OUWB Recognition Awards

I. Eligibility

1. All faculty who are tenured, tenure-track, or have a standard faculty appointment in the Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) Department of Foundational Medical Studies are eligible.
2. Minimum of one year completed as a faculty member at OUWB.
3. Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination in any category for two years following their prior award. After this period, they may be nominated again upon demonstrating additional achievements.

II. Criteria - This award is for a Foundational Medical Studies Educator with significant accomplishments in curriculum and instructional development and delivery during the previous academic year and will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Commitment to Teaching (40%) – Time dedicated to curriculum and teaching; enthusiasm for teaching and student learning; and significant teaching in the respective discipline.
2. Contributions to Education (40%) – Curriculum development, course management, teaching, innovation, assessment, and other contributions to education.
3. Professionalism (10%) – Communication, interpersonal rapport, collaboration, and respect for students and colleagues.
4. Quality of Nomination Materials (10%) – Organization, clarity, professionalism, and the extent to which the nomination materials effectively showcase the nominee’s qualifications for the award.

III. Examples of Achievement in curriculum and instructional development may include:

1. New or revised courses or programs or teaching materials in any format.
2. Research in medical education that enhances teaching quality
3. High quality of student relations (e.g., communication, rapport, availability, advising)
4. High quality of course design, modification and instruction (materials, organization, presentation, and evaluation)
5. Development of effective learning assessment techniques (e.g., assignments, papers, projects, exams, etc.)
6. Creativity and innovation in overall teaching (including direct instruction as well as course, curriculum or program development)
7. Significant impact of teaching on students, the community, professional organizations, etc. (impact should be Illustrated by: experiential learning activities, internship sponsorships, research interactions with students, student awards given by professional organizations, publications with students, conference presentations with students, club activities, mentoring of students, international competitions by students, evidence of the scholarship of teaching and learning, evidence of reflective teaching).

IV. Evaluation - The Faculty Recognition Committee will evaluate the nominees’ materials according to the criteria listed above.

How to nominate?  Individuals may be nominated by faculty, staff, students, or other members of the Oakland University community who believe they embody and demonstrate the qualities described above by completing the online nomination form

I. Eligibility

1. All faculty who are tenured, tenure-track, or have a standard faculty appointment in the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) are eligible.
2. Minimum of one year completed as a faculty member at OUWB.
3. Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination in any category for two years following their prior award. After this period, they may be nominated again upon demonstrating additional achievements.

II. Criteria - This award recognizes a clinical educator who demonstrated significant accomplishments in curriculum development, instructional design, and teaching delivery during the previous academic year and will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Commitment to Teaching (40%) – Time dedicated to curriculum and teaching; enthusiasm for teaching and student learning; and significant teaching in the respective discipline.
2. Contributions to Education (40%) – Curriculum development, course management, teaching, innovation, assessment, and other contributions to education.
3. Professionalism (10%) – Communication, interpersonal rapport, collaboration, and respect for students and colleagues.
4. Quality of Nomination Materials (10%) – Organization, clarity, professionalism, and the extent to which the nomination materials effectively showcase the nominee’s qualifications for the award.`

III. Examples of Achievement in curriculum and instructional development and delivery.

1. Curriculum and instructional development may include new or revised courses or programs or written, electronic or other teaching tools
2. High quality of student relations (e.g., communication, rapport, availability, advising)
3. High quality of course design, modification and instruction (materials, organization, presentation, and evaluation)
4. Development of novel assessment techniques (e.g., assignments, papers, projects, exams, etc.)
5. Creativity and innovation in overall teaching (including direct instruction as well as course, curriculum or program development)
6. Teaching impact on students, community, and professional organizations, illustrated by experiential learning, internships, student research and co-authorship, awards, conference presentations, club activities, mentoring, competitions, and evidence of teaching scholarship and reflection.

IV. Evaluation - The Faculty Recognition Committee will evaluate the nominees’ materials according to the criteria listed above. 

How to nominate? Individuals may be nominated by other faculty, staff, students, or Oakland University community members who believe the individual embodies and demonstrates the above-mentioned qualities by completing the online nomination form

I. Eligibility

1. All faculty who are tenured, tenure-track, or have a standard faculty appointment in the Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) School of Medicine are eligible.
2. Minimum of one year completed as a faculty member at OUWB.
3. Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination in any category for two years following their prior award. After this period, they may be nominated again upon demonstrating additional achievements.
4. Up to two Excellence in Research Awards may be awarded in a given year: one to a Foundational Medical Studies faculty and one to a clinical faculty member.  

II. Criteria - This award recognizes significant accomplishments by a faculty member in research, including medical education, clinical, lab, and community research during the previous academic year and will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Impact on the Field (40%)- Level of research dissemination through conference presentations, publications; originality of research; attainment of funding.
2. Scholarly Productivity (40%)- Level of productivity given the developmental stage of the nominee and balance with other duties.
3. Professionalism (10%) – Communication, interpersonal rapport, collaboration, and respect for students and colleagues.
4. Quality of Nomination Materials (10%) – Organization, clarity, professionalism, and the extent to which the nomination materials effectively showcase the nominee’s qualifications for the award.

III. Examples of Achievement:

1. Evidence of the importance and originality of the research on the field or discipline through:
2. Attainment of funding or grants to support the research.
3. Presentations at local, regional, national, and/or international society meetings.
4. Publication in peer-reviewed journals.
5. Recognition of the research through awards given by the institution, professional society, or at other venues
6. Evidence of alignment of the research with the mission of the OUWB School of Medicine.  
7. Level of excellence and productivity given the developmental stage of the nominee. 

IV. Evaluation - The Faculty Recognition Committee will evaluate the nominees’ materials according to the criteria listed above. 

How to nominate?  Individuals may be nominated by faculty, staff, students, or other members of the Oakland University community who believe they embody and demonstrate the qualities described above by completing the online nomination form 

I. Eligibility

1. All faculty who are tenured, tenure-track, or have a standard faculty appointment in the Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) School of Medicine are eligible.
2. Minimum of one year completed as a faculty member at OUWB.
3. Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination in any category for two years following their prior award. After this period, they may be nominated again upon demonstrating additional achievements.
4. Up to two Excellence in Service Awards may be awarded in a given year: one to a Foundational Medical Studies faculty and one to a clinical faculty member.

II. Criteria - This award recognizes exemplary service by a faculty member through leadership, development, and dedication to institutional and community engagement activities central to the mission of the School of Medicine during the previous academic year and will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Contributions to Service (40%) – Extent of service to OUWB or the community; leading the development of sustainable, high-quality service projects or partnerships; serving as a model of service to students.
2. Impact on OUWB or Community (40%) – Level of alignment with OUWB’s community engagement mission; evidence of impact and/or outcomes of service on OUWB and the local community; recognition of impact through accepted presentations and publications; awards or media coverage outside OUWB.
3. Professionalism (10%) – Communication, interpersonal rapport, collaboration, and respect for students and colleagues.
4. Quality of Nomination Materials (10%) – Organization, clarity, professionalism, and the extent to which the nomination materials effectively showcase the nominee’s qualifications for the award.

III. Examples of Achievement:

1. Imaginative or innovative approaches to service
2. Evidence that the service leads to positive, meaningful outcomes
3. Evidence of the importance and impact of the service on OUWB or the community such as:
   I.    Creating and coordinating high-quality community partnerships
   II.   Cultivating other leaders and advocates on campus
   III.  Developing a strong, sustainable service project
   IV.  Attaining funding or grants to support the service
   V.   Presentations at local, regional, national, and/or international society meetings. 
   VI.  Publication in peer-reviewed journals.
   VII. Recognition of service through media, testimonials, or awards given by the institution, professional society, community, or other
4. Serving as a community service model to our students
5. Demonstrating critical thinking and meaningful reflection on community service.
6. Nominee must exhibit high standards of professionalism. 

IV. Evaluation - The Faculty Recognition Committee will evaluate the nominees’ materials according to the criteria listed above. 

How to nominate? Individuals may be nominated by faculty, staff, students, or other members of the Oakland University community who believe they embody and demonstrate the qualities described above by completing the online nomination form

Foundational Medical Studies Educator of the Year 
Serena Kuang, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Clinical Educator of the Year
Wendy Wiesend, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology

Foundational Medical Studies Excellence in Research Award
Vardan Karamyan, Pharm.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Clinical Excellence in Research Award
Andrew Zillgitt, D.O., Associate Professor, Department of Neurology

Foundational Medical Studies Excellence in Service Award 
Rose Wedemeyer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Foundational Medical Studies Educator of the Year Award
Paul Megee, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Clinical Educator of the Year Award
Mohamad M. Al-Hakim, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology

Foundational Medical Studies Excellence in Research Award
Mohamed Al-Shabrawey, MBBCH, Ph.D., Founding Director, OUWB Eye Research Center, Professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Clinical Excellence in Research Award
Nishaki Mehta, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine

Foundational Medical Studies Excellence in Service Award 
Inaya Hajj Hussein, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies

Clinical Excellence in Service Award 
Brian Felice, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine

OUWB is pleased to announce the promotion of sixteen members of our faculty and the granting of tenure to one member of our faculty. These promotions mark an especially proud moment for the OUWB community as we’ve had the pleasure of watching these talented individuals develop from promising junior faculty into scholars and teachers of national impact and recognition. Congratulations to the following faculty members:

Heidi L. Davis, D.O. - Anesthesiology - Assistant Professor

Julie A. Kado, M.D. - Anesthesiology - Assistant Professor

Steven M. Joseph, M.D. - Emergency Medicine - Associate Professor

Abram L. Brummett, Ph.D. - Foundational Medical Studies - Associate Professor (Tenure)

Nishaki K. Mehta, M.D. - Internal Medicine - Professor

Justin Skrzynski, M.D. - Internal Medicine - Assistant Professor

Rasha Waheed, M.D. - Neurology - Assistant Professor

Andrew J. Zillgitt, D.O. - Neurology - Professor

Leonardo M. Cavinatto, M.D. - Orthopaedic Surgery - Associate Professor

Betina B. Hinckel, M.D. - Orthopaedic Surgery - Associate Professor

Mark Jacobson, M.D. - Orthopaedic Surgery - Assistant Professor

James Z. Huang, M.D. - Pathology - Professor

Kausar J. Jabbar, M.D. - Pathology - Associate Professor

Stephanie L. Campbell, M.D. - Pediatrics - Assistant Professor

Paras Khandhar, M.D. - Pediatrics - Professor

Susan K. Weir, M.D. - Physical Medicine - Associate Professor

Roshan B. Pai, M.D. - Radiology - Assistant Professor

OUWB is pleased to announce the promotion of twenty-four members of our faculty and the granting of tenure to one member of our faculty. These promotions mark an especially proud moment for the OUWB community as we’ve had the pleasure of watching these talented individuals develop from promising junior faculty into scholars and teachers of national impact and recognition. Congratulations to the following faculty members:

Moumen Asbahi, M.D., Anesthesiology - Associate Professor

Sheryar Muhammad, M.D., Anesthesiology - Assistant Professor

Christie M. Vahabzadeh, M.D., Anesthesiology - Associate Professor

Natalie T. El-Alam, Psy.D., Family Medicine - Assistant Professor

Inaya M. Hajj Hussein, Ph.D., Foundational Medical Studies - Professor

Suzan A. Kamel-ElSayed, Ph.D., Foundational Medical Studies - Professor

Kyeorda Kemp, Ph.D., Foundational Medical Studies - Associate Professor

Victoria C. Lucia, Ph.D., Foundational Medical Studies - Professor

Varna Taranikanti, MBBS, Ph.D., Foundational Medical Studies - Professor

Samia Mansuri, M.D., Internal Medicine - Associate Professor

Trini Mathew, M.D., Internal Medicine - Professor

Sara S. Riaz, M.D., Internal Medicine - Assistant Professor

Joel M. Topf, M.D., Internal Medicine - Associate Professor

Stewart Graham, Ph.D., Obstetrics & Gynecology - Professor

Aws Hammad, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery - Assistant Professor

Khalid I. Odeh, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery - Assistant Professor

Ehab S. Saleh, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery - Associate Professor

Kaydee M. Kaiser, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery - Assistant Professor

Danielle Nolan, M.D., Pediatrics - Associate Professor

Annas Aljassem, M.D., Physical Medicine - Associate Professor

Maha S. Jawad, M.D., Radiation Oncology - Associate Professor

Thomas J. Quinn, M.D., Radiation Oncology - Assistant Professor

Andrew B. Thompson, M.D., Radiation Oncology - Assistant Professor

Wesley R. Barnes, M.D., Surgery - Assistant Professor

Adam Gadzinski, M.D., Urology - Assistant Professor

The Dean’s Distinguished Professor is a permanent, honorific title that acknowledges contributions of employed, full-time, tenured faculty at the rank of Professor, with exceptional records of scholarship, teaching and service.

Dean’s Distinguished Professor Award Recipients:

2024-2025
Misa Mi, Ph.D.

2023-2024
Jason Wasserman, Ph.D., HEC-C
Nelia Afonso, M.D.

2022-2023
Douglas Gould, Ph.D.

The medical school awards this designation as an honor based on outstanding contributions to the medical school.

OUWB Emeritus/Emerita Recipients:

2026

• Linda Gillum, Ph.D., Associate Dean Emerita, OUWB
  
• Jay B. Hollander, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Urology
• Charles A. Main, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics
  
• Paul Misch, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Family Medicine
  
• Cathy Welch, Administrative Professional Emerita, OUWB

2025

• Jeffrey Band, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Internal Medicine
• Jeffery Devries, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics
• Ananias Diokno, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Urology
• Robert Folberg, M.D., Dean Emeritus, OUWB
• William Forbes, DDS, Associate Professor Emeritus, Foundational Medical Studies
• Michael E. Maddens, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Internal Medicine
• M. Jeffery Maisels, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics
• Duane Mezwa, M.D., Dean Emeritus, OUWB
  
• Leslie L. Rocher, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Internal Medicine
  
• Sandor Shoichet, M.D., Clinical Professor Emeritus, Internal Medicine

2021

• Judith Venuti, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Foundational Medical Studies