Faculty and Students Honored at College’s Phoenix Med Awards

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix hosted its first annual Phoenix Medical Awards to honor faculty and students who have made dedicated strides in practicing medicine.

With his opening remarks, Fred E. Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, dean of the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix, recognized the outstanding educators and students who make the clinical training rotations unforgettable.

“We gather to celebrate the achievements, dedication and passion of our remarkable students and faculty,” Dean Wondisford said. “This evening is a reflection of the hard work and commitment that make our College of Medicine – Phoenix truly exceptional.”

James Prister, MD, associate dean of Clinical Curriculum, introduced the Department Awards, stating that each department chose one student who stood out for their outstanding clinical performance during the 2024-2025 academic year.

“At the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, we take pride in the achievements of our students,” Dr. Prister said. “It’s an honor to recognize those who consistently perform at the highest level of excellence.”

Presented by Jonathan Cartsonis, MD, the Longitudinal Clerkship Award went to Rebecca King, MD, for her outstanding work with the Gila River Indian Community. He noted that Dr. King sought all opportunities to engage with patients and their medical needs.

“Rebecca’s leadership paved the way for how a visiting medical student should engage into the Gila River Community, benefitting all involved,” Dr. Cartsonis said. “Her efforts, along with Natalie Gray, her medical student colleague, opened up a greater collaboration with the Gila River Indian community.”

The Pillar Awards recognize students who have demonstrated exemplary performance in areas that are considered part of the pillars at the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix. The recipients are selected by the Senior Celebration Honors and Awards Committee.
Ranita Sharma, MD, presented Shannon Alsobrooks, MD, with the Stuart D. Flynn, MD Pillar of Leadership Award. Dr. Alsobrooks received this award for her tireless work with the underserved in Arizona and beyond.

“She has mentored high school students, educated community members, volunteered for the Street Medicine program and taken a mission trip to Mexico,” Dr. Sharma said. “Thank you, Shannon, for your contributions and for role modeling leadership to our student body.”

Leah Hillier, MD, a clinical assistant professor and director of Service Learning, presented the Gerald L. Wissink Pillar of Community Award to Tori Damore, MD. This Pillar Award is presented to a student who exhibits unparalleled commitment to and positive effect on the community.

“This individual found time to be part of our student government, be part of the admissions committee and be a leader in numerous student groups,” Dr. Hillier said. “It is my honor to present this Pillar of Community Award to Tori Damore.”

Dean Wondisford presented the Robert E. Kravetz, MD, Pillar of Scholarship Award to Kendall Schwartz, MD, for her exceptional academic rigor, intellectual curiosity and passion for advancing the field of medicine.

“Dr. Schwartz’s academic excellence is matched by her service, including leadership in the college’s founding chapter of the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society, mentoring first-year students through the wellness committee and serving as a class representative for the last four years,” Dean Wondisford said. “Kendall embodies the spirit of scholarship throughout not only her achievements, but the integrity and intention with which she pursues them.”

Department Awards

• Family, Community and Preventive Medicine – Dexter Guddlebrook, MD.
  • Presented by Shahrzad Saririan, MD.
• Internal Medicine – Priyanka Chilukuri, MD.
  • Presented by Christina Bergin, MD and Nathanael Adjei-Kyeremeh, MD.
• Neurology – Yuxuan Wu, MD.
  • Presented by Joshua Tobin, MD.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology – Blake Feldmar, MD.
  • Presented by Stephanie Briney, MD.
• Pediatrics – Nicholas Chartrand, MD.
  • Presented by Jorge Masuello, MD and Paul Tran, MD.
• Psychiatry – Gillian Reynoso, MD.
  • Presented by Scott Grogan, MD
• Surgery – R. Reichenbach, MD.
  • Presented by Priya Rajdev, MD.

Faculty Recognition

Lisa Grimaldi, MD, FAAP, associate dean of Foundational Curriculum, presented each of the faculty awards that were nominated by the first- and second-year medical students. She also quoted anonymous statements from students explaining their reasonings for the award recipients.

Outstanding Educator Award in first-year curriculum – Robert Bina, MD

“Students describe the NS2 block as one of the most impactful and well-run blocks thanks to Dr. Bina’s leadership,” Dr. Grimaldi said. “His ability to make complex topics accessible and his commitment to student learning made a lasting impression.”

Outstanding Educator Award in a second-year curriculum – Brenda Shinar, MD

“Dr. Shinar’s dedication to making medical education meaningful, supportive and practical is deeply appreciated,” Dr. Grimaldi said. “She has set the bar high for what thoughtful, student-centered teaching looks like.”

Best Block/Course in the Foundational Curriculum the Doctoring course – Maricela P. Moffitt, MD, MPH, FACP

“Many of us walked into clerkships feeling confident because of the muscle memory and clinical instincts we built in Doctoring,” Dr. Grimaldi said. “A special thank you to Dr. Moffitt and the entire Doctoring team for creating a space where practice felt purposeful, and growth felt supported.”

Dr. Prister presented the faculty awards that were nominated by the third-and fourth-year medical students and, like Dr. Grimaldi, read student statements for their reasonings for selecting specific recipients.

Outstanding Educator Award in the third-year curriculum – Paul Tran, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Co-Clerskhip Director

“Whether he’s offering clinical pearls, career advice or just a safe space to grow, Dr. Tran brings out the best in his students,” Dr. Prister said. “His deep understanding of the student experience and his tireless commitment to improving medical education make him a trusted guide, an advocate and a true role model.”

Outstanding Educator Award in the fourth-year curriculum – Mouhanned Eliliwi, MD

“What sets Dr. Eliliwi apart is not just his clinical excellence, but his humility, kindness and commitment to helping students succeed,” Dr. Prister said. “He creates a space where we can learn with confidence, as questions without hesitation and feel like a valued part of the team.”

Best Clerkship in the Clinical Curriculum – Critical Care Clerkship designed by Robert Raschke, MD, MS

“What made Critical Care exceptional wasn’t just the curriculum — it was the culture,” Dr. Prister said. “The MICU team was consistently supportive, inclusive and passionate about teaching, creating an experience that left a lasting impact on every student who walked through those doors.”

Following the faculty awards, Dr. Sharma presented the Excellence in Medical Student Mentoring Award. The recipients were:

• Faculty Mentor Award – Alison Kirk, MD.
• Faculty Mentor Award – Jonathan Cartsonis, MD.

The Rural Educator of the Year Award, which honors a clinician educator who exemplifies the essence of rural health care, displaying outstanding professionalism, passion for patient care and a deep commitment to teaching, served as the last award of the ceremony. The award went to Judith Hunt, MD, for her transformative work in rural health care education.

More Photos from the Event