Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Bayhealth Medical Center
Nominated by Shalini Shah, MD

Kerry Campbell, MD, is an extraordinary clinical educator whose dedication, skill and leadership make her exceptionally deserving of the Clinical Educator Award. As clerkship director of obstetrics and gynecology at both the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine and Drexel University College of Medicine, she expertly oversees third- and fourth-year student rotations at Bayhealth Kent Campus, crafting meaningful clinical experiences, providing hands-on teaching and rigorously evaluating student performance.

Students consistently praise her as supportive, engaging and empowering. She adapts teaching to each learner’s level, helping them build skills, confidence and readiness for independent practice. By fostering a calm, low-stress environment while maintaining high expectations, Dr. Campbell ensures students feel confident asking questions even in high-pressure clinical settings. Her ability to translate complex concepts into practical, lasting knowledge, combined with her modeling of professionalism and respect, leaves a profound and enduring impact on her learners.

Beyond individual mentorship, Dr. Campbell demonstrates sustained leadership in medical education across multiple institutions. Her exceptional teaching, mentorship and unwavering commitment to excellence exemplify the highest standards of this award, making her a truly deserving recipient.

Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
UPMC Harrisburg
Nominated by Aditya Joshi, MD

Indranil Chakrabarti, MD, has elevated medical student education through innovation, mentorship and a commitment to educational excellence in his work as associate professor of psychiatry and clerkship director for psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine. Since assuming these roles in 2021, he has transformed the Psychiatry Clerkship into a highly regarded educational experience by developing a centralized curriculum that ensures consistency and excellence across multiple clinical sites. His innovations include standardized case requirements, virtual learning opportunities, centralized teaching resources for clinical preceptors, and structured processes that improved both the quality of instruction and student performance on NBME shelf examinations.

Beyond curriculum development, Dr. Chakrabarti has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Psychiatry Pathway director, creating new educational opportunities that support career exploration and professional development. He established eight new senior electives, facilitated away rotations in specialty areas such as psych-oncology and created research collaborations linking medical students with psychiatry residents. His mentorship of students through the Psychiatry Interest Group and pathway programming has contributed to increased student engagement and successful matches into competitive psychiatry residency programs.

Dr. Chakrabarti’s impact extends into graduate medical education through the development of innovative residency curricula, including courses in geriatric psychiatry, genetics and residents-as-teachers. Combined with his numerous teaching awards, including multiple Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, his accomplishments reflect a deep commitment to educational excellence and learner success.

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Allegheny Health Network
Nominated by Prerna Mewawalla, MD, and Mary Lynn Sealey, MD

Recognized for her innovative approach to learner development, Alexandra M. Johnston, DO, has created educational programs that strengthen mentorship, wellness and clinical readiness. As assistant professor of medicine, Internal Medicine Clerkship director, associate director of the Internal Medicine Residency program and clinical preceptor at Allegheny Health Network, she has transformed the educational experience of learners during critical transitions in their training.

Dr. Johnston is widely recognized for developing learner-centered initiatives that address gaps in clinical readiness and professional development. She created a faculty mentor program and centralized mentor database to ensure equitable access to mentorship, developed case-based workshops and practical toolkits to improve presentation skills on rounds and advanced clinician-led Epic training to strengthen students’ preparedness for clinical practice. Her innovative Discover Ourselves and Thrive Together program further supports student wellness, confidence and professional identity formation.

As a mentor and role model, Dr. Johnston has guided more than 30 trainees and served as a long-standing mentor for the Drexel Pathway to Medical School program. Her influence extends across undergraduate and graduate medical education through leadership of the Internal Medicine Clinician Educator Track and Lifestyle Medicine Track, fostering near-peer mentorship and educational excellence. Recognized with multiple Distinguished Clinical Educator Awards and Drexel’s Early Career Mentoring Award, Dr. Johnston has made a lasting impact on learners, colleagues and the culture of medical education.

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Coatesville VA Medical Center
Nominated by Wei Du, MD

An admired clinician, teacher and mentor, Jesus Salvador A. Ligot Jr., MD, has dedicated his career to cultivating the next generation of physicians through thoughtful instruction and compassionate leadership. As assistant professor of psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine and lead faculty preceptor at the Coatesville VA Medical Center since 2022, Dr. Ligot has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of Phase 2 and Phase 3 medical students. His nearly two decades of experience in academic and clinical psychiatry, combined with his dedication to learner development, have established him as a highly respected educator and role model.

Dr. Ligot is recognized for creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that emphasizes evidence-based medicine, professionalism and compassionate patient care. He actively mentors medical students and residents in both clinical and academic settings, providing individualized guidance, constructive feedback and meaningful opportunities for growth. Students consistently benefit from his thoughtful approach to teaching and his willingness to incorporate learner feedback to continually improve the rotation experience. His effectiveness as a preceptor was recognized with the 2024 Dean’s Special Award for Clinical Excellence in Clinical Teaching.

Beyond direct teaching, Dr. Ligot has demonstrated educational leadership through participation in the College of Medicine’s Faculty Launch program, leadership of continuing medical education initiatives at the Coatesville VA, and ongoing service as a preceptor and mentor. His commitment to educational excellence, learner success and professional development embodies the spirit of the Clinical Educator Award.

Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Nominated by Renee Turchi, MD

Simulation-based education, patient safety and trainee development have been the hallmarks of the contributions of Swetha Madhavarapu, MD, to medical education. As associate professor of pediatrics, program director of the Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship and simulation instructor, she has dedicated her career to preparing the next generation of pediatric intensivists through learner-centered, experiential education.

Dr. Madhavarapu is widely recognized for her innovative use of simulation-based education to improve clinical performance, teamwork and patient safety. She developed and implemented longitudinal resident simulation curricula, pediatric critical care boot camps, rapid response simulations and COVID-19 preparedness training programs that strengthened learners’ confidence and readiness in high-acuity clinical situations. Her Faculty Launch project further enhanced resident competency in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and created lasting educational impact across the institution.

As fellowship program director, Dr. Madhavarapu has successfully recruited, mentored and supported pediatric critical care fellows while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Kaiser Permanente Baltimore
Nominated by Ruchika Bhatt, MD

Kenneth Villar, MD, exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding clinical educator through his unwavering commitment to medical student education, mentorship and educational leadership. As assistant professor of medicine and lead preceptor for the Drexel rotation at Kaiser Permanente Baltimore, Dr. Villar has served as a cornerstone of clinical education since 2020, providing continuity, stability and excellence in the training of Phase 2 and Phase 3 medical students. His consistent leadership and dedication have helped create a highly regarded learning environment recognized by the 2024 Dean’s Special Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching at a Family Practice Site, an honor driven by student nominations.

Dr. Villar is widely respected for his learner-centered teaching approach, which combines high expectations with a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Students consistently praise his ability to foster advanced clinical reasoning, encourage independent thinking and tailor educational experiences to individual interests and learning needs. Through thoughtful questioning, systems-based approaches to differential diagnosis and graduated autonomy in patient care, he helps learners develop confidence and clinical competence.

Beyond teaching, Dr. Villar is an exceptional mentor and role model who provides actionable feedback, professional guidance and encouragement. His professionalism, reliability and sustained commitment to developing future physicians have made a lasting impact on countless Drexel medical students and colleagues, embodying the spirit of the Clinical Educator Award.

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology
Nominated by Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE

Rina Weimann, MD, is an exceptional clinical educator whose dedication to medical student teaching, mentorship and academic excellence has profoundly enriched the educational mission of Drexel University College of Medicine.

As assistant professor of dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Weimann transforms every clinical encounter into a meaningful learning experience, intentionally structuring patient visits to develop diagnostic reasoning, differential diagnosis skills and fluency in dermatologic terminology. Her deliberate, rigorous and student-centered approach consistently earns praise from learners who value her accessibility, clarity and investment in their success.

Dr. Weimann’s impact extends beyond the clinic through her extraordinary commitment to mentorship. She provides individualized guidance on career development, research opportunities, residency applications and professional growth. Her advocacy for students is particularly notable, as she actively leverages her national professional network to connect learners with mentors, research experiences and career opportunities across institutions. This level of personal investment reflects her deep commitment to trainee success and professional development.

An accomplished clinician-scholar, Dr. Weimann has contributed extensively to the fields of transplant dermatology, skin of color and health equity through numerous peer-reviewed publications and national presentations. Her excellence in teaching, scholarship and mentorship, coupled with her unwavering support of learners, makes her a powerful role model and an outstanding recipient of the Clinical Educator Award.

Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
Nominated by Linwood Haith, MD

Kelly Willman, MD, exemplifies excellence in clinical education through her dedication to teaching, mentorship and leadership in trauma and critical care medicine. As assistant professor of surgery, trauma medical director and surgical critical care physician at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, she has played a pivotal role in educating medical students, residents, advanced practice providers, nurses and emergency medical personnel. Her educational impact extends across the continuum of clinical training, with a focus on developing critical thinking, sound clinical judgment and effective teamwork in high-acuity environments.

Dr. Willman is widely recognized for her practical, evidence-based teaching style and her ability to transform complex surgical and critical care concepts into accessible, clinically relevant learning opportunities. Whether during trauma activations, intensive care rounds, or structured educational sessions, she models calm leadership, professionalism and patient-centered care. Learners consistently benefit from her ability to teach effectively under pressure while fostering confidence and accountability in challenging clinical situations.

In addition to bedside teaching, Dr. Willman has contributed to the educational mission through presentations on trauma recidivism, ventilator management, ICU delirium and patient-centered trauma care. Her longstanding commitment to mentorship began during her own surgical training and continues through engagement with medical students and residents. Through her leadership, educational innovation and dedication to learner development, Dr. Willman has had a lasting influence on the next generation of physicians and healthcare professionals.

Professor, Department of Medicine
Nominated by Alexandra Johnston, DO

Through innovative curriculum design, educational leadership and a deep commitment to learner success, Hwyda A. Arafat, MD, PhD, MSc, MEdL, has become one of Drexel’s most influential medical educators. As professor of medicine and thread director for pathology, pathophysiology and clinical medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Arafat has demonstrated exceptional leadership in curriculum design and integration, creating engaging learning experiences that connect foundational science with clinical reasoning. Her educational responsibilities include developing and delivering pathophysiology content, facilitating case-based and team-based learning and coordinating interdisciplinary instruction across pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and immunology.

A hallmark of Dr. Arafat’s educational impact is her commitment to innovation. Through the Drexel Faculty Launch program, she developed an AI-powered virtual patient simulation initiative designed to strengthen clinical reasoning skills in preclinical medical education. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication to student success, she personally invested resources to support the project and ensure its implementation.

Equally significant is her deeply humanistic and learner-centered approach. Dr. Arafat actively seeks student and faculty feedback, continuously refining her teaching and viewing education as a collaborative journey. She is widely recognized as a mentor, role model and advocate for student growth and well-being. Her impact is reflected in consecutive Golden Apple Awards in 2023, 2024 and 2025, honoring her outstanding contributions to medical education and the profound respect she has earned from learners.

Professor, Department of Medicine
Allegheny Health Network
Nominated by Alexandra Johnston, DO, and Mary Lynn Sealey, MD

Throughout his career, James B. Reilly, MD, MSHP, has combined visionary educational leadership with a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship. As professor of medicine, designated institutional official for Allegheny Health Network, regional associate dean for Drexel University College of Medicine and senior vice president of academic affairs at AHN, Dr. Reilly has devoted his professional life to advancing medical education across the continuum of learning. Despite significant administrative responsibilities, he remains deeply engaged in bedside teaching, regularly attending on internal medicine and nephrology teaching services, where he creates highly effective learning environments that challenge, inspire and support students and residents.

Dr. Reilly is widely recognized as an innovative educator whose scholarship has shaped contemporary approaches to clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy, systems-based practice and patient safety. His influential work on cognitive bias, diagnostic error and purposeful clinical teaching has resulted in nationally recognized curricula, peer-reviewed publications in leading medical education journals and invited presentations at major educational conferences. Through initiatives such as redesigning inpatient rounds and advancing the concept of “systems citizenship,” he has helped redefine how physicians are trained to navigate increasingly complex healthcare systems.

Equally important is Dr. Reilly’s impact as a mentor and role model. Throughout his career he has guided countless students, residents, fellows and faculty members, fostering a culture of humanism, professionalism and lifelong learning. His numerous teaching awards, leadership roles and enduring influence on generations of learners reflect a sustained commitment to educational excellence and make him exceptionally deserving of this honor.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology
Nominated by Olimpia Meucci, PhD

In a remarkably short period of time, Gabriele Romano, PhD, has built a nationally recognized research program at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology. As assistant professor of pharmacology and physiology, he leads a highly successful research program focused on melanoma biology, cancer immunology, treatment resistance, and the emerging field of cancer and HIV comorbidity. His work combines cutting-edge molecular, genomic and immunologic approaches to address fundamental questions in cancer progression and therapeutic response, resulting in discoveries with significant translational potential.

Dr. Romano’s accomplishments are reflected in an impressive record of extramural funding and scholarly productivity. He has secured highly competitive support from the American Cancer Society, the Department of Defense, the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, including a prestigious American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award that will support his laboratory through 2030. Since establishing his independent research program at Drexel, he has produced multiple high-impact publications, including work in Clinical Cancer Research, Cancer Immunology Research and other leading journals.

Equally notable is Dr. Romano’s commitment to mentorship and scientific leadership. He has built a thriving, interdisciplinary laboratory that supports graduate, medical and undergraduate trainees while fostering collaboration across Drexel and external institutions. His service on national review panels, leadership within the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and growing national recognition as a cancer immunology expert underscore the remarkable trajectory of his early-career accomplishments and his potential for sustained impact in biomedical research.

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy
Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD

Through innovative investigations of learning and memory, Dong Wang, PhD, has emerged as a leading voice in systems neuroscience. Since joining Drexel University College of Medicine in 2017 as assistant professor of neurobiology and anatomy, Dr. Wang has developed a nationally recognized research program focused on the neural mechanisms underlying learning, memory consolidation and complex associative behavior. His work has advanced understanding of how neural oscillations and distributed brain circuits coordinate memory formation, revealing novel mechanisms that govern the acquisition, consolidation and precision of episodic memories.

Dr. Wang has established an impressive record of extramural funding, including NIH R01 and R21 awards, as well as multiple state and collaborative grants. His research integrates sophisticated methodologies such as multi-site in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, closed-loop neural manipulation and advanced computational analyses to address fundamental questions in systems neuroscience. These efforts have generated publications in premier journals including Nature Neuroscience, Nature Communications, Neuron, the Journal of Neuroscience and Cell Reports, demonstrating both scientific rigor and broad impact. One of his studies received special recognition through a Society for Neuroscience press release highlighting its significance to the field.

In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Wang has established an outstanding record of mentorship and education. His trainees have earned prestigious fellowships, published first-author papers in leading journals and advanced to competitive academic positions. Through his innovative scholarship, sustained funding success and dedication to trainee development, Dr. Wang has emerged as a leading early-career investigator whose work continues to shape the future of neuroscience research.

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
Allegheny Health Network
Nominated by Donald Whiting, MD

By integrating neuroscience, engineering and clinical practice, Alexander C. Whiting, MD, is redefining the future of functional neurosurgery and neurotechnology. As assistant professor of neurosurgery at the College of Medicine, and director of epilepsy surgery and of the Allegheny Neuro-Technology Innovation Center at Allegheny Health Network, Dr. Whiting has established a nationally recognized research program focused on epilepsy, neuromodulation, brain-machine interfaces and minimally invasive approaches to functional neurosurgery. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience, biomedical engineering and clinical application, translating scientific discoveries into new treatment strategies for patients with neurologic disease.

Despite being early in his academic career, Dr. Whiting has built an impressive record of scholarly achievement. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and invited presentations addressing epilepsy surgery, deep brain stimulation, neurotechnology and advanced neurosurgical techniques. His research has garnered national recognition, including the American Epilepsy Society Young Investigator Award, and has secured competitive funding from the Department of Defense, private foundations and industry-supported innovation initiatives. Current projects explore minimally invasive deep brain stimulation, neural circuitry underlying psychiatric disease and artificial intelligence-driven decision support systems in neurosurgery.

Equally notable is Dr. Whiting’s commitment to fostering future clinician-scientists. Through creation of the Allegheny Neuro-Technology Innovation Center and the Surgeon-Scientist Track within the neurosurgery residency program, he has established new pathways for translational research, innovation and mentorship. His ability to integrate scientific discovery, technological development and patient-centered clinical care positions him as an exceptional early-career clinical scientist and a future leader in academic neurosurgery.

Associate Professor, Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy
Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD

Megan R. Detloff, PhD, has become a leading voice in neurotrauma research through groundbreaking investigations into pain, recovery and rehabilitation after neurologic injury. As associate professor of neurobiology and anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Detloff has built a highly productive research program focused on the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. Her work integrates behavioral, molecular, cellular, electrophysiological, neuroimmune and neuroimaging approaches to identify therapeutic targets and improve functional outcomes after neurological injury.

Dr. Detloff’s research has been continuously supported through highly competitive funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other national organizations, with more than $4 million in extramural support. Her investigations have advanced understanding of macrophage-mediated neuroimmune mechanisms, nociceptor plasticity and rehabilitation-based interventions for chronic pain after spinal cord injury. These discoveries have resulted in a substantial body of influential scholarship.

Beyond her own laboratory, Dr. Detloff has had a profound impact on the broader scientific community through leadership in open-science initiatives and international collaborations. Through her scientific innovation and sustained research excellence, she has made transformative contributions to neuroscience and neurotrauma research.

Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Nominated by Sandhya Kortagere, PhD

Through transformative discoveries in malaria biology and global health, Eugenia Lo, PhD, has reshaped understanding of Plasmodium vivax infection and its impact across Africa. As associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Lo leads a highly collaborative research program that integrates clinical epidemiology, parasite genomics, host genetics, pharmacology and implementation science to address critical barriers to malaria treatment and elimination. Her work has been particularly influential in Africa, where she has challenged longstanding assumptions about P. vivax infection and generated findings that are directly informing clinical practice and public health policy.

A major focus of Dr. Lo’s research has been understanding why current radical cure therapies fail in diverse patient populations. Through longitudinal clinical studies in Ethiopia, Cameroon and other endemic regions, she has advanced knowledge of relapse dynamics, treatment response, transmission potential and host factors influencing therapeutic outcomes. Her groundbreaking investigations demonstrated that P. vivax can infect Duffy-negative individuals, overturning a long-held paradigm and reshaping scientific understanding of malaria epidemiology in Africa.

Dr. Lo’s accomplishments are reflected in an exceptional record of scholarship, including more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, multiple NIH-funded research programs, international leadership roles and extensive global collaborations. Her ability to bridge molecular discovery with clinically relevant implementation research has positioned her as a leading voice in malaria control and elimination efforts worldwide. Equally important, she is a dedicated mentor who has trained graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and international collaborators, ensuring that her impact extends beyond scientific discovery to the development of future leaders in global health research.

Professor, Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy
Nominated by Rodrigo España, PhD

Kimberly J. Dougherty, PhD, has earned international recognition for pioneering discoveries that have advanced understanding of spinal locomotor circuits and recovery after spinal cord injury. As professor of neurobiology and anatomy and director of the Neuroscience graduate program at Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Dougherty has established a globally respected research program investigating the spinal circuits that control locomotion and mediate recovery following spinal cord injury. Her work has transformed our understanding of motor control by defining the function of molecularly identified spinal interneurons and their role in locomotor rhythm generation and neural plasticity.

Dr. Dougherty’s research program has been continuously supported by highly competitive extramural funding, including multiple NIH R01 grants, NIH R21 funding, state-supported spinal cord injury grants and international foundation awards. Her discoveries have been published in premier journals such as Neuron, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Journal of Neuroscience, eLife and Current Opinion in Neurobiology, earning her national and international recognition as a leader in spinal cord circuitry and motor systems neuroscience.

Equally impressive is her impact as a mentor and academic leader. She has successfully guided numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior investigators, many of whom have earned prestigious fellowships, national awards and academic appointments. Through leadership of the Neuroscience graduate program, extensive institutional service and a deeply collaborative approach to science, Dr. Dougherty has advanced Drexel’s research mission while shaping the next generation of neuroscientists. Her distinguished record of scholarship, mentorship and service reflects the highest standards of academic achievement and makes her exceptionally deserving of this honor.

Assistant Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Nominated by Renee Turchi, MD

Through visionary leadership and a commitment to systems improvement, Sean S. Ciullo, MD, has advanced the quality and safety of pediatric surgical care. As trauma program medical director, associate chief of pediatric surgery at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics at the College of Medicine, Dr. Ciullo has demonstrated the vision, leadership and collaborative skills that define this award.

A hallmark of Dr. Ciullo’s leadership is his commitment to improving complex healthcare systems through data-driven innovation. Through the Drexel Faculty Launch program, he developed and implemented standardized surgical transfer guidelines designed to improve the efficiency and safety of interhospital transfers. This multidisciplinary initiative reduced delays in care, clarified transfer criteria, strengthened communication across specialties and created a framework that can be expanded across additional service lines. His work reflects a commitment not only to innovation but also to long-term sustainability and measurable outcomes.

As trauma program medical director, Dr. Ciullo has strengthened trauma systems, enhanced institutional compliance with national standards and improved coordination among emergency medicine, surgery, critical care and community partners. He further extends his leadership through regional outreach and education, providing pediatric trauma training to adult hospitals, emergency departments and EMS personnel throughout the region. Combined with his dedication to mentorship, quality improvement and scholarly inquiry, Dr. Ciullo has become a rising leader whose influence is improving pediatric trauma care both within his institution and across the Delaware Valley.

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Allegheny Health Network
Nominated by Nicole Sacca Izzo, DO, and Mary Lynn Sealey, MD

Patients, learners and colleagues alike describe Rebecca Behr, DO, as a physician whose compassion, accessibility and clinical excellence set the standard for patient-centered care. As core faculty for the Allegheny Health Network Internal Medicine Residency program and assistant professor of medicine at Drexel, Dr. Behr has devoted her career to providing exceptional clinical care while serving as a trusted mentor and educator. Her practice is built on long-term therapeutic relationships, accessibility and tireless advocacy for her patients, earning the deep respect and gratitude of those she serves.

Dr. Behr’s clinical excellence is evident across multiple care settings. She maintains a large outpatient continuity practice, leads inpatient teaching teams at West Penn Hospital and has served as Outpatient Diabetes Interdisciplinary Pathway clinician lead, providing coordinated care for some of the most medically complex patients within the health system. Her commitment to evidence-based medicine and continuous learning ensures that patients benefit from the latest advances in prevention and treatment.

Equally important is her impact as an educator. Through resident precepting, inpatient teaching rounds, mentorship and curriculum development, she has helped shape the clinical skills and professional development of residents, medical students and colleagues. Her leadership in the Primary Care Track, Academic Improvement Committee and Diabetes Pathway reflects a dedication to improving both patient outcomes and medical education.

Through her compassion, expertise and commitment to excellence, Dr. Behr embodies the highest ideals of patient care.

Assistant Professor, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Nominated by Renee Turchi, MD

Children with complex craniofacial and reconstructive needs have benefited enormously from the committed, compassionate, multidisciplinary care of Christine M. Jones, MD. As chief of the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and director of craniofacial surgery at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Dr. Jones has transformed pediatric reconstructive care through a patient-centered approach that integrates surgical excellence with multidisciplinary collaboration. Her work has improved access to specialized care while ensuring that children and families receive comprehensive, coordinated support throughout their treatment journey.

A hallmark of Dr. Jones’s clinical impact is her leadership in rebuilding and expanding multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial programs. She has successfully integrated specialists from orthodontics, otolaryngology, speech-language pathology, audiology and social work into cohesive care teams, creating a model that addresses the full spectrum of patient needs. Her efforts to improve healthcare access and reduce disparities for children with cleft lip and palate further demonstrate her commitment to advancing equitable, high-quality care.

Beyond her clinical accomplishments, Dr. Jones has had a substantial impact on learners through the education of medical students, residents, fellows and dental trainees. Colleagues and trainees consistently describe her as a role model whose surgical expertise is matched by kindness, humility and dedication to teaching. Through her outstanding patient care, leadership and mentorship, Dr. Jones has elevated the standard of pediatric reconstructive surgery and improved the lives of countless children and families.

Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice
Nominated by Elliot Goodenough, MD, PhD

Nikhil Seval, MD, has dedicated his career to bringing innovative, community-centered healthcare to individuals who are too often overlooked by traditional systems of care. As assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, and program director of the Drexel HOPE Mobile Health Unit, Dr. Seval has developed and expanded community-based programs that bring essential healthcare services directly to unsheltered individuals, people who use drugs and others facing significant barriers to traditional healthcare systems. His work reflects a deep commitment to health equity, harm reduction and patient-centered care.

Under Dr. Seval’s leadership, the Drexel HOPE Mobile Health Unit has grown into a comprehensive outreach program providing low-barrier treatment for opioid use disorder, HIV care, hepatitis C screening and treatment, harm reduction services and linkage to ongoing medical care. Through strategic leadership and successful grant development, he has expanded the program from a single federally funded initiative into a multifaceted effort supported by federal, state, municipal and nonprofit funding sources.

Beyond direct patient care, Dr. Seval has strengthened community health through education, advocacy and collaboration. He serves on the Philadelphia InSYNC Hepatitis C Technical Advisory Committee, directs HIV educational programming through the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center, and mentors medical students and fellows in community-based clinical settings. His scholarly work, including a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates a commitment to generating evidence that informs and improves outreach interventions.

Through sustained engagement, innovative leadership and measurable impact, Dr. Seval exemplifies the mission of the Emerging Leader in Community Outreach Award.

Associate Professor, Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine
Bayhealth Medical Center
Nominated by Zohaib Ghatala, MD

Shalini B. Shah, MD, MPH, has dedicated her career to strengthening the connection between academic medicine and the communities it serves. As regional dean, director of undergraduate medical education, and vice chair of family medicine at Bayhealth Medical Center, and associate professor of family, community and preventive medicine at Drexel, Dr. Shah has consistently worked to strengthen the connection between academic medicine and the communities it serves. Her approach to outreach reflects a deep belief that healthcare extends beyond clinic walls and that physicians have a responsibility to improve the health and well-being of the broader community.

A hallmark of Dr. Shah’s community impact is her leadership of Bayhealth’s Walk with a Doc initiative, where she regularly engages community members in conversations about preventive health, chronic disease management and healthy lifestyles. Through these accessible and interactive sessions, she translates complex medical information into practical knowledge, improving health literacy while fostering trust and empowerment among participants. Her work helps individuals take a more active role in their health and strengthens meaningful relationships between healthcare providers and the community.

Dr. Shah has further demonstrated her commitment to service through volunteer work at Rosa Health Center, where she provides care to underserved and vulnerable populations facing barriers to healthcare access. Importantly, she has integrated medical students into these outreach efforts, creating opportunities for future physicians to learn the importance of service, advocacy and community partnership.

Through her leadership, mentorship and dedication to equitable care, Dr. Shah has advanced community health while inspiring others to embrace outreach as a core professional responsibility.

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Tower Health – Phoenixville Hospital
Nominated by Wei Du, MD

A passionate advocate for belonging and equity in medical education, Ukpere Daniel Nimtor, MD, has transformed how trainees experience culture and community within graduate medical education. As assistant professor of psychiatry and attending psychiatrist at Tower Health, Dr. Nimtor has become a leading voice for creating welcoming and inclusive learning environments for residents, fellows, medical students and faculty. His passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences, and he has consistently translated those experiences into meaningful institutional change.

A hallmark of Dr. Nimtor’s impact is his leadership as chair of the Tower Health Graduate Medical Education Committee’s Culture and Belonging Subcommittee. In this role, he has spearheaded system-wide initiatives designed to strengthen belonging across residency and fellowship programs. He successfully reimagined the Culture and Belonging Elective for senior residents and fellows, transforming it into one of the most highly regarded educational experiences within the health system. His efforts also dramatically expanded participation in the annual GME Culture and Belonging Open House, increasing attendance from 36 participants to 157 in a single year while attracting interest from nearly 1,000 applicants.

Beyond programmatic achievements, Dr. Nimtor is a dedicated educator, mentor and advocate whose work promotes equity, representation and community across Tower Health and Drexel University College of Medicine. His leadership has strengthened institutional culture and created lasting opportunities for learners to feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Associate Professor; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nominated by Mauricio Reginato, PhD

Driven by a belief that mentorship is central to scientific success, Srinivas Somarowthu, PhD, has created an environment in which trainees thrive academically and professionally. Since joining the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2016, Dr. Somarowthu has created a supportive, individualized and career-focused mentoring environment that empowers trainees to achieve success in academia, industry and science-related professions. His mentoring philosophy centers on understanding each student’s unique goals and tailoring training experiences to help them reach their full potential.

Dr. Somarowthu has mentored more than 30 laboratory rotation students, 13 master’s students, four doctoral students and numerous undergraduate trainees. His mentees have achieved impressive outcomes, including first-author publications, competitive fellowships, national training opportunities, conference awards and admission to highly regarded doctoral programs at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University, Rutgers University and the University of Delaware. He actively fosters both scientific and professional growth by helping trainees develop skills in research, communication, leadership and career-planning tailored to their aspirations.

Beyond his laboratory, Dr. Somarowthu has served on more than 30 thesis committees and has demonstrated institutional leadership as program director of the Biochemistry of Health and Disease graduate program and assistant director for cancer research training and education at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through his dedication, accessibility and sustained investment in trainee success, Dr. Somarowthu exemplifies excellence in mentoring and has made a lasting impact on the next generation of biomedical scientists.

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Allegheny Health Network
Nominated by Alexandra Johnson, DO

Anastasios Kapetanos, MD, has built a reputation as a mentor whose guidance, advocacy and investment in others have shaped the careers of countless trainees. As director of the Internal Medicine Residency program at Allegheny Health Network and associate professor of medicine at Drexel, he has fostered a culture of support, excellence and opportunity that has positively influenced countless trainees. His mentorship extends far beyond traditional advising, reflecting a deep commitment to advocacy, sponsorship and individualized career development.

Dr. Kapetanos invests extraordinary time and effort in understanding the goals, strengths and challenges of each mentee. He provides personalized guidance on career planning, fellowship preparation, research opportunities and professional networking, helping trainees build meaningful connections and achieve ambitious career aspirations. His impact is reflected in the remarkable fellowship match success of the Internal Medicine Residency program, where residents consistently secure positions at highly competitive institutions. He is known for maintaining long-term relationships with mentees, offering continued support throughout their careers while fostering both professional achievement and personal well-being.

Beyond individual mentorship, Dr. Kapetanos has demonstrated transformative leadership through the creation of the TRIUMPHS program, which provides longitudinal mentorship and clinical exposure for students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in medicine. This innovative initiative reflects his commitment to expanding opportunity, promoting diversity and strengthening the future physician workforce. Through his compassion, advocacy and sustained investment in trainee success, Dr. Kapetanos has become an exceptional mentor whose influence extends across multiple generations of learners.

Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology
Nominated by Olimpia Meucci, PhD

For more than a decade, Seena K. Ajit, PhD, has shaped the careers of emerging scientists through exceptional mentorship, scholarly guidance and a steadfast commitment to trainee success. As professor of pharmacology and physiology, she has cultivated a highly supportive and inclusive research environment that empowers trainees to achieve success across diverse career paths.

Since joining Drexel in 2009, Dr. Ajit has mentored seven PhD students, nine master’s students, six postdoctoral fellows and numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have advanced to leadership positions in academia, industry and clinical medicine. Her mentorship emphasizes scientific rigor, professional growth and individualized career development, fostering a strong sense of belonging that inspires trainees to excel.

The success of Dr. Ajit’s mentees reflects her exceptional guidance. Her trainees have earned prestigious fellowships, travel awards, research grants and national recognition, while contributing substantially to high-impact publications. More than 70% of her peer-reviewed publications include trainee authors, highlighting her commitment to developing independent scientists.

Beyond her laboratory, Dr. Ajit has served on more than 30 doctoral thesis committees, chaired numerous graduate committees, and contributed extensively to graduate education through curriculum development and innovative courses, including New Frontiers in Therapy and Responsible Conduct of Research. Her excellence has been recognized through the College of Medicine’s Faculty Mentoring Award and the Division of Biomedical Sciences Best Mentor Award, honors voted on by graduate students themselves. Dr. Ajit’s sustained impact on trainee success and scientific education makes her exceptionally deserving of this award.

Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Nominated by Brian Wigdahl, PhD

Few faculty members have influenced as many learners and young investigators as James M. Burns Jr., PhD, whose decades of mentorship have helped launch successful careers across academia and biomedical research. Since beginning his academic career in 1993 and throughout his tenure at Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Burns has demonstrated exceptional dedication to graduate and medical education through sustained teaching, mentorship and academic leadership. He has served as a lecturer, course director, curriculum leader, research mentor and graduate program director, contributing extensively to foundational and advanced courses in microbiology, immunology, pathogenesis and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Burns has directly mentored approximately 20 graduate and undergraduate trainees and has served on more than 70 master's and doctoral thesis committees, providing guidance that extends well beyond research training to encompass professional development, career planning and scientific leadership. His mentees have advanced into successful careers across academia, industry and biomedical research. In addition to his individual mentorship, he has shaped the educational experience of countless students through leadership of the Microbiology and Immunology graduate program, service on the MD/PhD Advisory Committee and oversight of graduate curricula.

His excellence as an educator has been recognized through multiple Graduate Student Association Teacher of the Year Awards, 14 Golden Apple nominations, the Angelo Pinto Basic Science Educator Award and numerous student advocacy honors. Dr. Burns’ enduring impact on trainee success and scientific education makes him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.

Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Nominated by Kenny J. Simansky, PhD, Professor Emeritus

A gifted surgeon, scholar and educator, Asif M. Ilyas, MD, MBA, has devoted his career to helping others achieve success in academic medicine.

As professor and interim academic chair of orthopedic surgery, associate dean of clinical research and an internationally recognized hand and upper extremity surgeon, Dr. Ilyas has built a mentoring legacy grounded in scholarship, professional development and advocacy for the success of others. A defining feature of Dr. Ilyas’s mentorship is his ability to integrate trainees into meaningful scholarly work. He has mentored 26 hand surgery fellows and dozens of medical students, including more than 35 Drexel students since joining the College of Medicine. Through direct involvement in clinical research projects, publications, presentations and outcomes-based investigations, he helps mentees develop the skills and accomplishments necessary for successful academic careers. Many of his trainees have achieved peer-reviewed publications, first-author presentations and national visibility under his guidance.

Beyond individual mentorship, Dr. Ilyas has had a transformative impact on faculty development across Drexel. As associate dean of clinical research, he has actively mentored clinical faculty in study design, IRB processes, data analysis, manuscript preparation and the use of innovative resources such as TriNetX. His efforts have expanded clinical research productivity across the institution while fostering a culture of collaboration, scholarship and professional growth. Through his generosity, accessibility and unwavering commitment to advancing others, Dr. Ilyas embodies the spirit of the Elias Abrutyn Mentoring Award.

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Nominated by Cecilia Smith, DO

A steadfast institutional leader and trusted advisor, Janet Huang Fitzpatrick, MD, has dedicated decades of service to strengthening the educational mission of Drexel University College of Medicine.

Throughout her career, she has consistently contributed her expertise, time and energy to advancing the mission of Drexel University College of Medicine through extensive committee work, educational leadership and institutional stewardship. Her service has had a profound and lasting impact on students, faculty and the broader academic community.

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s institutional contributions are remarkable in both scope and longevity. She has served on the Medical Student Admissions Committee for 12 years and currently serves as vice chair, helping shape the future of the College through recruitment and selection of incoming medical students. Her leadership extends across numerous committees, including the Phase 2/3 Educational Coordinating Committee, Clerkship Directors Committee, Promotions Committee, Academic Integrity and Professionalism Working Group, Quality Committee and multiple search and governance committees. Her willingness to assume leadership roles during periods of institutional transition has strengthened decision-making processes and promoted organizational continuity.

Beyond committee service, Dr. Fitzpatrick has served as director of the Junior Medicine Clerkship since 2008 and advisor for the Senior Medicine Pathway since 2012, overseeing educational experiences for approximately 260 students annually. Through her sustained leadership, commitment to faculty and student development and unwavering dedication to institutional excellence, she has become a trusted and influential leader whose contributions have significantly strengthened Drexel University College of Medicine.

Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nominated by Mauricio Reginato, PhD

Few faculty members have contributed as broadly to the governance, curriculum and academic life of Drexel University College of Medicine as Todd I. Strochlic, VMD, PhD. As associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, assistant dean of curricular integration and Biochemistry Thread director, Dr. Strochlic has dedicated himself to advancing the mission of Drexel University College of Medicine through service that has profoundly influenced students, faculty and educational programs across the institution.

Dr. Strochlic’s institutional impact is distinguished by the breadth and depth of his service. He has served on more than 30 medical school committees and held leadership roles in many of the College’s most critical governance and educational bodies. He currently serves as chair of the MD Admissions Committee and the Phase 1 Student Promotions Committee, and he is a leader within the Educational Coordinating Committee. Through these roles, he has helped shape medical student admissions, curriculum oversight, academic standards and educational policy affecting every learner at the College of Medicine. His leadership on initiatives such as the College Forward Task Force and curricular integration efforts reflects a commitment to institutional improvement and innovation.

Equally significant is Dr. Strochlic’s service to graduate education. He has mentored countless trainees, served on more than 40 master’s and doctoral committees, chaired numerous dissertation committees and contributed extensively to graduate admissions, curriculum development, student awards and program governance. Through his exceptional leadership, collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to institutional excellence, Dr. Strochlic has made enduring contributions that continue to strengthen Drexel University College of Medicine and its educational mission.

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Allegheny Health Network
Nominated by Alexandra M. Johnston, DO

A champion for professional growth, wellness and inclusion, Prerna Mewawalla, MD, has created opportunities that empower faculty and trainees to succeed. As associate professor of medicine, diversity officer for the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute and founder of the Women Physicians Employee Resource Group, she has created impactful programs and structures that promote mentorship, leadership development, inclusivity and professional growth.

One of Dr. Mewawalla’s most significant contributions is the creation of the Annual Women Physicians Wellness Conference, a pioneering initiative launched in 2023 that has rapidly expanded beyond western Pennsylvania to reach physicians throughout Ohio, West Virginia and the broader region. Through strategic fundraising and advocacy, she has ensured accessibility by securing support that allows trainees and early-career physicians to participate at no cost. The conference provides a vital platform for mentorship, networking, professional development and physician well-being, directly addressing challenges faced by women in medicine.

Her influence extends beyond institutional programming. As a representative of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Women Physicians Section, co-chair of the Allegheny County Medical Society Women in Healthcare Committee and leader of the Women Physicians ERG, she actively advocates for policies, opportunities and support systems that foster equity and advancement. Through sponsorship, allyship and visionary leadership, Dr. Mewawalla has built lasting pathways for faculty success while strengthening a culture of inclusion, resilience and professional empowerment.

Professor, Department of Medicine
Nominated by Michele Kutzler, PhD

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Cecilia M. Smith, DO, has transformed institutions, developed future leaders and advanced the practice of academic medicine. As professor of medicine, former chair of the Department of Medicine at Reading Hospital and interim academic chair of medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, she has consistently led organizations through periods of growth, complexity and change while strengthening clinical excellence, medical education, patient safety and organizational culture.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Smith has transformed systems at nationally recognized institutions, including the University of California San Diego, Reading Hospital/Tower Health and Drexel University. As associate dean for medical center affairs and graduate medical education at UCSD, and later as chair of Medicine at Reading Hospital for nearly two decades, she developed high-performing clinical and academic infrastructures, championed quality improvement initiatives and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration that improved both patient care and educational outcomes.

A defining feature of Dr. Smith’s leadership is her dedication to mentorship and sponsorship. She has intentionally cultivated future leaders through faculty development, women’s leadership initiatives, resident mentoring and sponsorship of emerging physicians. Her influence extends well beyond institutional boundaries through national committee service, professional societies and scholarly contributions in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Through integrity, vision and a deep commitment to people, Dr. Smith has created lasting organizational and cultural change, embodying the very essence of transformational leadership celebrated by this award.