Graduate Medical Education Awards honor faculty, staff who make a difference
We are proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Graduate Medical Education Awards, which were presented at the 18th annual GME Leadership Symposium on May 30. Each of these 14 awardees plays a critical role in the success of our medical training programs, providing invaluable service to University of Iowa Health Care and the state of Iowa.
Program Coordinator Excellence Award
This award recognizes program coordinators for their role in the management and success of a residency and/or fellowship program and dedication to residents, fellows, and program directors.
Heather Clement, MBA
Neurology
“Her dedication, organizational expertise, and professionalism have been instrumental in ensuring the program's success. Heather consistently goes above and beyond to create a supportive and efficient training environment, skillfully managing complex logistics while providing invaluable guidance to fellows.”
Jody Gingerich
Cardiothoracic Surgery
“Jody has made it a priority to establish open lines of communication with our trainees, establishing a level of trust that has been critical to our success.”
Jolynn Leyden-Schevers
Pediatrics
“She is the backbone of the Pediatric Residency Program, managing the numerous tasks and responsibilities that keep the program running smoothly, from coordinating resident schedules to facilitating communication between faculty, residents, and staff.”
Caroline Martin, MA
Neurology
“I cannot speak highly enough of Caroline: her professionalism, but also her great sense of humor, warmth, genuineness, and sheer brilliance are what makes her so special. Our department has won the jackpot with her, and I can't even imagine what we would do with her!”
Stacy Sueppel
Internal Medicine
“Beyond her technical expertise, Stacy’s impact is deeply felt through her unwavering support of residents and faculty. Her approachability, problem-solving skills, and dedication to resident well-being have earned her the respect and gratitude of everyone in the program.”
Excellence in Interprofessional Education Award
This award honors the range of non-physician health care colleagues whose significant educational contributions help create the next generation of physicians.
Dana LoTempio, ARNP, DNP
Neurology
“Dana cares so much about her patients and always makes time to educate the residents, even if we are not specifically working with her. She often provides education and her rationale to us about making medication adjustments, which is helpful for resident learning.”
Kendra Schaa, ScM, LGC
Obstetrics and Gynecology
“Kendra and her team are experts not only in the science and ethics behind the complex interplay of pregnancy, genetics, and ultrasound, but also in the art of counseling patients.”
Nathaniel Shekem, PA-C, MPAS
Emergency Medicine
“One of Nathaniel’s passions is the integration of multiple levels of learners, experiences, and roles. This includes medical students, PA students, physician residents, PA residents, faculty, nurses, CMTs, and many others, and is manifested in the many new educational initiatives Nathaniel implements.”
Leadership Impact Award
This institutional award provides an opportunity to recognize the important impact of program directors who have made significant national contributions that advance graduate medical education.
Andrea Swenson, MD
Neurology
“Through her thoughtful collaboration and mentorship, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Swenson has had a wide-reaching impact on neurology training programs across the country.”
Excellence in Clinical Coaching Award
Program directors nominate valued faculty for this award for outstanding performance in coaching residents and fellows in the clinical setting.
Lama Abdel Wahed, MD
Neurology
“She can tailor her coaching to all levels of training, from medical students to residents to faculty outside of her sub-specialty, without making anyone embarrassed about their level of knowledge.”
Erin Boese, MD
Ophthalmology
“Erin models not only surgical skill and clinical acumen, but also humility and approachability. She gives direct, constructive feedback and consistently encourages thoughtful clinical reasoning, fostering confidence and independence in our trainees.”
Colette Gnade, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology
“Dr. Gnade embodies the values of clinical coach and allows the resident the space and safety to self-identify areas of strengths and weakness, as well as set specific goals for their time on service that will best serve development of their professional identity.”
Kaila Pomeranz, DO, MME
Emergency Medicine
“Dr. Pomeranz supports residents with enthusiasm and clinical expertise, and her positivity even during the most challenging shifts exemplifies her “lead by example” mentality. I leave every shift with her having learned something new and feeling like a better physician.”
Jennifer Strouse, MD
Internal Medicine
“Dr. Strouse is one of the most thoughtful and supportive coaches I’ve had. She helped me reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and always believed in me, even when I doubted myself.”