COM-T Faculty Honored with Mentoring Awards
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson presented the winners of the 2022 Faculty Mentoring Awards at the May 19 General Faculty Meeting. The ceremony continues the college’s commitment to recognizing the importance of mentorship for the success of the faculty at the medical college.
“Mentorship is a critical component to the growth and success of faculty in academic medicine. To be a great mentor requires a special skillset, commitment and authentic interest in the development of others,” said Alice Min, MD, assistant dean of career development. “The Dean’s Council on Faculty Affairs is honored to recognize these amazing mentors, who were nominated by their mentees, for their extraordinary impact on their careers.”
Faculty members were asked to nominate their mentors with a letter of support, describing how the nominee’s contributions demonstrated excellence in mentorship. Several committees, including the Faculty Diversity Advisory Committee, members of the Dean’s Research Council, past residency program directors and a clinical faculty panel, reviewed the nominations and selected the winners.
Kimberly Gerhart, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics, below with each recipient, presented the awards. Below each photo is an excerpt from the awardee’s nomination material.
The college’s Faculty Excellence Award winners were published on Aug. 29.
Ilana B. Addis, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Division Director, Generalist Division
As interim chair, Dr. Ilana Addis was recognized for leading the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology through tremendous growth in faculty, research, publications and development. Nominators called her “an exceptional role model.”
As interim chair, Dr. Ilana Addis was recognized for leading the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology through tremendous growth in faculty, research, publications and development. Nominators called her “an exceptional role model.”
Maria Czuzak, PhD
Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Director, Anatomy
Nominators praised Dr. Maria Czuzak for her ability to master the balance between helping when needed and trusting mentees to get the job done. One nominator wrote, “her mentorship has allowed me to thrive as a junior faculty.”
Nominators praised Dr. Maria Czuzak for her ability to master the balance between helping when needed and trusting mentees to get the job done. One nominator wrote, “her mentorship has allowed me to thrive as a junior faculty.”
Michael Ditillo, DO, FACS
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Director, Geriatric Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care
Director, General Surgery Residency Program
Dr. Michael Ditillo was recognized for his listening skills, seeing the uniqueness in all of his mentees and looking for ways to nurture new ideas. One nominator wrote, “our world needs more mentors like Dr. Ditillo.” Dr. Ditillo was not present to receive his award.
Dr. Michael Ditillo was recognized for his listening skills, seeing the uniqueness in all of his mentees and looking for ways to nurture new ideas. One nominator wrote, “our world needs more mentors like Dr. Ditillo.” Dr. Ditillo was not present to receive his award.
Bellal Joseph, MD, FACS
Professor of Surgery and Neurosurgery
Chief, Division of Trauma/Critical Care – Burn and Emergency Surgery
Dr. Bellal Joseph was praised for helping his mentees find balance between academic and clinical responsibilities. One nominator wrote that “he is the mentor I aim to be.”
Dr. Bellal Joseph was praised for helping his mentees find balance between academic and clinical responsibilities. One nominator wrote that “he is the mentor I aim to be.”
Elizabeth Kyle Meehan, MD
Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine
Dr. Elizabeth Meehan was recognized for leading by example, modeling exemplary patient care and helping mentees navigate challenges. One nominator wrote, “this mentorship has led to great satisfaction with my early career.”
Dr. Elizabeth Meehan was recognized for leading by example, modeling exemplary patient care and helping mentees navigate challenges. One nominator wrote, “this mentorship has led to great satisfaction with my early career.”
Victoria Murrain, DO
Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine
Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Victoria Murrain was appreciated for her ability to help develop leadership skills by engaging others, developing networks and optimizing negotiations. One nominator wrote, “she is an incredible example of humble yet powerful leadership.” Dr. Murrain retired in July.
Dr. Victoria Murrain was appreciated for her ability to help develop leadership skills by engaging others, developing networks and optimizing negotiations. One nominator wrote, “she is an incredible example of humble yet powerful leadership.” Dr. Murrain retired in July.
Arthur Sanders, MD, MHA
Professor Emeritus of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Arthur Sanders was recognized for being a steadfast advocate for a better medical system, including his work in medical ethics. One nominator wrote, “he is an incredible role model.”
Dr. Arthur Sanders was recognized for being a steadfast advocate for a better medical system, including his work in medical ethics. One nominator wrote, “he is an incredible role model.”
Rachna Shroff, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Associate Dean, Clinical and Translational Research
Interim Division Chief, Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Rachna Shroff earned praise from her mentees for her professionalism, dedication and care toward patients, staff and colleagues. One nominator wrote that her “mentorship and leadership style has had a major, positive impact on my career.”
Dr. Rachna Shroff earned praise from her mentees for her professionalism, dedication and care toward patients, staff and colleagues. One nominator wrote that her “mentorship and leadership style has had a major, positive impact on my career.”
Kathy W. Smith, MD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education
Dr. Kathy Smith was recognized for the sustained duration and dedication of her mentorship. Her nominator wrote that she is “able to share in the full range of experience involved in psychiatry.”
Dr. Kathy Smith was recognized for the sustained duration and dedication of her mentorship. Her nominator wrote that she is “able to share in the full range of experience involved in psychiatry.”