Departmental News

Medical Class of 2022 Honors Night Recognizes Faculty, Students & Staff

May 18, 2022 by Jennifer Nachbur

On May 13, the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont held Honors Night for graduating medical students in the Class of 2022. Accolades presented included the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society faculty, housestaff, and community physician awards; the Arnold P. Gold Foundation's Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine faculty and student awards; Area Health Education Center Scholars; department awards to students; and awards from the Class of 2022.

[Graphic features partial green UVM Old Mill image on the left and a the words "Class of 2022 Honors Night" and a laurel wreath graphic on a green background.]

On May 13, the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont held its first in-person Honors Night since 2019 for graduating medical students in the Class of 2022. Among the accolades presented at the event were the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society faculty, housestaff, and community physician awards; the Arnold P. Gold Foundation's Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine faculty and student awards; the inaugural group of Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars; department awards to students; and awards from the Class of 2022.

“We’re gathered here today to take a look at where you’ve come from, and how you have excelled in your time at the Larner College of Medicine and overcome all the complications the pandemic could throw at you,” said Larner Dean Richard L. Page, M.D., during his welcome remarks.

Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Christa Zehle, M.D., served as emcee at the event in the UVM Davis Center’s Grand Maple Ballroom.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Awards

First to present awards were Class of 2022 medical students Richard Brach, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society president, and Alexa Pius, AOA Honor Medical Society vice president. The AOA awards recognize faculty and housestaff who embrace the AOA tenants of professionalism, scholarship, leadership, and service. Faculty awardees are Jesse Ritvo, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, Central Vermont Medical Center, and Katie Wells, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine at the UVM Medical Center. Housestaff awardees are Ali Jandal, M.D., and David Steinmetz, M.D., both clinical instructors/residents in internal medicine at UVM Medical Center. The Community Physician awardee is Toby Sadkin, M.D., clinical assistant professor of family medicine, from Primary Care Partners in St. Albans, Vt.

Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Awards

Brach also presented the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Awards. The Faculty Award recipient is Tim Lahey, M.D., M.M.Sc., professor of medicine and director of clinical ethics at UVM Medical Center. The Student Award recipient is Noorin Damji.

AHEC Scholars

Charles MacLean, M.D., associate dean for primary care and professor of medicine, announced the names of the inaugural class of Vermont AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Scholars. According to MacLean, "the goal of the AHEC Scholars program at the Larner College of Medicine is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence an individual’s overall health as well as their access to healthcare." AHEC Scholars have supplemented their education and completed projects that have addressed such priorities as social determinants of health; interprofessional education and collaboration; integration of behavioral health into primary care; impact of opioid prescribing in our communities; cultural competence and cultural humility; and using quality improvement approaches to transform healthcare delivery. The following medical students were recognized as AHEC Scholars: Michael Barnum; Elizabeth Baumgartner; Richard Brach; Alexander Braun; Sara Brennan; Magalie Carey; Kelly Chan; Sally Clark; Julia Clemens; Marlijne Cook; Noorin Damji; Emily Eakin; Gia Eapen; Adam Fakhri; Faith Genereux; Catherine Gereg; Emma Hall; Ryan Harned; Luke Higgins; Seneca Hutson; Sylvia Lane; Kelly MacPherson; Rachel Madhur; Taylor Marquis; Colby McGinn; Collin Montgomery; Adessa Morano; Michelle Oberding; Alexa Pius; Megan Prue; Adam Ross; Claudia Russell; Lauren Struck; Irene Sue; Nikkole Turgeon; Allison Tzeng; Jenna Wells; Nicole Wershoven; Hakeem Yousef.

Department Awards

Anesthesiology
Kevin Abnet, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, presented the John E. Mazuzan, Jr., M.D.’54 Award for excellence in neurology to Adam Morehead.

Emergency Medicine
Katherine Dolbec, M.D., assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Emergency Medicine, presented three awards. Taylor Marquis received the American College of Emergency Physicians Medical Student Professionalism and Leadership Award. Nikkole Turgeon was presented with the American College of Emergency Physicians/Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association National Outstanding Medical Student Award. Tierra Lynch was given the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Award for excellence in emergency medicine.

Family Medicine
Amanda Kolb, M.D., assistant professor of family medicine, presented three awards. The Fischer Award for the demonstration of excellence in family medicine was given to Emma Hall. The Family Medicine John Fogarty, M.D. Leadership Award was presented to Lauren Struck. The Edward E. Friedman Award for promise of excellence in the practice of family medicine was given to Mary Ann Kelly Barnum.

Medicine
Mark Pasanen, M.D., associate professor of medicine, presented the Ellsworth Amidon Award for outstanding proficiency in internal medicine to Erick MacLean.

Dennis Beatty, M.D., associate professor of medicine, presented the Laura Weed Award for scholarship, service, and clinical excellence in internal medicine to Ashleigh Peterson.

Neurology
Fatemeh Sobhani, M.D., assistant professor of neurological sciences, presented two awards. Magalie Carey received the American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for excellence in neurology. Adam Morehead received the Herbert Martin Sr., M.D. Award for excellence in neurology.

Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
Justin DeAngelis, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, presented the John V. Maeck, M.D.’39 Award for overall excellence in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences to Kalin Gregory-Davis. Erin Morris, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, presented the Carbee Award for academic excellence in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences to Gia Eapen.

Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation
Dean Zehle presented the Dr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Gould, M.D.’37 Prize for outstanding achievements in orthopaedic surgery on behalf of the department to Alexa Pius.

Pediatrics
Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics, presented the Ralph D. Sussman, M.D.’38/Medical Alumni Award for excellence in pediatrics to Phuong “P.J.” Tran. The inaugural Jerold and Ingela Lucey Early Career Investigator Prize for Innovations in Infant or Child Health was presented to Jennifer Holland and Melanie Parziale.

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Christina Wojewoda, M.D., associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, presented the American Pathologist Distinguished Medical Student Award to Garrett Chan.

Psychiatry
Jeremiah Dickerson, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, presented the William Sweetser Award for excellence in psychiatry to Rachel Harrison.

Radiology
Professor and Chair of Radiology Kristen DeStigter, M.D., presented the Walter Dodd, M.D. Award in Radiology for excellence in radiology to Adrian Berg.

Surgery
Jessica Cintolo-Gonzalez, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, presented three awards. Nicole Wershoven received the Harry Howe, M.D.’52 Senior Student Award for excellence in surgery. Megan Boyer received the H. Gordon Page, M.D.’45 Award for excellence in surgery. Emily Eakin was presented with the Pilcher Award for representing the qualities of Eleanor and Lewis Pilcher of devotion to family and patients, with a high regard for ethics and honesty.

Awards from the Class of 2022

Clinical Department of the Year Award: Emergency Medicine

Clinical Resident of the Year Award: Ali Jandal, M.D., Clinical Instructor/Resident in Medicine

Clinical Teacher of the Year Award: David Kaminsky, M.D., Professor of Medicine

Colette Award: Emma Faustner, Advanced Integration and Residency Placement Coordinator

Dignity in Medicine Award in recognition of respect, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ students, colleagues, and patients: Rachel Harrison ’22

Dean William Eustis Brown Award for broad cultural interests and loyalty to the College of Medicine: Jose Calderon ’22

Harry E. Howe, M.D. & Theo O. Howe Outstanding Teacher of Surgery Award: Katherine Dolbec, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine

Lamb Fellowship Award for best exemplifying concern and care for the total patient: Adam Fakhri ’22

Awards from the Office of Medical Student Education

Joseph Cleary, M.D. Award for ensuring the success of the educational and clinical experience at the Larner College of Medicine Connecticut Nuvance Campus: Alim Esemenli ’22 and Zeynep Tek

Charles T. Schechtman, M.D.’26 Award for Clinical Excellence for excellence in the clinical care of patients during the Clerkship Year: Faith Genereux, Malla Keefe, Elena Martel, Colby McGinn, and Nikkole Turgeon

Kerzner Family Prize for outstanding service to the community: Nikkole Turgeon

David Babbot, M.D. “Caring and Seeing” Award for commitment to medical education and patient care: Jose Calderon

Mildred A. Reardon, M.D.’67 Award for service to the Larner College of Medicine: Luke Higgins and Matthew Hill Brandt

Link to a video of the Class of 2022 Honors Night event on YouTube.

Announcements

 

We are excited to welcome to our department two new faculty: 
-Karen George, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology).  Dr. George is also Associate Dean for Students at Larner College of Medicine

-Amanda Kallen, MD,  Associate Professor of of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility)

Anne Dougherty, M.D., Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences has now accepted the enhanced role of ODEI Director for Gender Equity.

In this new role Dr. Dougherty will continue her current coordination of workshops, speakers and awards related to the LCOM Gender Equity Initiative.  She will also develop new mentoring and resource programs for women and underrepresented minorities in medicine, participate in analysis and tracking, and collaborate on efforts to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in faculty recruitment. As ODEI Director for Gender Equity, Dr. Dougherty will report directly to Margaret A. Tandoh, M.D., FACS, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.   Congratulations to Anne on her new role!

CONGRATULATIONS to the following faculty who received promotions (July 2021):
Nathalie Feldman, MD to Associate Professor and Navid Esfandiari, PhD to Professor

Navid Esfandiari, PhD, Professor, REI Division, received the "Star Award" from the 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) - October 2021

Congratulations to Justin DeAngelis, MD who was appointed interim assistant dean for students in the Office of Medical Student Education at the Larner College of Medicine, effective March 1. Read more here

A champion for women's health, diversity and science, Elizabeth Bonney, MD recognized in News Spotlight from UVM Larner College of Medicine.  Read the article here.

Navid Esfandiari, PhD, received the “Star Award” from the 76th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) – October 2020

Misty Blanchette Porter, MD, Associate Professor, REI Division, was invited to present at AIUM education webinar - teaching on ORADS and IOTA on the evaluation of adnexal masses – Sept 2020

Justin DeAngelis, MD, Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, was selected as Class Mentor to the residency by the class of 2021 and was recently awarded the 2019 APGO Excellence in Teaching Award.

SO PROUD! Congratulations to Katherine Menezes, MD (PGY-3) who was awarded the Clinical Resident of the Year Award by the LCOM graduating Class of 2021!!!!  These are the awards that are given out on Honors Night to and from the graduating class.  Check out the video here.

Marjorie Meyer, MD, Division Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine, was recognized for her work in the treatment of women with opioid dependence during pregnancy in Governor Phil Scott's State of the State address on Jan 9.  Read announcement here

Theresa Ko, PhD (Croucher Fellowship 2006), Assistant Professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, was recently interviewed with the Croucher Foundation in December 2019 about her molecular biology quest to reduce maternal deaths.   Read the article here

Elizabeth Bonney, MD, MPH, Professor and Head of the Division of Reproductive Sciences was selected to present the lecture entitled "A Theory of Maternal Immunity" at the 25th Annual Dr. Raymond O. Berry Memorial Lecture on October 18, 2019. Read the announcement here.

Congratulations to Marti Churchill, CNM who received the award for "Excellence in Advanced Nursing" at the Nursing Awards Ceremony  on May 6, 2019.

Congratulations to Tendai Chiware, MD who won the 2019 Beth Fitzpatrick M.D. Citizen of the World Award, awarded by the Global Health Program at UVM LCOM and the Western Connecticut Health Network. 

We are pleased to share news of the appointment of Anne Dougherty, M.D., as Gender Equity Liaison in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at The UVM Larner College of Medicine.    Read the announcement here.

Cheung Wong, MD was invested in a formal ceremony on June 8, 2018 as the inaugural Berta Pi-Sunyer Williams Endowed Professor.   Read all about it.

The cover photo on the March 2018 issue of the American Journal of Ob/Gyn is from Dr. Kelley McLean's article Mechanical heart valves in pregnancy:  the necessity of appropriate and careful anticoagulation.

Congratulations to Cheung Wong, MD for his recent appointment as the VP for Clinical Affairs for the University of Vermont Health Network.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bonney, MD and Natalia Gokina, PhD who have won the NIH RO1 funding for "Systemic Vasculature Remodeling Females:  Effects of the Immune System and Experience of Pregnancy".  The application was scored at the 1st percentile!

Our match results are in!  Announcing our newest residents 2018-2022:  Hayley Pierce (Saint Louis University); Allison Walker (Oregon Health & Science University) and Rebecca Zuckerman (University of Chicago).  We look forward to seeing them soon!

We are excited to welcome our new fellows on July 2, 2018 for their 3 year fellowship:  Maximilian Klein, MD (Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility fellow) and Ankita Kulkarni, MBBS (Maternal Fetal Medicine fellow)

Nathalie Feldman, M.D., Educator Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, was recently awarded (along with her colleague, Judy Lewis, MD in the Dept. of Psychiatry) the UVM Larner College of Medicine Teaching Academy's "Educational Scholarship Award" for her work on the learning environment.  

Jenna Flanagan, MD (PGY-3) will be presenting a poster "A Needs Assessment for Somali Women:  Optimizing this Populations' Peripartum Care in a Tertiary Care Center in Vermont" at the North American Refugee Health Conference, June 16-18, 2017 in Toronto, Canada.

Erin Morris, MD, received the 2017 APGO Excellence in Teaching Award.  Dr. Morris is an active clinical member of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine.  She currently serves as our Associate Ob/Gyn Clerkship Director and the Faculty mentor for the Ob/Gyn Student Interest Group. 

May 15, 2017 - Elise Everett, MD was presented the Clinical Teacher of the Year Award from the Class of 2017 during Honors Night.

CONGRATULATIONS to our new interns starting June 2017: Johanna Kelley, Katherine Menezes & Rebecca Parad.