member who represents the highest level of performance for achievements and contributions in teaching. The selection recognizes the honoree’s long-term commitment to excel in teaching at Northeast Ohio Medical University. This award honors faculty members who represent the ideal of medical education professionals who have positive impacts on students through their instruction, curricular development, mentoring and supervision.
“I will never forget receiving Dr. Aultman’s email to meet in her office. During our meeting, she talked me through the core ethical principles of medicine. Her way of bringing concepts to life like privacy and confidentiality and therapeutic privilege helped me better understand and appreciate elements of ethics in medicine. Because of Dr. Aultman, I feel more confident as I approach my third-year medicine rotations and Step I exam.”
-Aviva Aguilar, third-year medicine student
“Dr. Aultman always made me feel like she had my best interest at heart. Her critiques on papers were not simple margins but rather detailed explanations on how I could become better. She goes beyond what is simply within textbooks and really tries to engage students with in-depth conversations. Over the past two years, I have grown into a much better writer and person, which I think is due to Dr. Aultman and her efforts.”
-Maria Libertin, M.D. (’21), M.A. in Medical Ethics and Humanities (’21)
President’s Excellence in Teaching Award – Clinical Faculty
Mary Massie-Story, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine
The President’s Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 2020 to honor a NEOMED clinical faculty member who represents the highest level of performance for achievements and contributions in teaching. The selection recognizes the honoree’s long-term commitment to excel in teaching at Northeast Ohio Medical University. This award is made for faculty members who represent the ideal of medical education professionals who have positive impacts on students through their instruction, curricular development, mentoring and supervision.
“Witnessing Dr. Massie-Story’s compassion and determination to not only listen to and heal her patients but also educate them on their health, inspired me to purchase a career in primary care with the goal of being outstanding as she is. I am very lucky to have met Dr. Massie-Story and I consider her my idol. She embodies all the qualities of an outstanding clinician, exceptional teacher, and an empowering and compassionate individual.”
-Anibelky Almanzar, fourth-year medicine student
“Dr. Massie-Story goes above and beyond with her patients. She sits, listens and shows respect to her patients. Dr. Massie-Story expects the same from her students when it comes to patient care. She holds the patient-physician relationship sacred and holds her students accountable if the encounter is anything less. She challenges students to be their best selves during every patient encounter. She always makes a point to highlight the things you did well while providing guidance for proper technique and stronger approaches to care.”
-Marisa Hollinshead, fourth-year medicine student
Photo: Mary Massie-Story, M.D., is presented with her award from President Langell and Richard McQueen, chair of the board of trustees. Sara Briechle was also present to receive her award, and Julie Aultman, Ph.D., was presented via Zoom.