The Department of Medicine celebrated its 2024 internal medicine residency graduation with a ceremony at the University of Wisconsin Union South on June 8, 2024.

In addition to remarks by Department Chair Lynn Schnapp, MD, George R. and Elaine Love Professor, the ceremony featured speaker Sara Johnson, MD, associate professor, Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, as well as a presentation of special trainee and faculty awards.

“It was a wonderful celebration of this outstanding class,” said residency director Andy Coyle, MD. “The graduates of the class of 2024 have been amazing—resilient in the face of challenges and constant change. They’ve demonstrated admirable commitment to their patients, our department, and the field of medicine. As they enter fellowship and clinical practice, we are grateful for all they have done and excited to see all they will accomplish in their careers!”

Awards presented to trainees

Residents receiving the TEACH Certificate have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to medical education by engaging in extra hours of conferences and journal clubs, by having their teaching directly observed and receiving feedback, and for those in the Pathway by completing an education capstone project. This year’s TEACH residents are Molly Cole, MD; Alexander Hoffman, MD; and Alaina Kelly, MD. The following residents also received the Distinction in TEACH designation: Mazen Almasry, MBBS; Keshvi Chauhan, MBBS; David Deemer, MD, MS; Marley Foertsch, MD; Quarshie Glover, MD; Matt Konz, MD; and Geralyn Palmer, MD. 

Global Health Pathway graduates participated in research and a curriculum focused on fostering cultural humility and caring for individuals in resource-poor settings. This year’s graduates are Quarshie Glover, MD; Danielle McQuinn, MD; and Joshua Morny, MD.

Health Equity Pathway graduates have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the pathway’s pillars: advocacy, equity, scholarship, community and humility. In addition to participating in workshops, completing curriculum, developing advocacy projects and engaging with community programs these residents each also completed a service project. This year’s graduates are Molly Cole, MD; David Deemer, MD, MS; Geralyn Palmer, MD; and Haley Probst, MD.

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The following trainee awards were based on votes by residents and/or faculty.

The Laurence G. Crocker, MD, Award for Outstanding Generalist is named for Dr. Larry Crocker, who was a member of the Division of General Internal Medicine. Prior to his retirement in 2007 at the age of 75, he was an outstanding role model for numerous UW faculty members. Dr. Crocker was a skilled and compassionate physician, dedicated to providing the best care for his patients. The recipient of this award is recognized as someone who embodies Dr. Crocker’s principles of patient care. This year’s award goes to Nichole Kochman, MD.

The Sobby Mathew Award is given to an intern who is hard-working, open-minded, supportive, selfless, and who demonstrates compassion and a caring attitude for their patients. Sobby Mathew was taken from us prematurely in a car accident at the end of her PG-1 year. She had been a strong role model in her congregation and local Indian community. She was widely admired by her peers and faculty for being so comforting to her patients and their advocate. Her service and volunteerism were conducted with selflessness and a genuine eternal optimism toward the power of humanity to do good. This year’s Sobby Mathew award winner is Daniel Pastan, MD.

The Wellness Promotion Award is awarded to a graduating resident who has shown consistent care and love for their fellow residents, extending joy and compassion, through their actions. It is intended to honor a resident who improves well-being and fosters connection and warmth in our community. This year’s award goes to Marley Foertsch, MD.

The Resident Advocacy Award goes to the resident who has made significant contributions to the institution and/or community by advocating for structural change to promote health equity and/or improve patient health outcomes. This year’s recipient is David Deemer, MD, MS.

The Resident Excellence in Teaching Award goes to the resident who offered excellence in teaching the principles and practice of Internal Medicine. This year’s award goes to a particularly dedicated and outstanding educator, Mazen Almasry, MBBS.

The Fellow Excellence in Teaching Award goes to a current fellow who has shown excellence in the education of interns and residents. This year’s award goes to Devon Miller, MD, Hematology/Oncology fellow, Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care.

Awards presented to faculty members and clinicians

The Research Mentorship Award goes to a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and excellence in mentoring resident researchers during their training. This year’s recipient is Farhan Raza, MD, assistant professor, Cardiovascular Medicine.

The Patient-Centered Award goes to a faculty member who embodies the best examples of empathy, humanism in patient-centered communication, and shared decision-making. This year’s award goes to Blair Golden, MD, MS, assistant professor, Hospital Medicine.

The Professionalism Award goes to a faculty member that you think best demonstrated some of the following characteristics-altruism; accountability to patients, the public and his/her profession; commitment to excellence; a sense of duty, honor and integrity; humanism, empathy and a respect for others. This year’s award goes to David Meyers, MD, clinical assistant adjunct professor, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

The Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award goes to a faculty member who offered the best opportunity to learn or is considered the best overall teacher in the Department of Medicine. This year’s award goes to two individuals: Barrett Kenny, MD, MS, clinical assistant professor, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Amik Sodhi, MBBS, MPH, associate professor, Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. 

The Physician’s Physician Award goes to the faculty member who you would send your family member to or would go to yourself. This is someone you trust in terms on medical knowledge, diagnostic and treatment, and dedication to patient care. This year’s award goes to Mark Micek, MD, MPH, clinical associate professor, General Internal Medicine.

New this year, the VA Faculty Teaching Award goes to a faculty member recognized for their consistent outstanding contributions to Department of Medicine trainees. This year’s recipient is Laura Phillips, MD, clinical assistant adjunct professor, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

The Special Recognition Award goes to a healthcare provider who has consistently offered education from their area of expertise to the department’s internal medicine residents. This year’s award goes to Jessica Baier, BSN.

Congratulations to all the graduating residents (pictured in banner photo) and award recipients!

All photo credit: Clint Thayer/Department of Medicine.