Join us in celebrating our exceptional colleagues!
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Recently Submitted Student Accolades
A full list of accolades submitted for students is available on our Student Accolade Archive.
November 2026
- Mary Moon (MS2)
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“Mary has been a true friend throughout my time in medical school. Especially when I was struggling, she went out of her way to check in on me, help me study, and offer perspective that kept me focused and dedicated to my work. Her experience beyond medical school gives her a unique insight into medicine, and it's always a pleasure to learn from her example. She brings both sharp acumen and genuine passion to medicine and research, and she's always happy to lend her expertise to support her classmates. Her infectious personality, natural leadership, and charisma have made her a pillar among her friends, someone to turn to and depend on. She's always ready to lend an ear or offer sage advice, and her zest for life has truly supported my own journey in medicine. I could not ask for a better friend.”
- Andrew Zhang (MS2)
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“When I reached out for support, Andrew stepped up to help me one-on-one. We spent two to three hours in the lab working through the structures on our list, and although he had set an end time for the session, his enthusiasm for teaching carried us well past it. He simply wasn't willing to stop while I still had questions.
Andrew also transformed how I study. Rather than just naming structures, he would ask questions about each one and connect it to other topics from the course, building a far more substantive understanding of the material. At a point when I was struggling in the class, his approach showed me what effective learning actually looks like. He gave me not only the knowledge I needed, but the tools to succeed on my own.
His impact extended well beyond me. In the final two days before the anatomy practical, when you could feel the nerves in the room, Andrew volunteered many hours of his own time to help anyone who needed it. I know a great many of my classmates are grateful for it.
For both his individual and collective impact on our class, I wish to recognize Andrew Zhang for the PAIR accolade.”
- Macie Hakim (MS2)
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“I recently learned that during one of the monthly MSTP workshops last year, Macie Hakim asked in front of all the MD/PhD students and leadership if I could be included as part of the MSTP. As an MD/PhD student but not part of the MSTP here at Pitt, not having a structured academic support system was challenging. The positive experiences I’ve had as a medical student here would not be the same without Macie’s kindness, her spirit of inclusivity, and her courage to speak up for another classmate.”
- Andrew Zhang (MS2)
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“Andrew was an amazing TA to work with. He took frequent time out of his busy schedule to offer the students help with Anatomy practice and identification. As we got closer to the summative exam, he presented even more opportunities for us to utilize him as a resource for preparation and practice. Absolutely goated TA.”
- Andres Martinez Plotnikow (MS2, SEC's Student of the Month September 2026)
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“Andy led a suturing class for the first-year students during their inaugural Flex Week and did a phenomenal job! He broke the technique down into manageable steps and met the students exactly where they are in their training. He gave three hours out of an already busy schedule to teach them, and his patience and skill made the session the highlight of the week for most students.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Flex Week Activity/PEC, Fall 2026 - Ningberi Tchontchoko (MS2)
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“In addition to giving me encouraging words, Ningberi was gracious enough to go out of her way and make time in her busy schedule to help me study for my anatomy practical exam. She kept me accountable and quizzed me until I felt confident with the anatomical structures. She also guided me on how to orient myself when viewing structures from different angles, which was my greatest area of difficulty. I would have struggled much more without her support, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time and effort she put into helping me. I couldn’t have passed without her.”
- Andres Martinez Plotnikow (MS2, SEC's Student of the Month September 2026)
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“Andy did an incredible job instructing and mentoring students during our suturing and scrub-in workshop. During a busy week, he volunteered his time and spent it patiently teaching students as they picked up new techniques. He was generous with his personal experience and anecdotes, and he created a relaxed, welcoming vibe that made it easier to learn, make mistakes, and improve. He set a great standard for what a teaching environment should be like.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Foundations of Surgical Innovation, Fall 2026 - Nicole "Nicky" Don (MS4)
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“Nicky went above and beyond to coordinate care with the MICU team for one of her patients. Her continued exuberance and commitment to advocacy was appreciated by the entire team.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Neurology Acting Internship, Fall 2026 - Dylan Baxter (Graduate Student, School of Dental Medicine)
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“Mr. Dylan Baxter was an outstanding help in anatomy. He often stayed long after class hours to help me and other students identify anatomical structures.”
October 2026
- Amogh Vellore (MS2)
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“This summer, I had the privilege of working in the same research lab as Amogh, who has been an incredibly kind and caring mentor. These qualities have made my summer research experience exceptional.
From the very beginning, Amogh made a point of checking in with me regularly. His willingness to pause and ask how I was doing helped me feel welcomed and supported as a new lab member. Additionally, he has helped me feel more prepared for my upcoming first year of medical school. He generously shared his firsthand experiences, offering insights that no textbook or orientation session could provide. Additionally, he recommended Anki resources that I know will be invaluable once classes begin.
Amogh's mentorship this summer went far beyond the scope of research alone. His kindness and attentiveness left a lasting impression on me. I feel fortunate to have had him as a mentor.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
UPMC Eye and Ear - 3D Printing/Ghodadra Lab, Spring 2026 - Vivian Cao (MS3, Student Executive Council's Student of the Month August 2026)
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“Vivian’s advocacy with the Student Promotions Working Committee led to significant changes in policies affecting the student body, giving students clearer rights and stronger protections in areas that had previously been poorly defined.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Student Promotions Working Committee, Spring 2026 - Grace Washney (MS2)
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“Grace has been a consistent voice of leadership and enthusiasm as part of our CAP student team. She is proactive in determining the needs of the CAP community, ranging from patients, volunteers, and clinicians. Her innovative ideas became the core of our CAP project, and she has led us in the design of our final deliverable. On Street Medicine Rounds, she engages with community members with enthusiasm and empathy, and the Pittsburgh community and its spirit are undoubtedly improved by her numerous contributions.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Street Medicine CAP Team Meetings and Rounds, Fall 2026 - Nick Loh (MS2)
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“Nick Loh witnessed an e-bike crash outside of Scaife on Monday afternoon and rushed to help out. He brought a first aid kit and immediately sat down next to the injured rider. Onlookers called emergency services for the rider while Nick remained on scene, helping position and examine the rider's injury. He even ran home to retrieve some bandages while waiting for EMS to arrive. When the rider was safely transported away, Nick stayed to check in on others at the scene. This event perfectly captures who Nick is: willing to help in every capacity.”
- Amit Patel (MS3)
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“Amit was an exemplary leader for our entire class throughout the entirety of the preclinical years. He was relentlessly positive, professional, and hardworking. More importantly, he was inclusive and a friend to all. One of the strongest indicators of Amit's character is how the entire class only has positive things to say about Amit. He is a leader in our community and we appreciate his tireless positivity and dedication to medicine.”
- Joshua Dean (MS2)
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“I had asked Joshua to assist someone being served at our outreach site who was requesting a complex list of needs that had been promised at a previous street round. Despite not having been involved in prior coordination of this request, Joshua listened to the person for a significant amount of time, attempted to troubleshoot the concern to the best of our team’s current ability, and communicated clearly that we were unable to meet that person’s goals today. He provided the feedback to the rest of the team and broader organization in a timely, direct, and respectful way in our wrap up session and via e-mail to close the loop. In addition, I was impressed with his ability to sit with this person in their frustration and navigate the matter privately in a crowded space. He demonstrated the interpersonal and interprofessional skills I would expect of a PGY1-2.”
Submitted by a Faculty Member
Street Medicine at Pitt, Fall 2026 - Anthony Mauro (MS4)
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“Anthony was an exceptional MS4 who consistently went far beyond what I would expect from a medical student. He took such ownership of his patients that, at times, I genuinely forgot he was a student. He was proactive in thinking through management plans, recognized when patients were becoming sick, and knew when to escalate and get help. He was able to carry very sick, complex patients while staying organized and completing his tasks reliably and on time. He even volunteered to take on additional admissions while balancing other critically ill patients.
His rapport with patients was also excellent. One patient mentioned he had not realized Anthony was a medical student because he carried himself with the confidence and maturity of an early-career physician. Anthony was approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in his patients and their families.
He was also a tremendous team player. He was always willing to help with nursing calls and questions, even when the patient was not someone he was directly following. He was friendly, responsive, and someone the entire team enjoyed having around. He was very teachable, readily accepting feedback and looking for ways to improve.”
- Neha Shetty (MS4)
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“I have worked with Neha on a community-engaged research project evaluating the impact of an annual health fair at the Bhutanese Teej Festival in Pittsburgh. Neha founded the fair three years ago as an MS1, recognizing both an opportunity to connect medical students with Pittsburgh's broader South Asian community and a real gap in the Bhutanese Nepali community's engagement with the healthcare system.
Working with Neha has been a genuine highlight of this experience. From her, I've learned a lot about how to lead: she has a clear sense of her own strengths and weaknesses, and is quick to recognize where mine complement hers, so that we naturally fill in each other's gaps rather than duplicate effort. She is always ready to build on an idea, bring others into the process, and keep the work rooted in the community it's meant to serve. What started as an individual MS1's initiative has grown into a sustained, collaborative, multi-year effort, a testament to her vision and leadership.”
- Avery Wang (MS4)
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“Avery was an outstanding Acting Intern in the MICU. She knew her patients very well and did a fantastic job talking with consulting teams, keeping the nurses up to date, and updating families. She naturally built trusting and meaningful relationships with her patients and their family members. Additionally, sometimes we needed to obtain an urgent lab or blood cultures, but the patient's IV access stopped working, and nurses were unable to collect blood for labs. Avery consistently volunteered to try with an ultrasound, and she was often successful in getting the sample we needed. It was wonderful to work with Avery, she is a great team player and will be a fantastic doctor!”
Submitted by a Resident
Medical Intensive Care Unit Acting Internship, Spring 2026 - Francisco Carattino (MS4)
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“Francisco was an invaluable member of the MICU team during his Acting Internship. He knew his patients thoroughly and always suggested excellent diagnostic tests or therapies for his patients. For example, he had a patient with encephalopathy who had started fevering overnight. Francisco was the first to notice this and immediately suggested starting empiric antibiotics for possible meningitis/encephalitis, which significantly improved the patient's mental status. Additionally, we had many patients whose IV access stopped working, and nurses or the IV team were unable to collect blood, which was a huge issue when we needed urgent labs or blood cultures. Francisco was an awesome team player and consistently used our ultrasound machine to get new peripheral access on patients. He will be a fantastic doctor!”
Submitted by a Resident
Medical Intensive Care Unit Acting Internship, Spring 2026 - Arnav Mehra (MS4)
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“Arnav is a wonderful medical student. Not only is his medical knowledge truly excellent, but most importantly, he deeply cares for his patients. He ensures that he knows all of the important data prior to creating a well-thought out assessment and plan. Additionally, he is a true patient advocate. Always ensuring that all studies are obtained and updating the team on relevant results.
I am extremely impressed by his medical knowledge, care of patients, and passion for medicine. In addition to all of those things, he is a fun and positive person to have on the team. He will be an incredible resident physician.”
- Catalina Feistritzer (MS4)
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“Catalina was an A-I while I was on inpatient peds. She was invaluable as a mentor and a new friend who helped me navigate the clerkship all the while working the same patient as load as the interns! By the end of the month it was clear that the team saw her basically as a resident rather than just an M4!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Pediatrics Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Neha Shetty (MS4)
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“Neha stands out for her genuine commitment to mentorship, service, and the people around her. She has consistently invested time and energy in supporting younger students, serving as a thoughtful mentor and role model. Her desire to pursue general surgery is a natural extension of these qualities: she brings compassion, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility to her work.
What is especially impressive is that Neha’s commitment to service extends beyond the classroom and hospital. She is deeply community-oriented and approaches patient care with the kind of empathy and respect that patients notice and appreciate. The trust and admiration she earns from her patients reflect her ability to make people feel heard, valued, and cared for.
Neha embodies the qualities of an outstanding future surgeon - not only through her dedication to medicine, but through her commitment to mentorship, community, and compassionate patient care. She is someone younger students look up to and someone her patients genuinely appreciate, and I have no doubt that these qualities will continue to make her an exceptional physician...”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Community Volunteering, Fall 2026
September 2026
- William McKay (MS2, Pitt Med Student Executive Council's Student of the Month, July 2026)
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“In just four to six weeks, William helped me grow from feeling like a newcomer to genuinely finding my footing in the 3D Printing lab. Being only a year ahead at Pitt, he understood exactly where I was starting from and met me there. Will taught me the practical skills that no one really hands you upfront, like how to build clean figures and how to actually structure and write a paper. What stood out most, though, was the way he mentored. He gave me real independence and trusted me to own my work, while always being available for guidance when I needed it. He was consistently kind and never demanding, which made the whole experience feel less like being trained and more like being welcomed. Because of that, I felt at ease taking responsibility for my own progress, and I came out of those few weeks far more confident and capable than I went in. I'm grateful for his generosity and patience, and I couldn't have asked for a better guide as I got up to speed.”
Submitted by a Medical Student (DSRP)
UPMC Eye and Ear - 3D Printing/Ghodadra Lab, Spring 2026 - Zachary Spears (MS2)
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“Zach played a huge role in helping me get organized and find structure in the lab. He has a real talent for presentation, and he taught me how to discuss research clearly and how to communicate with senior physicians and attendings in a way I hadn't learned before. Watching how he ran the lab showed me what strong leadership looks like day to day, and it was clear he cared about making the environment better for the people junior to him, not just about his own work. Beyond the lab, he gave me a valuable perspective on medical school itself, helping me think through the direction I should take to reach my academic and research goals. His guidance was steady and genuinely practical, and I'm grateful for everything he taught me about doing good work and carrying myself well in a research environment.”
Submitted by a Medical Student (DSRP)
UPMC Eye and Ear - 3D Printing/Ghodadra Lab, Spring 2026 - Zachary Spears (MS2)
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“For the past summer, I worked in the same research lab as Zach, where he has been tremendously helpful. Since the start, Zach has been incredible at communicating with me. He sets clear goals, follows through on actions, and creates an environment that propels the lab forward. For example, on my first day of the lab, Zach spent the entire day helping me settle in. He gave me a tour of the medical school and assisted me with setting up the relevant technology. Later, he went a step further, arranging for me to shadow in the operating room, walking me through what to expect, and teaching me how to properly wear PPE.
Beyond the lab, Zach has also helped me feel much more prepared for my first year of medical school. He helped me set up my Anki deck and gave me practical advice on how to study effectively and succeed once school starts.
As an incoming medical student, I have found Zach's guidance at every step to be invaluable. He is organized, takes initiative without being asked, and leads by example. I feel so lucky to have had him as a mentor this summer.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
UPMC Eye and Ear - 3D Printing/Ghodadra Lab, Spring 2026 - William McKay (MS2, Pitt Med Student Executive Council's Student of the Month, July 2026)
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“William is a highly intelligent student and an excellent mentor. This past summer, I worked with him in the same research lab. When I joined, I felt nervous and unsure of how I could contribute as an incoming first-year medical student, but that changed quickly after meeting William. He helped me get started on research projects and feel confident in the lab from day one.
For example, part of our study involved measuring blood vessel diameters from CT scans, an inherently challenging task. William walked me through the process step by step and used multiple resources to make sure I actually understood what I was looking at. Whenever I had questions, he always had a clear, well-thought-out answer. He is also resourceful and innovative, having built an application from scratch to automate parts of the process. That same initiative carried over to how he mentored me, encouraging me to explore my own project ideas and truly personalize my research experience.
Overall, working with William over the past summer has been an exceptional experience. He is exactly the kind of mentor every student hopes to find.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
UPMC Eye and Ear - 3D Printing/Ghodadra Lab, Spring 2026 - Amogh Vellore (MS2)
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“Amogh was one of the first people who made the lab feel approachable when I was still getting my bearings. He was always open to questions, no matter how small, and he answered every one with patience and a genuinely positive attitude that made it easy to keep learning. What stood out most was his knack for innovation. Whether it was thinking through a grant, shaping a proposal, or helping me tighten up my writing, he was always looking for the better way to do something rather than settling for what already worked. Watching him approach problems that way taught me a lot about the kind of researcher I want to be. He made mentoring feel natural rather than a request, and I'm grateful for the time he took to help me learn and for the example he set.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
UPMC Eye and Ear - 3D Printing/Ghodadra Lab, Spring 2026 - Oluwaseyi "Seyi" Ajayi (MS4)
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“I want to recognize Seyi Ayaji for all she's done for Eyes on Wheels. Over the past year, Seyi has been the kind of medical student who quietly holds an organization together. Even when it's inconvenient, she shows up -- often driving an oversized van by herself to lead understaffed missions outside of Pittsburgh. She consistently leads missions, and she is always welcoming to medical students, techs, residents, and faculty. In the last month, Seyi also led two community education events for children. Our organization is so lucky to have her!”
Recently Submitted Educator and Staff Accolades
A full list of accolades submitted for educators and staff is available on our Educator/Staff Accolade Archive.
November 2026
- Lakya Amaranatha, MD (Faculty, Medicine)
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“During my two weeks with Dr. Amaranatha at the VA, he distinguished himself as an extraordinary attending, educator, and role model. He taught through impactful patient stories that humanized medicine and gave clinical pearls lasting meaning. He took the time to understand how I think and learn, shared wisdom from his own experience, and encouraged me to become more deeply involved in my patients’ care as an important member of the team. His case-based teaching included both medical students and residents, and he consistently checked in on our patients, our understanding, and even our progress toward goals outside the wards, such as shelf exam preparation.
Dr. Amaranatha led by example in every aspect of his work. He consistently went above and beyond for his patients, giving them his time, remaining closely involved in their care, and supporting every member of the team. His warmth and generosity, including bringing us vegetables from his garden, helped create a team culture that was positive, close-knit, and genuinely fun.
I entered the rotation without necessarily considering internal medicine as a career, but I left strongly considering it because of his example. I aspire to practice medicine the way Dr. Amaranatha does, and I will carry his advice and approach to lifelong learning with me throughout my career.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Adult Inpatient Medicine Clerkship, Fall 2026 - Desiree Neville, MD (Faculty, Pediatrics)
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“Dr. Neville is an incredible CSP. She is very thoughtful and responsive to our feedback about what we want to learn; I learned more during one ICM session with her than I have in all my previous sessions. It's quite clear that she cares about us learning to become better physicians as well as our well-being. She tailors to each of our needs during ICM (in terms of what we want to focus on), and I really appreciated her advice on how to handle and process challenging patient encounters. Thank you so much, we need more people like Dr. Neville in this world!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Intro to Clinical Medicine, Fall 2026 - Avni Patel, MD (PGY1 Resident, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences)
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“Dr. Avni Patel has been an exceptional resident to work alongside, even as an intern navigating the demands of a busy service. What stands out most is her genuine commitment to teaching. I watched her take the time to walk medical students through suturing and knot-tying technique, patiently breaking down each step, even during moments when the service was stretched thin. That she chose to invest in others' learning under those conditions speaks to real character. Her teaching style is approachable and encouraging rather than intimidating, which makes students and peers alike feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes in front of her. Beyond her teaching, she carries herself with a calm, kind presence that sets a positive tone for the whole team, even under pressure. It's clear she sees education and mentorship as part of her role, not an afterthought, and that mindset makes her someone I'd want on any team.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship, Fall 2026 - Jonathan "Jon" Beckel, PhD (Faculty, Pharmacology & Molecular Biology)
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“Dr. Beckel gave a lecture to our class today on introductory Pharmacokinetics. The lecture was so expertly and understandably given that, immediately after the lecture, I turned to the classmates around me, and we all had the same thought about how helpful that session was! He anticipated and broke down difficult concepts on a level that was very easy to understand. I hope we have another lecture from him soon!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Keystone Fundamentals, Fall 2026 - Armani Manov (Clinical Research Fellow and Communications Coordinator, Neurological Surgery)
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“I'd like to recognize Armani for the outstanding start he's made since joining our lab as a research fellow. In a remarkably short time, he has onboarded onto our projects and gotten up to speed far faster than anyone expected. He has gone out of his way to help other new students find their footing, making the whole team stronger in the process.
Armani has been instrumental in getting our group's research ready for an upcoming conference, and he has stepped up and helped make significant progress on multiple projects. What stands out above all is his initiative: time and again he has taken on more than what was asked of him, and it has been enormously helpful to all of us. I'm grateful he's part of our team and am so excited to get to continue working with him in the coming years!”
- Beau Bequeaith, MD (PGY3, Cardiothoracic Surgery)
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“Beau demonstrated an incredible dedication to student learning during my time on the surgery clerkship. He would consistently dedicate case time to my skills development and instruction while also intentionally putting me in a position to gain experience and demonstrate my growth over the course of the clerkship. Extremely willing to provide insight on all aspects of his own career and apply how lessons he has learned may impact my own career development. I felt he went above and beyond with his positive attitude and dedication to junior training.”
- Renée Craig (Assessment Coordinator, Office of Medical Education)
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“Renée has been such a formative part of my medical education. She is always such a positive presence during the examination encounters I've had with her, as exams can already be so stressful. Her willingness to accommodate my testing preferences and to curate a comfortable and encouraging testing environment means so much to me. To me, Renée is a foundational part of what makes Pitt Med complete!”
- Zachary Bennett, MD (Faculty, Otolaryngology)
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“Dr. Zach Bennett is an absolutely phenomenal [Longitudinal Educator]. Not only is he clearly knowledgeable [in] every small group lecture, but he is also funny, kind, approachable, and makes class engaging and fun. I think it’s really a challenge to make content both informative and entertaining, but he is able to do so very well. He is easy going and allows our group to open up and engage with the content. He is a model of what it means to teach in an engaging and informative way. I look forward to every session and leave learning much more than when I entered.”
- Jonathan Beckel, PhD (Faculty, Pharmacology & Chemical Biology)
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“Dr. Beckel has given two great pharmacokinetics lectures, and they have both been my favorites so far. I appreciate his clarity in explaining and expanding upon the pre-learning while giving relevant clinical implications of the drug mechanisms that he discusses. I also really appreciated his energy throughout the lecture, using jokes and other additions to connect and engage with the material. I do think that his lectures have been the best so far in conveying the material in a manner that fosters comprehension and long-term retention.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Keystone Fundamentals, Fall 2026
October 2026
- Christopher Curran, DO (PGY2 Resident, Medicine)
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“Dr. Curran was the single best resident I have worked with as a medical student. Even on the busiest days, he made time to teach us topics that were both relevant to our patients and high-yield for our shelf exam. He pushed us to take real ownership of our patients by updating families, contacting consulting services, and taking an active role in developing each patient’s plan. He challenged us to think beyond the immediate problem and understand the patient’s overall clinical course, while always being available when we needed help. Most importantly, he made us feel welcome and treated us as valued members of the team.
I am a much more confident medical student because of my time with Chris, and working with him and his team sparked a genuine interest in internal medicine, a career path I had not seriously considered before this rotation.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Adult Inpatient Medicine Clerkship, Fall 2026 - Kaeli Heidenreich, MD, MPH (PGY3 Resident, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences)
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“Dr. Heidenreich was a joy to work with during my first weeks in the OR on my OB/GYN rotation. She brings an infectious humor to the clinical team that always made me look forward to working with her. Her explanations of surgical skills, including suturing and knot tying, were clearer than any YouTube video I could find! I also felt incredibly supported by her, as she regularly checked in on student well-being, particularly during hectic days.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship, Fall 2026 - Nirav Bhatt, MD (Faculty, Neurology)
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“Dr. Bhatt created a very positive learning environment during my time on the stroke unit. With each patient we would round on he made sure to teach about relevant physiology and how can use this knowledge to better guide patient care. In addition, Dr. Bhatt emailed the team pertinent research studies regarding the care we provided for specific patient cases. This allowed me to learn a lot more and better understand the treatment plans. It was a great experience working with and learning from Dr. Bhatt.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Neurology Clerkship, Fall 2026 - Rickquel Tripp, MD, MPH, FAEMS (Faculty, Emergency Medicine)
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“Dr. Tripp stood out to me as one of the lecturers so far in these first two weeks that has directly addressed the administrative elephant in the room and how it enormously alters our profession. Tiptoeing around these faults in an attempt to "not be political" may have its place, but outright ignoring the systematic disenfranchisement, misinformation, and stripping of financial support is a disservice. We need more folks like Dr. Tripp in positions of advocacy who can put a voice to the depth of the issues that matter most to our patients. Her words on the Freedom House panel were refreshing and inspirational.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Introduction to Being a Physician, Fall 2026 - Michele Pleasant (Administrative Assistant, Office of Student Engagement and Enrichment)
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“Michele went out of her way to help me establish a connection and a sense of belonging here in Pittsburgh and at the School of Medicine during our MS1 orientation weeks. She spent time talking with me, recalled our conversation later, followed up with me, and provided numerous recommendations for places to visit here in Pittsburgh. As an older first year medical student, I was struggling to feel connected during the first two weeks, but Michele made sure I felt noticed!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Introduction to Being a Physician, Fall 2026 - Hannah Rusinko, DO (PGY3 Resident, Pediatrics)
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“Dr. Rusinko modeled exceptional professionalism, leadership, and communication skills when working with a patient and family at CHP who came to me with significant questions and concerns about a diagnosis and treatment plan immediately before sign out. Although she was leading a very busy service, Dr. Rusinko went out of her way to ensure I felt supported during our discussion and that the family's concerns were thoroughly explored. Her exceptional communication skills helped to effectively de-escalate an emotionally charged discussion, which set the foundation for productive dialogue over the rest of the patient's hospital stay. Dr. Rusinko's commitment to exceptional patient care and to supporting our treatment team kept morale high on a busy service. I have no doubt she will be an exceptional pediatric hospitalist and will be an asset to whichever fellowship program she joins!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Pediatrics Acting Internship, Spring 2026 - Lisa Borghesi, PhD (Assistant Dean for Foundations, Office of Medical Education)
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“Dr. Lisa Borghesi was extremely understanding and helpful of a medical event that I experienced during my first week of medical school. She provided supportive, clear, and actionable advice on how to navigate both this episode of illness as well as future episodes.”
- Peyton Skupin, MD (Fellow, Urology)
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“Dr. Skupin was a fantastic chief resident to work with on my sub-internship! She was consistent in her expectations and supportive of my continued learning and development. She gave me several opportunities to assume a larger role and took extra time to give me specific feedback on my performance. She is a stellar clinician and educator and I'm very grateful to have had the chance to work with her.”
- Guha Jay Ganesh, MD (PGY3 Resident, Neurology)
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“I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ganesh on my neurology clerkship. He was always encouraging, taking the time to give helpful feedback and advice in a positive way that made me want to work harder. He is generous with his time and a great model for patient centered communication. The best quality about Dr. Ganesh is that he is able to make experiences both educational and fun. I looked forward to coming in each and every day. He is definitely one of the kindest residents I’ve ever worked with!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Neurology Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Ikemsinachi Nzenwa, MD (PGY2 Resident, Surgery)
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“Dr. Nzenwa made my first clerkship awesome. It was quite intimidating to start off with surgery, but he helped me find my sea legs quickly! On our very first day, he stayed to teach us general workflow, foundational skills, and tips-- after being on service overnight. Dr. Nzenwa was clearly invested in our learning and was an excellent educator. He consistently checked in with us, helped us identify gaps in knowledge, and always looked for ways to get us more involved. Any student would be lucky to work with Dr. Nzenwa!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Surgery Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Sean Wallace, MD (PGY1 Resident, Emergency Medicine)
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“I had the privilege of working closely with this Dr. Wallace throughout my trauma surgery rotation, including during daytime shifts, overnight coverage, and in the trauma bay. From the beginning, he treated me as a valued member of the team and consistently took the time to explain his clinical reasoning, review patient management, and teach me how to approach the day-to-day responsibilities of an intern. He trusted me with meaningful responsibilities while remaining available for guidance, which allowed me to become more confident and independent in caring for trauma patients.
Even during demanding shifts, he remained patient, approachable, and committed to my learning. Most importantly, he treated me with genuine respect throughout the entirety of the rotation and created an environment in which I felt comfortable asking questions, contributing to the team, and taking ownership of my patients. His mentorship, professionalism, and willingness to invest in my development had a significant impact on my experience, and he exemplifies the type of resident and future physician that others will look forward to working with.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Trauma Surgery Acting Internship, Spring 2026 - Elena Puccio, MD (PGY1 Resident, Emergency Medicine)
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“Working with Dr. Puccio on the trauma service was one of the most meaningful parts of my rotation. I had the opportunity to work alongside her during both day and night shifts, where I observed her manage the demands of the service with composure, organization, and compassion. She made a consistent effort to include me in patient care discussions, encouraged me to develop and communicate my own assessments and plans, and provided thoughtful feedback that helped strengthen my clinical decision-making. Rather than simply assigning tasks, she made sure I understood how each responsibility contributed to the broader care of the patient.
She was an excellent role model in the way she communicated with patients, families, nursing staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Throughout our time together, she was welcoming, dependable, and genuinely invested in helping me grow. Her confidence in my abilities made me feel like a true member of the trauma team, and her kindness and professionalism made even the most challenging shifts positive learning experiences.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Trauma Surgery Acting Internship, Spring 2026
September 2026
- Edna Fongod, MD (PGY4 Resident, Surgery)
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“Edna was an outstanding teacher and mentor to me on my surgery rotation. She patiently walked us through surgical techniques, clinical decision-making, and the nuances of the OR, all while balancing patient care and teaching of junior residents. She always challenged me to perform at my best and took every opportunity to teach me a new skill or ask me a question for my learning. I am so grateful for her kindness, mentorship, and expertise during a rotation that is known to be difficult. Edna truly made it a rewarding experience.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Surgery Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Henry Mitchell, MD (PGY1 Resident, Pediatrics)
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“Dr. Mitchell consistently ensured that I was actively involved in all aspects of patient care. He regularly checked in regarding the patients I evaluated independently and kept me informed of important clinical developments that occurred while I was away, fostering a strong sense of inclusion and continuity in my learning. He encouraged me to take the lead during patient encounters, helping me build confidence in communicating with patients and addressing their questions.
Dr. Mitchell is also an exceptional educator who approaches teaching with thoroughness and structure. He challenged me to formulate independent assessment and management plans and articulate my clinical reasoning, providing thoughtful feedback that significantly strengthened my clinical decision-making skills.
Dr. Mitchell created a supportive learning environment that balanced autonomy with guidance, making each patient encounter a valuable educational experience. It was a genuine pleasure to work with him, and I greatly appreciated his dedication to both patient care and medical education.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Pediatrics Clerkship, Spring 2026 - George Mazariegos, MD (Faculty, Surgery)
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“Dr. Mazariegos went above and beyond to make me feel like a valued member of the healthcare team. He took a vested interest in me as a person and gave me exposure to a space within medicine-- liver transplantation-- that very few trainees will get access to, especially as a medical student. He took the time to explain his work to me, to encourage me, to teach me, and to allow me to just process and marvel at the work that he and his incredible team do every day. I felt more welcomed by him and his entire team than I can describe. My time learning from him was a gift and not something I will ever forget.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Surgery Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Alexandra Vincent, MD/DO (Fellow, Pediatrics)
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“Dr. Alex Vincent is a Pediatric Hospitalist fellow who was learning how to be the de-facto attending of the team. As such, she was understandably very busy with patient care, teaching the residents, catching any M1s or undergrad shadows up, so unfortunately, I didn't feel like I got as much directed teaching on rounds. However, I brought this up with her during our final feedback conversation and she immediately had a teaching session with myself, our A-I, and our new Intern about pediatric IV Fluids! So it was really amazing to see her rapidly incorporate feedback and I feel strongly that she took my suggestion to heart! I really appreciated that she had 1. created a safe enough space with the team that I had felt comfortable sharing genuine feedback with her and 2. she valued my opinion enough as medical student to take my suggestion and run with it!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Pediatrics Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Zhixing Song, MD (PGY2 Resident, Surgery)
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“Song is the kind of resident every student hopes to work with. Even in high-acuity settings, he consistently made space to check in, explain his reasoning, and make sure students felt supported rather than overwhelmed. He has a real gift for teaching in the moment and creating an environment where it felt safe to ask questions and try things for the first time.
Because of his mentorship, I left my surgery rotation feeling more confident: in conversations with patients, in taking ownership of new responsibilities like helping with the list and TRAC, and in hands-on skills like suturing. Song didn't just show me how to do these things; he made me feel capable of doing them, which is a rarer and more valuable kind of teaching. Medical education is better because of residents like him, and I look forward to seeing how his mentees and students grow under his leadership.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Surgery Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Ryan Braun, MD (PGY1 Resident, Surgery)
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“Ryan stood out as someone who, despite being brand new to residency himself, consistently made time to look out for students and serve as a team player. Starting internship is demanding enough on its own, but Ryan never let that get in the way of making sure I felt included and supported as a student on the General Surgery service. Whenever time allowed, he would take time to walk me through important medical concepts, making sure I understood the reasoning behind our decisions, not just the tasks in front of us. Ryan has the makings of an exceptional teacher and mentor, and I feel fortunate to have worked with him at the start of his residency journey.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Surgery Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Kelsey Talarico, MD (PGY1 Resident, Pediatrics)
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“Kelsey was one of the interns on the Red Team during my pediatrics rotation at Children's, and she truly transformed my learning experience. She consistently took the time to work through complex patient differentials with me and encouraged me to think critically about each case. From the start, she empowered me to take ownership of our shared patients while providing the guidance and support I needed as a new third-year medical student to feel confident doing so.
No matter how busy the day was, even as a new intern, Kelsey made sure I understood every aspect of our patients' diagnoses and management plans, always taking the time to teach and answer my questions. She is an exceptional teacher and compassionate physician. It was a privilege to learn from her, and my rotation would not have been nearly as meaningful without her mentorship!”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Pediatrics Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Anna Ramos, MD (PGY4 Resident, Surgery)
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“Anna has set the standard for what compassionate, effective leadership looks like on a surgical service. Despite managing a very busy service, she consistently looks out for every team member's wellbeing…
Her compassion extends well beyond direct patient care - from making sure her juniors look good in front of attendings, to organizing weekly team lunches, to setting a positive tone for the whole team from the top down. Her leadership made me want to support my colleagues the way she supported me.
Anna carries herself with tremendous professionalism and capability, leading without ever projecting frustration despite this being a demanding first service back from her research years. That kind of grace under pressure doesn't go unnoticed, and it's exactly the kind of leadership that makes me want to grow into a better clinician and a better colleague. I am lucky to have trained under her.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Surgery Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Ami Kumordzie, MD (PGY1 Resident, Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine); Eric Mi, MD (PGY3 Resident, Medicine); Vrusha Shah, MD (PGY1 Resident, Medicine); Michael Simonson, MD, MS (Faculty, Medicine)
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“Eric, Ami, Vrusha, and Dr. Simonson were a fantastic team to work with, and every one of them went above and beyond. They spent real time teaching us, never rushing through explanations, and always making sure we actually understood rather than just moving on. No matter how busy or fast-paced rounds got, we never once felt like a burden. They gave constructive feedback on our presentations and consistently helped sharpen our clinical reasoning, pushing us to grow. They were approachable and open throughout, and above all, positive and genuinely fun to work with, the kind of team where we looked forward to showing up each day. Any medical student would be lucky to work with them.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Adult Inpatient Medicine Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Jamara "Jai" Jacobs (PCT and Nursing Student, Psychiatry)
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“Jai is the unit clerk on WPIC Floor 9. From my very first day on the rotation, she helped me acclimate to the environment by answering my questions, assisting me with patient requests, and orienting me to the unit, maybe without even noticing her impact on assisting me. Her support made my clerkship significantly smoother from the start.
Beyond helping trainees and staff, Jai consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. She has an exceptional rapport with patients in acute situations. She navigates interactions with both patients and staff with such an effective, yet uniquely individual approach. Her compassionate presence and humor helps make difficult situations more manageable for everyone involved. She truly makes a meaningful difference on the floor, and her dedication has a positive impact on both the patient experience and the entire care team. She will continue to impact patient's positively in her future in healthcare and beyond.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Psychiatry Clerkship, Spring 2026 - Amrit Ahluwalia, MD (PGY2 Resident, Medicine); Travis Josephs, MD (PGY2 Resident, Medicine); Paola Zinser Peniche, MD (PGY3 Resident, Medicine)
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“During my Medical ICU acting internship, my senior residents were truly incredible mentors. They were always supportive, approachable, and willing to take the time to teach, answer questions, and offer advice, no matter how busy the day was. They made me feel comfortable and confident in what is honestly a very stressful and demanding environment. They helped me work through difficult days, especially when we lost patients that we had cared for over a long time. Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to both their patients and juniors is truly incredible. They are exactly the kind of senior residents I think any medical student would be lucky to have.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Acting Internship/Medical Intensive Care Unit, Spring 2026 - Donald Bourne, MD, PhD (PGY1 Resident, Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine); Emily Neal, MD (PGY1 Resident, Medicine)
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“Emily and Donald were amazing interns while I was on my MICU acting internship, especially considering this was their very first rotation of intern year. They were always on top of their work, knew their patients incredibly well, and somehow managed to juggle the workload of an entire ICU from day one. Every day we were on service together, I really felt like we were a team. Being able to work through challenging patients together, learn, and still find time to laugh with each other made me excited to come to the hospital every day. They made such a demanding rotation genuinely enjoyable and set an example for the kind of resident I hope to be someday.”
Submitted by a Medical Student
Acting Internship/Medical Intensive Care Unit, Spring 2026 - Correggio Peagler, MD (PGY1 Resident, Orthopaedic Surgery)
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“During my first month of residency, I was not feeling well, thankfully I had Gio on service with me at that time. Gio did not hesitate to help me get the care that I needed and support me when I was feeling scared. His kindness, attention, and willingness to simply sit with me meant a lot and I know it directly translates to his patient care in the hospital every day.”
Submitted by a Resident
UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Spring 2026