Resident Opportunities and Recognition

Each academic year, selected residents will be allowed to engage in training outside of the Saint Louis University-affiliated sites for a maximum of four weeks each. This is a competitive process that requires an application, approval and supporting documentation. A committee will review the application and determine if funding and support will be provided by the GME office for this experience. Applications must be received at least two months in advance of the expected training period.

Up to 28 days (approximately $5,000) per resident will be covered through the GME office for stipend, benefits and malpractice coverage (if U.S.-based rotation) during the away rotation. An additional travel allowance of up to $1,000 will be provided to offset a portion of the cost of airfare/transit to an international location and up to $500 to a U.S.-based location. Trainees remaining in St. Louis will not receive a travel allowance.

When partial existing funds are available for a rotation or travel, partial support may be provided by GME to offset unfunded expenses. The resident or program will be responsible for lodging, meals, required vaccinations or prophylactic medications, incidental costs, and fees associated with processing, licensing or credentialing at the away site, purchasing of international health insurance (mandatory) or additive malpractice coverage (optional).

The resident's training program will be responsible for any programmatic costs associated with the trainee's absence. International health insurance is available for a minimal cost through Saint Louis University via the SLU Marketplace website.

This program will neither replace established funding mechanisms for resident away rotations, nor fund experiences that are a required component of the residency training program. This program is intended to provide support for unique opportunities, resident-initiated experiences, or the initial development of international training partnerships for resident education. This program is not intended to fund established or annual "senior year" away rotations for a department/program. External or departmental support is expected for recurring away experiences. Denial of funding through this GME-supported program does not imply denial of approval by the GME office for the away experience; other funding mechanisms should be pursued.

Each training program may submit up to two applications for consideration during an academic year. Applications and supporting documentation must be completed before being considered by the review committee. Applications must clearly demonstrate the educational benefit to the trainee and program and the support of the program director and department. Upon return from the rotation, the trainee will be required to provide an educational presentation of the experience, complete a post-rotation report for the GME office and serve as a resource for other trainees who may be interested in away rotation experiences.<

A local faculty advisor and an off-site supervisor must be identified for each away experience. The advisor will be responsible for assisting the resident with the application process, obtaining necessary supporting documentation, monitoring the resident's participation in the away rotation and ensuring an evaluation of the resident takes place. The off-site supervisor must complete an end-of-rotation evaluation and agree to the term established for the away rotation. The resident, faculty advisor and program director are responsible for all planning, paperwork and travel arrangements.

A rotation description including goals and objectives, clinical responsibilities, and the supervision and evaluation process must be created by the program director, and an evaluation of the trainee must be performed at the end of the experience by the supervising clinician. When required, the program director must submit a program letter of agreement between Saint Louis University and the away site which outlines the resident responsibilities, educational activities, and supervision structure of the away rotation. The program director must complete any paperwork required by the away rotation site at least one month in advance of the start of the rotation.

The away rotation must not place undue clinical or service stress on other trainees or compromise patient care. Participating residents must not be required to extend residency training by participating in the away rotation. The away rotation must provide a certifiable educational experience as outlined in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Resident Review Committee Program Requirements for the trainee's specialty.

Applications will be reviewed for merit and priority by the Program for Away Rotation Review Committee comprised of resident, faculty and GME members. Applications will be reviewed for approval/funding twice each year (May 1 and Nov. 1). A resident must be in good standing with the training program and the school and is eligible to participate in a GME-supported away rotation only once while in training at Saint Louis University. Priority will be given to those trainees who:

• Are a PGY-2 or higher
• Utilize the full four-week rotation period
• Engage in clinical activities and accompany a Saint Louis University faculty on the rotation
• Provide care to an underserved population
• Work internationally
• Participate in a well-established governmental educational or philanthropic program/organization
• Engage in an educational activity that is not available at Saint Louis University-affiliated training sites

The away rotation cannot take place in a restricted location, site of military conflict or area which would place the trainee in physical danger.

• Application: Residents Rotating to Other Institutions
• Application: Program for Away Rotation
• Post-Rotation Report

Oral Competition

• Courtney Crider, dermatology: First place
• Oluwasayo Adeyemo, internal medicine: Second place
• Peyman Dinarvand, pathology: Honorable mention
• Manish Malkar, pediatric cardiology: Honorable mention

At-Poster Discussion

• Martin Schoen, hematology/oncology: Best At-Poster Discussion
• Pujan Patel, pulmonary disease/critical care: Best Quality Improvement Poster

Oral Competition

• William Perez, maternal-fetal medicine: First place
• Cara Buskmiller, obstetrics/gynecology: Second place
• Alyssa Higgins, pathology: Honorable mention
• Elias Ghossoub, forensic psychiatry: Honorable mention

At-Poster Discussion

• Rebecca Rimsza, M.D., obstetrics/gynecology: Best At-Poster Discussion
• Thomas Fay, M.D., pathology: Best Quality Improvement Poster

Oral Competition

• Nishika Moradia, surgery: First place
• Yusuf Agamawi, otolaryngology: Second place
• Bryce Stash, plastic surgery: Honorable mention
• Andrew Jilwan, Ophthalmology: Honorable mention

At-Poster Discussion

• Najib El Tecle, neurosurgery: Best At-Poster Discussion
• Jasmin Meinke-Zhao, internal medicine: Best Quality Improvement Poster

Oral Competition

• First Place: Erica Bonura, M.D., Pediatric Cardiology
• Second Place: Chen Wu, M.D., Neurology
• Honorable Mention: Saniya Shaikh, D.O., Dermatology
• Honorable Mention: M. Khurram Afzal, M.D., Neurology
• Honorable Mention: Mohammad Al Majali, M.D., Neurology

At-Poster Discussion

• Quality Improvement: Sandeep Jain, M.D., Chief Quality and Safety Fellowship
• Research: Claire Wunker, M.D., Surgery
• Research: Kavita Darji, M.D., Dermatology
• Research: Wilson Rodriguez, M.D., Neurology

Oral Competition

• First Place: Peyton Murin, M.D., Neurology
• Second Place: Kevan Long, M.D., Emergency Medicine
• Honorable Mention: Peter Firouzbakht, M.D., Plastic Surgery
• Honorable Mention: John Houser, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery

At-Poster Discussion

• Quality Improvement: Joshua Leu, M.D., Emergency Medicine
• Research: Ashley Ojeaga, M.D., Dermatology
• Research: Abdullah Hakoun, M.D., Neurology

Oral Competition

• First Place: Peter Firouzbakht, M.D., Plastic Surgery, Tyler Ragsdale, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery
• Second Place: Carley Pickett, D.O., Internal Medicine
• Honorable Mention: Amire Zakhary, M.D., Inernal Medicine
• Honorable Mention: Lina Okar, M.D., Neurology

At-Poster Discussion

• Quality Improvement: Victoria Phillips, M.D., Family Medicine STL
• Case Study: Katie Hanson, M.D., Forensic Pathology
• Medical Education: Danier Ong, M.D., Emergency Medicine
• Research: Sheetal Sethupathi, M.D., Dermatology

• Caitlin Francoisse, M.D.
• Varun Halani, M.D.
• Lemuel Sibulo, D.O.

• Elsayed Abo-Salem, M.D.
• Caitlin Francoisse, M.D.
• Julie Gammack, M.D.
• Farzana Hoque, M.D.
• Peter Shawki, M.D.

• Dakota Dreher, M.D.
• Caleb Overfelt, M.D.
• David Owens, D.O.
• Michelle Mangold, D.O.
• Jay Desai, M.D.
• Grace Wang, M.D.
• Keric Lickerman, M.D.
• Zachary Kisley, D.O.
• Tanner Wallen, M.D.

• Grace Wang, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine

• Jacob Grodsky, M.D.
• Joshua Leu, M.D.

• Jacob Grodsky, M.D., Department of Ophthalmology
• Joshua Leu, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine

• Issam Atallah, M.D., Cardiology
• Bryan Beck, M.D., Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care
• Adam Douglas M.D., Internal Medicine
• Shreya Lamba, M.D., Urology
• Megan Tuttle, D.O., Internal Medicine
• Chad Stanley, M.D., Emergency Medicine
• Justine Keller, M.D., Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Saida Kent, M.D., Internal Medicine
• Stephanie Link, D.O., Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care
• Joseph Cumming, M.D., Internal Medicine

• Stephanie Link, D.O., Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care
• Justine Keller, M.D., Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Saida Kent, M.D., Internal Medicine
• Joseph Cumming, M.D., Internal Medicine

• Dr. Tejas Sangoi (Internal Medicine): Dr. Sangoi goes above and beyond to make sure that his patients receive everything they need. If given permission, and if the patient wishes it, he will call families multiple times a day to ensure that they know everything that is happening with their loved ones in these rough times. He will make sure to read about his patients hours before scheduled visits to ensure he doesn’t waste time by asking questions that he should already know the answer to. Before COVID, he received many hugs from patients for the exceptional care he had provided.
• Dr. John Capelle (Orthopaedic Surgery): Dr. Capelle takes time to explain to patients their diagnosis and treatment plans in a manner that is understandable and reassuring. He treats his patients in a very respectful demeanor, asking about both their physical and mental well-being. In addition to going above and beyond for his patients, Dr. Capelle is always willing to help his fellow workers around the hospital and has done this consistently for the past five years.
• Dr. Jon George (Pediatrics): Jon is eager to go to the bedside. He never turns away from an opportunity to interact with patients. When you call with concerns, he is there immediately to assess the patient. When the unit is busy at night he is walking around room to room making sure everyone is doing okay. He offers to help anyone that needs it, and has even been seen stocking bedside carts. He is an asset to Cardinal Glennon and has the “Glennon” touch.
• Dr. Raymond Okeke (General Surgery): Ray cares so much about his patients and makes the nurses feel like a valued part of the care team. There is a level of mutual respect with him that I do not see with other physicians. He came to the beside multiple times for a patient who was anxious about surgery and returned multiple times to check afterward. He does all of this with a positive attitude and he greets and acknowledges everyone in the morning when he is rounding with his team. It is truly a privilege to work with him.
• Dr. Lemuel Sibulo, D.O.: anesthesiology resident, is empathetic and caring for all his patients. He is a fierce advocate for ensuring the highest quality of care they can receive. During his obstetrics anesthesia rotation, he took his time explaining the risks and the benefits of an epidural blood patch and calmly allayed not only the patient's fears about the situation but also her husband's. He performed such a smooth epidural block on a mother with multiple traumatic epidurals in the past that she was considering naming her child after him. He is a stellar human being - patients and staff love him.
• Dr. Claire Murray, D.O.: a neonatal-perinatal fellow, respects her patients, listens to them and validates their concerns. She engages her team to ensure everyone is held to the same standard of care and is always prepared to help someone with patient care. Dr. Murray provided great anticipatory guidance to expectant parents of a child with Trisomy 13. Her empathetic communication allowed for seamless care when the child was delivered. Dr. Murray led a resuscitation of an infant with several anomalies who was not expected to survive after birth. She was purposeful and sensitive to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering and allow the infant die with dignity.
• Dr. Paul Eckerle, M.D.: a pulmonary disease and critical care fellow, consistently demonstrates the highest ideals of humanistic medical care and is a role model to other providers. Whether it was making sure to call all the patients' families on the MICU to update them regarding care due to constraints of visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, consoling and helping with decision-making for a family member whose loved one was not likely to survive COVID-19, or making sure his patient's wife was able to see her dying husband via Facetime, Dr. Eckerle always shows compassion and his thoughtful approach to medical care is tailored to each patient.
• Dr. Victoria Hayes, M.D.: an OB/GYN resident, always puts the patients' needs first and works hard to ensure they are well taken care of. In a tough case where a young patient had been sexually assaulted by a family member and delivered at home, Dr. Hayes showed incredible leadership and compassion. She led the multi-disciplinary group in regard to the case, established excellent rapport/trust with the patient, helped educate the patient on the process that was unfolding, and ensured the patient was placed in a safe environment upon discharge. Dr. Hayes showed a truly amazing display of exceptional, humanistic, patient-centered care.

• Dr. Keric Lickerman (Emergency Medicine): Dr. Lickerman is an exceedingly kind physician. He focuses on providing the best care possible no matter how frustrating, exhausting, or complex a case may be. He is compassionate and thorough with his patients and treats his fellow staff members with respect and empathy. Dr. Keric creates an environment of trust and enables his staff to treat patients with care and respect. He is an inspiration, who consistently focuses on the caring aspect of medicine.
• Dr. Megan Ottomeyer (Neonatology): Dr. Ottomeyer consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. She is respectful of patient/family autonomy and will always root for the underdog. Not only does she strive to save lives, but in the event that she cannot, she tactfully and compassionately prepares the families for the unthinkable. In a recent situation regarding care for a patient fighting for his life; Megan advocated for the family's end-of-life wishes, was a leader in his palliation, and was even asked to speak at his funeral. Dr. Ottomeyer is both a fantastic physician and wonderful human being.
• Dr. Luke Momper (Orthopedic Surgery): Dr. Momper has demonstrated compassion, empathy, and active listening when providing care. In a tough situation regarding care for a critically ill patient, he sat with and listened empathetically to the family as they expressed their wishes. He also demonstrated intense listening as one of the family members shared stories about the patient and their current state prior to hospitalization. Luke's compassion and empathy while navigating through some of the most difficult parts of medicine should be applauded.
• Dr. Jordan Hendrickson (Internal Medicine): Dr. Hendrickson goes above and beyond for her patients and families, calling families and ensuring they are updated and staying late to meet with families when they are available. She recently cared for an elderly veteran with metastatic lung carcinoma who had a very poor prognosis. His second hospital day was his birthday and all he wanted was chicken noodle soup. Dr. Hendrickson went out and purchased quality chicken noodle soup and a cupcake and coordinated with the nursing staff as they sang him "Happy Birthday." She also coordinated with our house supervisor to get him visitation approval so his wife could come see him on his birthday, as well.
• Dr. Eric Marin (Neurology): Dr. Marin has repeatedly demonstrated both compassion and empathy when having discussions with families. But more importantly, he listens to the families – to their stories about their loved ones under his care, and how much they mean to them. He skillfully navigates them through the possible next steps in their care and supports them with whatever decision they make. Dr. Marin was recently involved in a case involving a young patient with an unexpected severe brain injury with little-to-no chance of meaningful recovery. Dr. Marin reviewed the findings of the patient’s exam and imaging, and afterward, he sat with the family and offered his support.

• Dr. Muhammad Khurram Afzal (Neurology: Dr. Afzal provides excellent team-based care to patients. As a consult for seizures, Dr. Afzal came immediately to the bedside when called and assisted the primary team with medication administration. He was patient throughout the situation and taught/de-briefed with the student after resolution of the seizures. When also consulted for a patient with quickly progressing ascending sensory deficits, he was quick to try to obtain an LP on his solo weekend day. When unsuccessful, he updated the primary call team, started empiric treatment, and ordered future labs/procedures in an attempt to expedite the process of providing great care to the patient. Dr. Afzal’s demeanor, professionalism, and willingness to help our team was exceptional and he should be recognized for his great work!
• Dr. Malia Gresham (Otolaryngology): Malia is an empathetic physician who connects with her patients and sees their innate humanity. She has demonstrated this in many ways over the last five years at SLU as a resident physician. She consistently takes the time to talk to patients and families, to hear and address their concerns without making them feel like they are taking up her time. She validates her patients' feelings and often recognizes that their symptoms are actually related to a deeper emotional issue. Malia brings this spirit of humanistic healing to her work every day.
• Dr. Nelly Bellamy (Internal Medicine): Nelly was always ready to see any patient and help us take care of the patient no matter what other million things were going on. Nelly also enjoyed the team’s contributions to patient care and would include every member of the team, including medical students, and always asked what we would like to learn to increase our fund of knowledge in order to help the next patient. Her readiness to serve, speak with patients and stay later than all other residents to make sure the patient had their needs taken care of make her a fantastic nominee for the Humanistic Healer Award.
• Dr. John Green (Orthopaedic Surgery): Dr. Green demonstrates both exceptional care for his patients and provides an outstanding example for his co-residents. He never complains about taking on additional work and approaches patient care with enthusiasm. He is consistently deserving of the humanistic healer award for maintaining this high level of care with a positive attitude.
• Dr. Karsen Corn (Orthopaedic Surgery): Karsen came in on her day off to help our team which is short-handed. Her interactions with patients make each feel unique and cared for.
• Dr. Brianna Whithorn (Surgery): Dr. Whithorn has a passion for patient care and always goes the extra mile. She is determined that each of her patients gets equal opportunities and advocates for them to ensure the highest quality of care. I truly admire her resiliency and one day should I ever need surgery I would trust her completely.
• Dr. Amresh Kumar (Nephrology): Dr. Kumar went above and beyond to help a patient regarding his clinical condition. He has great communication skills, is always available to help his co-fellows, and has been very nice, kind and listens with a lot of patience about all of his patients' concerns.
• Dr. Michael Scott Lasky (Anesthesiology): While on an off-service rotation at the VA walk-in, Scott went the extra mile for a veteran that was having multiple medical problems including a psychiatric crisis. He delivered comprehensive care and ensured appropriate follow-up. He demonstrated humanistic care by addressing the entire patient as a whole and not a collection of medical problems.

• Dr. Louisa Ragsdale (Plastic Surgery): “Louisa is a selfless doctor, who treats and takes care of patients like she's a family medicine doctor. She has the gift of being able to connect with all sorts of patients and manages to make even the toughest of patients more comfortable in our clinic. She consistently goes above and beyond without being asked to do so.”

• Dr. Carter Abicht (Anesthesiology): “Dr. Abicht’s exceptional clinical skills shine through in their approach to complex cases while consistently delivering high-quality care. Their unwavering positivity, even in the face of a high patient volume & numerous calls concerning deteriorating patients, fosters a supportive atmosphere for both patients & medical teams.”

• Dr. Fawwaz Almajali (General Surgery): “Dr. Almajali has been incredibly diligent in his care of pediatric surgery patients. His attention to details, follow-up, and communication with multiple services has been excellent. He calls to check on patients on his days off and always makes himself available for patients and staff to help manage complicated cases. Dr. Almajali often times presents the latest up-to-date evidenced based guidelines when new procedural techniques are on the forefront. He is a great teacher for our students, nurses and fellow residents”

• Dr. Stephanie Link (Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care): “Dr. Link came down in the evening to help with a situation regarding a brain death patient. She had just gotten sign out and received information regarding the need to come tell the family that they would have to withdraw care given the patient's situation. She immediately came to establish clear communication with the day/night Charge RN's but also the Primary RN regarding the situation. She wanted to understand the whole situation clearly before going to the patient's bedside to speak with the family. She was very professional, approachable and extremely helpful in dealing with this very sensitive situation. She looped in all appropriate parties including pastoral care so that we were best able to provide support for the family during this difficult time. Dr. Link did an amazing job speaking with the family, providing comfort and compassion along with clear communication with all of the healthcare providers.”

• Dr. Kellen Smutz (Internal Medicine): “Dr. Smutz is always learning and involving empathy and passionate care in his daily practice. Kellen shows a humanistic spirit with every visit and every conversation with patients or family members. He leans to be at the eye level of the patient and explains what is going on with so much patience. He holds the hand of the patients while examining them if there's any sign of anxiety. He takes time and shows that he cares in every encounter. If needed, he comes back later to make sure the information was understood and that the patient has been able to handle it. He provides the support patients should have when dealing with a serious illness.”

• Dr. Yousef Omar (Internal Medicine): “Yousef is exceptionally upbeat and always willing to go the extra mile for his patients. He is kind, caring, excited to teach/work with medical students, a humble learner, and all around great to work with. His positive attitude improves the entire team environment. He really takes time to ensure he is doing what he believes the patient and family would want, and not what is easiest. Dr. Omar also makes sure to research his patients and provide top-level up-to-date care. I would want Yousef to care for my family.”

• Dr. Lynn Bourn (Plastic Surgery): “On July 28, my husband arrived at SLU Hospital with a severe arm injury from a rollover ATV accident. Not knowing the extent of his injury and being four hours from home, we were nervous to say the least. The first day we met a ton of doctors and surgeons from ortho, trauma and plastics. They were all good doctors and very nice, but one of them stuck out to us from the beginning, Dr. Lynn Bourn.

• Dr. Sajeeka Jeyakumar (Gero Trak Psychiatry): “Dr. Jeyakumar spends significant amounts of time caring for her complex geriatric patients and their families outside of clinic hours. She tries to find the best therapist for her depressed patients, the best support group for her Alzheimer's patients' families, and the best long-term care placement for those needing it. She is always exploring promising new treatments, using sound-bowl therapy recently as part of a relaxation scheme together with yoga for an anxious older adult patient. During nursing home visits, she shows her empathy and caring for even our sickest patients. On the ECT service, she spends extra time reassuring patients and families to give them hope. She is a great advocate of providing high-quality mental health care for needy/underserved and minority populations and volunteers in an inner-city clinic.”

• Dr. Halim Bou Daher (Internal Medicine): “Halim's approach to care is centered around kindness, patience, and commitment; which are key components of exceptional, humanistic, and patient-centered care. He understands that the patient's experience goes beyond just treating their medical condition, and that a kind and caring demeanor can greatly improve their overall well-being. Dr. Bou Daher's commitment to his patients is unwavering. He prioritizes their best interests above all else, working tirelessly to ensure that they receive the highest quality care. He keeps up-to-date with the latest medical research, and always seeks to provide patients with the most effective treatments and interventions.”
  
  “Halim refused to believe that an elderly patient we had was simply ‘demented and needed hospice.’ He believed the patient was delirious from other reversible underlying causes. After extensive workup, and addressing all possible causes of delirium, the patient's mental status improved and she was granted the ability to go to a facility to get stronger, rather than the original plan to go home on hospice.”

• Dr. Jacob Grodsky (Ophthalmology): “Jake demonstrates empathy, kindness and always goes above-and-beyond to help patients, staff and colleagues. He takes the time to listen to patient and colleagues’ concerns, answer their questions, and provide emotional support when needed. Dr. Grodsky provides excellent team-based care to patients.”

• Dr. Quratulanne "Anne" Sheheryar (Geriatric Psychiatry): “A fellow resident in our Department recently sustained a complex tibia/fibular fracture after a fall. The affected resident has no family and is living alone in St Louis. The resident became a SLU patient. Dr. Sheheryar quickly came to her aid; transporting her to and from the hospital for her surgery and providing 24 hour post-op care for her in her apartment, making arrangements for meals and for care of the patients dog, raising funds to provide meals for the resident(patient), taking her for aftercare appointments in her cast/wheelchair, and above all, providing much needed emotional support to the patient throughout her ordeal. Dr. Sheheryar truly went above and beyond the call of duty to help this patient while not neglecting her responsibilities as a Geriatric Psychiatry Fellow.”
• Dr. Caroline Haynes (Anesthesiology): “As an anesthesiology resident, Caroline goes above and beyond every single day not only for her patients but for her colleagues and co-residents as well. She has her patients' best interest at heart 100% of the time in all patient settings. She will ensure that they are medically safe at all times while in her care, by ensuring they are stable for surgery, well taken care of in the peri-op setting, and seeing them safely to the recovery room or to the ICU. She has possibly the best bedside manner I've seen, always smiling and laughing with her patients and making them feel safe and cared for during a very stressful time in their lives. She is also a fierce advocate for our patients even when not directly involved in their care; when she is the OR board runner for the day she works hard to ensure that each patient/case is scheduled with the most appropriate anesthesia team for their care, and works hard to keep the OR running smoothly. She will voluntarily take on extra work without being asked if it means that she can help a colleague. She has taken extra call shifts, covered sick days, and stayed late when necessary to help her co-residents have an easier time whether personally or professionally, all without ever being asked or asking anything in return. I can think of no one more deserving of this award. She exemplifies the SSM mission and is someone we should all strive to emulate.”
• Dr. Jillian Baker (Ophthalmology): “"We have worked with her many times and she is always very helpful, professional , willing to go the extra mile for her patients but also for the primary teams. It makes a huge difference when we have highly driven and supportive medical team and Dr Baker doesn’t shy away from revealing this competence. In an era when people do the minimum, it’s refreshing to see others still being focused on the reason we are all in this field."

Outstanding Clinical Educator Award for a Resident in:

• Family Medicine: Ashley Meyr, M.D.
• Internal Medicine: Nikhil Malhotra, M.D.
• Neurology: Kevin Yeboah, M.D.
• OB/GYN: Amy Gee, M.D.
• Pediatrics: Megan Ottomeyer, D.O.
• Psychiatry: Nathalie Boulos, M.D.
• Surgery: Jennifer Keller, M.D.
• Elective Rotation: Elizabeth Billquist, M.D.

Outstanding Clinical Educator Award for a Resident in:

• Family Medicine: Marco Garcia, D.O.
• Internal Medicine: Aditya Suresh, M.D.
• Neurology: Eric Marin, M.D.
• OB/GYN: Victoria Hayes, M.D.
• Pediatrics: Charlie Boyle, M.D.
• Psychiatry: Allison Montgomery, D.O.
• Surgery: Raymond Okeke, M.D.
• Elective Rotation: Michael Gasser, M.D.

Outstanding Clinical Educator Award for a Resident in:

• Psychiatry: Amy Gallop, M.D.
• Neurology: Wilson Rodriguez, M.D.
• Pediatrics: Sam Richey, M.D.
• Internal Medicine: Bilal Khan, D.O.
• Surgery: Vatche Melkonian, D.O.
• OB/GYN: Alison Watkins, M.D.
• Elective Rotation: Luke Momper, M.D.

Outstanding Clinical Educator Award for a Resident in:

• OB/GYN: Megan Monohan, M.D.
• Internal Medicine: Abdallah El Alayli, M.D.
• Pediatrics: Joshua Thomas, M.D.
• Psychiatry: Kirkland Polk, M.D.
• Neurology: Muhammad Khurram Afzal, M.B.B.S.
• Surgery: Fawwaz Almajali, M.D.
• Elective Rotation: Lynn Bourn, M.D.

• Malia Gresham (Otolaryngology): "Malia has been an incredible chief and educator to all medical students and junior residents. As an educator, she has a unique ability to teach difficult topics in an approachable and palatable way where every level of learner has an opportunity to engage in the topic at hand."

  "She strives to have a welcoming learning environment where everyone can feel welcome to ask questions or raise concerns. From formal Grand Rounds topics where she distills complex research data into understandable and implementable clinical concepts to teaching intricate head and neck anatomy during informal discussions, Malia is a role model educator."

  "Through years of working with Malia, she has made me into a more conscious colleague/co-worker with regard to professionalism by helping bring light to how some interactions may be perceived by different team members. She has helped me be more aware of how content that is presented my be perceived by my audience and the importance of self reflection with regard to my work."

• Sandeep Jain (Chief Quality & Safety Fellowship): "Dr. Jain has impacted my experience in ways that go beyond words. Because of how engaged and encouraging he is towards his teams, it has made my medical school experience enjoyable and educational. He makes me feel like a valued member of the team, which has allowed for me to truly focus on learning."

• Alejandro Mendez-Castillo (Radiology): "Dr. Mendez-Castillo shows great competency in handling complex issues within Radiology. He has committed to work with faculty and residents as well as chairmen to make reasonable harmony within the system. He is very sincere and empathetic, listens to problems and presents step-by-step solutions. His presence in Radiology has brought a huge relief to everyone."

  "Dr. Mendez-Castillo is optimistic and actively engages with everyone. His always-positive attitude does not go unnoticed."

• Amy Gallop (Psychiatry): “Even during busy inpatient rotations she makes time for teaching the med students vital psychiatry topics, making the experience fun, engaging and always looking out how to help a student improve their work and convince them to apply to psychiatry! Dr. Gallop is always looking to promote stronger interdisciplinary resident connections.”

  “Dr. Gallop has shown me what it means to be a leader, someone who translates vision into reality. She is a psychiatrist who cares deeply for each patient and will be a psychiatrist leader who will move the field forward."

• Oluwabamise "Ray" Akinnawo (Emergency Medicine): "Dr. Akinnawo exemplifies professionalism in academic medicine. Ray provides competent and compassionate care to all patients, regardless of their background. As a recent example, he supported a family through a palliative extubation and death for a patient with a large intracerebral hemorrhage. The family commended Ray for his compassion in this difficult time."

  "Ray acknowledges the contributions of all team members and celebrates the wins of his colleagues. He has been recognized by medical students for providing exceptional on-shift teaching."

  "Ray is a joy - very easy to teach - intellectually curious, absorbs information, and consistently expresses appreciation for faculty's guidance."

• Wilson Rodriguez (Neurology): "Dr. Rodriguez shows incredible passion for both the field of neurology and teaching medical students. He always takes extra time out of his day to talk with patients and discuss their conditions as well as teach medical students."

  "Wilson gives excellent and succinct presentations on a variety of topics. He makes teaching interactive and more engaging by using the board and providing real-life examples."

  "Dr. Rodriguez provides a lot of understanding and respect to the field of neurology, which is often a field that medical students fear because of it's complexity and challenging long-term conditions. Dr. Rodriguez makes experiences for the general neurology team much more educational and has truly allowed students to connect with the field."

• Keric Lickerman (Emergency Medicine): "Dr. Lickerman is committed to professionalism within the learning environment."

• Lisa Velez-Velez (Otolaryngology): "Lisa Velez is the type of doctor whose empathetic demeanor, skills as a team player, and strong intellect allow her to lead by example and act as a role model for others. Since starting at SLU as an ENT resident, she has had an unwavering work ethic that continues to this day, despite the fact that she came into residency during a pandemic, is far from her family in Puerto Rico, and that a surgical subspecialty residency isn’t an easy task to begin with."

  "Her fluidity in working with a diverse population of patients and co-workers allows her to minimize conflict or miscommunications. She thrives in an environment that can sometimes be hectic; her calm presence is contagious to those of us around her (those of us who sometimes let situations raise our own blood pressure and cave into the escalation of stress). Lisa has improved our program with her effortless work prioritization, her intellect, her ability to care for difficult patients, and her ability to thrive under stressful environments (including COVID, flooding/power-outages/natural disaster in her home country of Puerto Rico, busy clinic and operative schedule here at SLU). Lisa has shown what it means to be a strong but soft-spoken leader."

• Louisa Ragsdale (Plastic Surgery): "Louisa has earned the reputation of the resident who is often sent into difficult patient rooms as she has the unique ability to meet each patient on his or her own level and to make them feel heard when they previously may have felt dismissed by the medical system. It is not often that doctors, or more particularly surgeons, are known to possess this level of compassion. She makes everyone she comes in contact with feel valued."

  "Dr. Ragsdale taught me to find the joy and interconnection in all realms of medicine. She is able to seamlessly integrate topics and concepts from everything from into her Plastic Surgery lessons. She is the only doctor who could somehow make a lesson on pressure sores interesting."

• Vimita Patel (Psychiatry): "Dr. Patel is extremely professional. She takes the time to explain not only to the patient but to the team about reasons for diagnosis and treatment. Vimita is a great example of multi and interdisciplinary teamwork and how to use strengths and experience to assist colleagues and better understand/provide the best care for patients."
• Raymond Okeke (General Surgery): He's a chief resident, and on top of his duties to practice, learn, and administrate. Ray is in charge of making sure that the other residents are learning what they need to learn. Trauma service adds more to this plate every day, and he nods and gets to it; no complaints or hesitation. With Raymond around, I have hope that even though they are working long shifts, the residents are being given the tools they need to learn how to not only be good surgeons, but good co-workers and team players."
• Adam Newlin (Psychiatry): "As it relates to patient care, Dr. Newlin has frequently spent extra time with patients and their families. Although he may refer to this as 'just doing the job,' it is rare to see a physician spend so much time with family members. While working on our acute psychiatric unit, he would stay later to speak with social workers to ensure the safest disposition for some of our high-risk patients. When talking to patients, he is always caring, compassionate, with excellent bedside manners (often kneeling for a whole interview to meet them at their eye-level). Although I am above him in level of training, Dr. Newlin's care and compassion is contagious, and I hop to be a positive force like him upon graduating residency." 

• Naila Ahmad, M.D., Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Stephen Cagle, M.D., Family Medicine

• Kimbell Kornu, M.D., Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Medicine
• Lina Toledo-Franco, M.D., Hospice & Palliative Medicine

• Amy Bilyeu, M.D., OB/GYN
• Sean Massa, M.D., Otolaryngology
• Adam Kilian, M.D., Rheumatology
• Gillian Heinecke, M.D., Dermatology

• Joseph Wheeler, M.D., Internal Medicine
• Justine Purdy, M.D., Internal Medicine
• Ashley Ali, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery
• Tim Phillips, M.D., Pediatric Urology

• Peter Firouzbakht (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery)
• Tikku George (Neurology)
• John Green IV (Orthopaedic Surgery)
• Aurora Kareh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery)
• Vatche Melkonian (General Surgery)
• Kelvin Pollard (Internal Medicine)
• Wilson Rodriguez (Neurology)
• Aditya Suresh (Internal Medicine)
• Megan Ottomeyer (Pediatrics - Neonatology)

• Christopher Iskander (Pediatric Cardiology)
• Andrew Garcia (Emerency Medicine)
• Anna Hwang (OB/GYN)
• Kristen Dougherty (Surgery)
• Ana Curta (Child Neurology)