Drexel University College of Medicine's Office of the Dean announces the call for nominations for the 2026 Dean's Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards were created in 2025 by Charles B. Cairns, MD, the Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean, senior vice president of medical affairs and senior vice president, Drexel Health Operations.

The awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievements by faculty and professional staff in advancing the College of Medicine's mission of excellence in education, research, clinical practice and leadership. The awards will be presented at the annual Drexel University College of Medicine Commencement luncheon on May 14, 2026.

The call for nominations for the 2026 Dean's Excellence Awards is now open.

Nomination Guidelines

Submission Process

Selection Process

Questions? Contact Janine Barber at jkb48@drexel.edu with questions about the Dean's Excellence Awards.

2025 Dean's Award for Excellence in Innovation
Sandhya Kortagere, PhD
Microbiology & Immunology

2025 Dean's Excellence Award in Leadership for Faculty
Elias El Haddad, PhD
Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology

2025 Dean's Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education
Mark Saks, MD, MPH
Emergency Medicine

2025 Dean's Award for Excellence in Basic Science Education
Haviva Goldman, PhD
Neurobiology & Anatomy

2025 Dean's Excellence Award in Leadership for Professional Staff
Orcel Kounga, MSEd
Admissions and Student Affairs, West Reading Campus

Dean's Award for Excellence in Innovation

Description:
The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Innovation recognizes a faculty member at Drexel University College of Medicine whose pioneering work exemplifies creativity, translational impact, and a commitment to advancing science, education, or clinical care through innovation. This award honors those who have developed groundbreaking ideas, technologies, or approaches that improve patient outcomes, enhance research capabilities, and contribute to the broader medical community.

Nominees should demonstrate an ability to move ideas from discovery to application – through original research, development of intellectual property, commercialization, or other pathways that translate innovation into measurable benefit. The award celebrates Drexel’s culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, and continuous improvement in health care.

Criteria:

• Innovative Impact:
  The initiative should demonstrate a transformative impact on medical research, education, and/or clinical practice. Evidence may include improvements in patient outcomes, creation of new technologies or therapeutic strategies, or contributions that advance the scientific understanding of disease and treatment.
• Research Translation and Commercialization:
  Projects should show clear potential for or achievement in translating discovery into application—through patent filings, licensing agreements, startup formation, or partnerships that promote real-world use. The innovation may have attracted extramural funding or investment to support further development or validation.
• Originality and Creativity:
  The project must exhibit originality and creativity, introducing new concepts, devices, or methodologies that challenge existing paradigms and open new avenues for research or care.  
• Implementation and Feasibility:
  The innovation should be practical, with demonstrated success or strong potential for implementation and scalability. Consideration will be given to the feasibility of sustained impact through continued funding, institutional support, or adoption by other organizations.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
  Recognizes leadership and collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation from concept to outcome. Collaborative efforts that integrate research, clinical, educational, or industry partnerships are encouraged.
• Ethical Standards:
  The project must uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring patient safety, respect for individuals and communities, and responsible stewardship of scientific and clinical advances.

Eligibility:

• Open to all faculty ranks within Drexel University College of Medicine.
• Nominations may be submitted by department chairs, DMEs, or peers, with supporting documentation that highlights research impact, intellectual property, and/or translational outcomes.

Dean's Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education

Description:
The Dean's Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to graduate medical education within Drexel University College of Medicine and who demonstrates exemplary teaching in preclinical courses, core clerkships and clinical electives, as well as an exceptional commitment to educational innovation and leadership in training. This individual is dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education and significantly impacts the development of future health care leaders.

Criteria:

• Innovative Educational Practices:
  • Develops and implements innovative teaching methods or curricula that significantly enhance the learning experience for medical students.
  • Demonstrates exemplary teaching in preclinical courses, core clerkships and clinical electives, including teaching and mentoring as a lecturer, small-group leader, and/or laboratory, hospital-based and office-based preceptors.
  • Demonstrates creativity in addressing educational challenges and improving program outcomes.
• Excellence in Mentorship:
  • Provides exemplary mentorship and guidance to medical students, residents and fellows, fostering their professional and personal development.
  • Encourages and supports the academic and career advancement of mentees.
• Contributions to Educational Scholarship:
  • Engages in research or scholarly activities that contribute to the advancement of graduate medical education.
  • Publishes or presents work that influences educational practices at local, national or international levels.
• Leadership in Medical Education:
  • Exhibits strong leadership in the administration and improvement of graduate medical education programs.
  • Actively participates in committees or initiatives aimed at enhancing educational quality and standards.
• Commitment to Professionalism and Ethics:
  • Upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in all educational endeavors.
  • Serves as a role model for integrity, compassion and dedication to the medical profession.
• Impact on Graduate Medical Education:
  • Demonstrates a measurable positive impact on the quality and effectiveness of graduate medical education programs.
  • Contributes to the development of policies or practices that improve educational outcomes and experiences.

Eligibility:

• Open to faculty at all ranks within Drexel University College of Medicine.
• Nominations may be submitted by department chairs, DMEs, or peers with required supporting documentation.

Dean's Award for Excellence in Basic Science Education

Description:
The Dean's Award for Excellence in Basic Science Education recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to basic science education within Drexel University College of Medicine and who demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation and effectiveness, significantly enhancing the educational experience of graduate and medical students. This individual inspires students, fosters a deep understanding of scientific principles, and contributes to the advancement of medical education through exemplary teaching practices.

Criteria:

• Innovative Teaching Methods:
  • Utilization of creative and effective teaching strategies that engage students and enhance learning.
  • Implementation of new technologies or methodologies that improve the delivery of basic science education.
• Excellence in Curriculum Development:
  • Contribution to the design and development of comprehensive and rigorous basic science curricula.
  • Integration of interdisciplinary approaches that connect basic sciences with clinical applications.
• Student Engagement and Mentorship:
  • Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate students to achieve academic excellence in basic sciences.
  • Active involvement in mentoring students, providing guidance, and supporting their academic and professional growth.
• Impact on Student Learning:
  • Evidence of significant positive impact on student learning outcomes and performance in basic science courses.
  • Collection and use of student feedback to continuously improve teaching effectiveness.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
  • Demonstrated leadership in fostering a collaborative educational environment among faculty and students.
  • Active participation in committees or initiatives aimed at improving basic science education at the institutional level.

Eligibility:

• Open to faculty at all ranks within Drexel University College of Medicine.
• Nominations may be submitted by department chairs, DMEs, or peers with required supporting documentation.

Dean's Excellence Award in Leadership for Faculty

Description:
The Dean's Excellence Award in Leadership is a prestigious award presented by Dean Charles Cairns, MD, to a Drexel University College of Medicine faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has made significant contributions to the advancement of the College’s mission and achievement of its goals and strategic plans through exemplary leadership, innovation and dedication. The recipient of this award has not only excelled in their professional roles but has also inspired and guided others to achieve excellence in education, research and clinical practice. This award is open to faculty at the rank of Professor.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated Leadership:
  • Evidence of effective leadership in academic, clinical or administrative roles.
  • Initiatives led that have resulted in significant improvements or innovations within the College of Medicine.
• Impact on the Institution:
  • Contributions that have positively influenced the College of Medicine’s strategic goals and objectives.
  • Development and implementation of programs or policies that enhance the institution's reputation and effectiveness.
• Mentorship and Development:
  • Commitment to mentoring and developing future leaders within the faculty and student body.
  • Active involvement in initiatives that promote professional growth and leadership skills among peers and students.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
  • Ability to foster a collaborative environment and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Successful partnerships with other departments, institutions or external organizations that advance the College of Medicine's mission.
• Ethical Standards and Professionalism:
  • Adherence to the highest ethical standards and demonstration of integrity in all professional activities.
  • Role model for professionalism and ethical behavior within the academic medicine community.

Eligibility:

• Open to faculty at the rank of Professor within Drexel University College of Medicine.
• Nominations may be submitted by department chairs or DMEs with required supporting documentation.

Dean's Excellence Award in Leadership for Professional Staff

Description:
The Dean's Excellence Award in Leadership for Professional Staff recognizes a professional staff (non-faculty) member who has exhibited exceptional leadership within the College of Medicine by significantly contributing to the College of Medicine’s mission through their leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence, enabling the College to achieve its goals and strategic plans. The awardee has not only excelled in their role but has also inspired and empowered others to achieve high standards.

Criteria:

• Exemplary Leadership:
  • Demonstrated leadership in administrative, operational or support roles within the College of Medicine.
  • Initiatives led that have resulted in meaningful improvements or innovations in processes, services or programs.
• Institutional Impact:
  • Contributions that have advanced the College of Medicine's strategic goals and objectives.
  • Development and implementation of projects or policies that enhance the institution's efficiency, effectiveness or reputation.
• Mentorship and Support:
  • Commitment to mentoring and supporting colleagues, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Active involvement in initiatives that promote skill development and leadership capabilities among staff.
• Collaboration and Team Building:
  • Ability to create a collaborative work environment and effectively lead multidisciplinary teams.
  • Successful collaboration with other departments, institutions or external partners to further the College of Medicine's mission.
• Ethical Standards and Professionalism:
  • Consistent demonstration of high ethical standards and integrity in all professional activities.
  • Serving as a role model for professionalism and ethical conduct within the College of Medicine community.

Eligibility:

• Open to all Drexel-employed professional staff.
• Nominations may be submitted by faculty or staff members with required supporting documentation.

 
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