VUSM Honors M4 Awardees on Class Day
VUSM’s annual Class Day recognizes members of the graduating class for outstanding academic achievement, service, research, and leadership.
VUSM faculty and fellow students celebrated the following recipients of school and departmental awards on Thursday, May 9, 2024:
The Albert Weinstein Prize in Medicine
This award recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, superior clinical competence, and the qualities of dedication and professionalism that characterize a good physician.
- Sachin Kumar Aggarwal, Pearland, TX
- Ashley Chantal Drengler, San Antonio, TX
- Zoë Finer, Tulsa, OK
- Michael Thomas O’Brien, Cincinnati, OH
- Aseem Utrankar, Edison, NJ
American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology
This award recognizes medical students for excellence in clinical neurology.
- Leon Yichen Cai, Dublin, OH
Amos Christie Award
This award recognizes the student in the graduating class who has demonstrated the outstanding qualities of scholarship and humanity embodied in the ideal pediatrician.
- Anna Catherine Aruni Henricks, Lakeland, FL
The Award for Excellence in Infectious Diseases
This award is presented annually by the Divisions of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine and Pediatrics to the student who has demonstrated outstanding aptitude and performance in clinical and investigative efforts in infectious diseases or microbiology.
- Anna Catherine Aruni Henricks, Lakeland, FL
- Samantha Alexis Singal, Long Beach, CA
- Yinan Zheng, West Windsor, NJ
Beauchamp Scholarship
This award is endowed and awarded to the student showing the greatest progress in the field of psychiatry.
- Camille Siqi Wang, San Marino, CA
Chapman Society Award
With nominations generated from the fourth-year class, this award is presented to a member of the graduating class who possesses those intangible qualities of common sense, knowledge, thoughtfulness, personal warmth, gentleness, and confidence which combine to make the “ideal doctor” — the person fellow classmates would most like to have as their personal physician.
- Sachin Kumar Aggarwal, Pearland, TX
David L. Zealear, Ph.D. Otolaryngology Scholar-Initiative Award
This award is presented to a medical student who excels beyond clinical competence and who has become distinguished for outstanding effort towards the academic mission of otolaryngology through research, teaching, and/or outreach.
- Andrea Alejandra Lopez, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
David N. Orth Award in Endocrinology
This award is presented by the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism and the Endocrine Society, the largest professional association devoted to all aspects of endocrinology, to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in clinical or research endocrinology. The award honors Dr. David Orth for his contributions to and leadership in endocrinology, including his service as director of Vanderbilt’s Endocrinology Division and as president of the Endocrine Society.
- Jessica Lindsey Dawn Hanks, Nashville, TN
Dean’s Award
This award is presented to the medical student or students distinguished by outstanding service to the School of Medicine and the community.
- Kayla Atessa Buttafuoco, Miami, FL
- Shreyas Govindaranga Krishnapura, Peachtree Corners, GA
- Dominique Alyssa Mosley, Lafayette Hill, PA
The Dean’s Award for Research
This award is presented to the graduating medical student who best exemplifies the attributes that lead to success in basic science or clinical research including creativity, dedication, productivity, and careful diligence.
- Leon Yichen Cai, Dublin, OH
- Ayaka Sugiura, Bristow BA
- Camille Siqi Wang, San Marino, CA
Dixon N. Burns Award in Medical Ethics
This is an award given by the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society to the graduating medical student who has gained distinction in biomedical ethics through notable scholarship, excellence in clinical ethics consultation, and collegial engagement in the life of the center as a medical student.
- Katelynn Kristine O’Leary, Plano, TX
Excellence in Emergency Medicine
This award is given on behalf of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. It recognizes a medical student who demonstrated outstanding ability in and commitment to the specialty of the Emergency Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Alyssa Nicole Altheimer, Greensboro, NC
Excellence in Public Health
The Excellence in Public Health Award is distributed by the Physicians Professional Advisory Committee of the United States Public Health Service. The purpose is to recognize medical students who conduct public health work in their community and exemplify the USPHS and its mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.
- Gabrielle Colleen Lyons, Naperville, IL
The Geoffrey David Chazen Award
This award for innovation in medical education was established to recognize a student, resident, fellow, or faculty member who has made special contributions to the educational programs of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine through the development and implementation of effective innovation in educational approach.
- Anna Elizabeth Matthews, Palo Alto, CA
- Daniel Kyrillos Ragheb, Los Angeles, CA
- Georgina Elise Sellyn, San Diego, CA
The George and Barbara Burrus Medical Missions Award
This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and participation in providing medical care to the poor during medical school either locally or abroad.
- Sachin Kumar Aggarwal, Pearland, TX
- Kasey Lee Hutcheson, San Diego, CA
Gerald Fenichel Award in Neurology
Dr. Gerald Fenichel, professor of neurology and pediatrics, founded the Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and served as chairman from 1969 to 2001. As one of the founders of the Child Neurology Society, he made immeasurable contributions to the fields of neurology and child neurology. This award is presented to a graduating medical student entering neurology or child neurology who has demonstrated outstanding aptitude for clinical neurology and a devotion to patient care.
- Tristan Anthony Ponzo, Mohegan Lake, NY
The H. William Scott, Jr. Prize in Surgery
This award is presented to the graduating medical student who exemplifies the qualities of leadership, performance, and character reflecting the ideal surgeon.
- Praveen Vimalthas, Dallas, TX
Hospital Award of Excellence
This award recognizes the fourth-year medical student, chosen by the chief residents of the services, as having contributed most toward excellent patient care by demonstrating sensitivity, compassion, and concern in clinical responsibilities to patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Alexandria Marie Bontrager, Whiting, KS
J. Donald M. Gass Award in Opthalmology
This award is established in honor of Dr. Donald M. Gass, a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Class of 1957, and a renowned retina specialist. This award is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in ophthalmic education and research.
- Shravika Lam Chennupati, Austin, TX
James Gwathmey Prize in Anesthesiology
This award is presented to the Vanderbilt medical student who most clearly demonstrates the potential for excellence in academic anesthesiology.
- Amber Nicole Wesoloski, Moon, PA
John L. Shapiro Award for Excellence in Pathology
This award is presented to a medical student who has distinguished themself in biochemistry research and courses.
- Samantha Petrillo Beik, Philadelphia, PA
John L. Shapiro Award for Excellence in Pathology
This award, given upon action of the Department of Pathology, recognizes outstanding student performance in pathology. It is given annually or otherwise depending upon action by the department and honors the memory of Dr. John L. Shapiro, who was a professor and the chairman of the Department of Pathology from 1956 to 1971. Dr. Shapiro remained an active participant in a variety of university and community activities until his death on July 15, 1983.
- Ayaka Sugiura, Bristow, VA
The Kaufman Prize in Medicine
This award, honoring J. Kenneth Kaufman, M.D. (’39), is presented to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated qualities of humaneness, dedication, and unselfish service in the study of medicine and will apply these qualities in medical practice.
- Thao Do Vy Le, Tra Vinh, Vietnam
- Andrea Alejandra Lopez, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Eden Marie Lyons, Glen Rock, NJ
- Samantha Alexis Singal, Long Beach, CA
The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation
This award is given to a graduating student and a faculty member who demonstrate compassion and empathy in the delivery of health care, and who engender trust and confidence in both their patients and colleagues while adhering to professional ethical standards.
- Trevor Joseph Anesi, Carson, CA
Lonnie S. Burnett Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology
This award is given to the student demonstrating superior performance and who exemplifies the qualities of dedication, leadership, compassion, and integrity in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
- Hannah Louise Light-Olson, Cazenovia, NY
Mildred T. Stahlman Award
This award, honoring the achievements and pioneering spirit of Vanderbilt pediatrician Dr. Mildred Stahlman, is presented to the graduating student entering pediatrics whose performance exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to improving the lives of children.
- Kasey Lee Hutcheson, San Diego, CA
The Orthopaedic Surgery Clerkship Award
This award is presented by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to the student who has excelled in both the third- and fourth-year orthopaedic clerkships, and who has demonstrated outstanding potential in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
- Veera Venkata Naga Manohar Devarasetty, Guntur, India
Oscar B. Crofford Award for Diabetes Research
This award is presented by the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism and the Vanderbilt Diabetes Center to the graduating medical student who has performed outstanding research in the area of diabetes. This award honors Dr. Oscar B. Crofford for his contributions to diabetes research at Vanderbilt and throughout the world. He served as director of Vanderbilt’s Diabetes Division and as president of the American Diabetes Association.
- Thao Do Vy Le, Tra Vinh, Vietnam
Outstanding Student in Family Medicine Award
This award is presented by the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians to a graduating senior in recognition of an outstanding student in family medicine.
- Katelynn Kristine O’Leary, Plano TX
Paula C. Hoos Award
The Class of 2027 presents this award in recognition of excellence in student teaching in the basic sciences and to express our sincere appreciation for the assistance of members of the graduating class.
- Amber Nicole Wesoloski, Moon, PA
Richard B. Johnston, Jr. Award
This award is presented to a graduating student entering pediatrics who has demonstrated excellence in academic scholarship and an extraordinary commitment to clinical medicine exemplifying the highest professional standards of the physician scientist.
- Nowrin Umme Chowdhury, Kenner, LA
Roentgen Award
This award is given to a graduating medical student who has made important contributions in one of the radiological sciences during four years of study. Named for Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a pioneer in diagnostic radiology, the award recognizes discoveries in either clinical or research areas.
- Seoiyoung Ahn, Seoul, Republic of Korea
The School of Medicine Award of Distinction
This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities in service to the School of Medicine.
- Malini Anand, Danville, CA
- Saba Rehman, Nashville, TN
Sten H. Vermund Award in Global Health
This award recognizes the graduating medical student who has most demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the health of the people of or from a low- or middle-income country through distinguished scholarship, education, and/or contributions to the improvement of clinical care. The award was established in 2017 to honor Dr. Sten H. Vermund, who was the founding director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health.
- Andria Na Li, Charlottesville, VA
The Tom Nesbitt Award
This award is presented by the Nashville Academy of Medicine in recognition of the service and contribution of Tom Nesbitt, M.D., as a member of the academy and 133rd president of the American Medical Association. It also honors the quality of medical leadership in Nashville, as evidenced through the eight AMA presidents elected from the Nashville Academy of Medicine, the most of any country in the country. For achievement in educational, socio-economic, and legislative affairs, the Tom Nesbitt award is presented to the graduating medical student who has understanding and appreciation for such endeavors, and who demonstrates exemplary character and leadership.
- Daniel Kyrillos Ragheb, Los Angeles, CA
Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificate in Global Health
This certificate is awarded to students who complete a formalized global health education curriculum including coursework and a global health practicum.
- Andria Na Li, Charlottesville, VA
- Anna Elizabeth Matthews, Palo Alto, CA
- Gloria Nashed Mina, Windermere, FL
Graduate Certificate in LGBTQ+ Health
The Certificate in LGBTQ+ Health is designed to teach Vanderbilt doctor of medicine students how to address disparities experienced by LGBTQ+ patients, improve the health of LGBTQ+ patients, support education around LGBTq+ health, and foster research on the optimal ways to care for LGBTQ+ patients and families.
- Rishub Karan Das, Los Altos, CA
Graduate Certificate in Health Equity
The Certificate in Health Equity is offered to doctor of medicine students who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise in order to embark on leadership careers in this area.
- Trevor Joseph Anesi, Carson, CA
- Madeleine Agnes Zimpfer Ball, Mill Valley, CA
- Natasha Ann Belsky, New York, NY
- Kayla Atessa Buttafuoco, Miami, FL
- Zoë Finer, Tulsa, OK
- Anna Cahterine Aruni Henricks, Lakeland, FL
- Kasey Lee Kutcheson, San Diego, CA
- Carolina Bennett Khanna, Chevy Chase, MD
- Thao Do Vy Le, Tra Vinh, Vietnam
- Andria Na Li, Charlottesville, VA
- Hannah Louise Light-Olson, Cazenovia, NY
- Gabrielle Colleen Lyons, Naperville, IL
- Alexandra Kristin Miller, Whites Creek, TN
- Daniel Kyrillos Ragheb, Los Angeles, CA
- Ananya Sharma, Bowling Green, KY
- Samantha Alexis Singal, Long Beach, CA
Honor Society Recognition
Gold Humanism
- Sachin Kumar Aggarwal, Pearland, TX
- Trevor Joseph Anesi, Carson, CA
- Madeleine Agnes Zimpfer Ball, Mill Valley, CA
- Kayla Atessa Buttafuoco, Miami, FL
- Sarah Ann Cook, Pittsburgh, PA
- Kasey Lee Hutcheson, San Diego, CA
- Shreyas Govindaranga Krishnapura, Peachtree Corners, GA
- Hannah Louise Light-Olson, Cazenovia, NY
- Eden Marie Lyons, Glen Rock, NJ
- Anna Elizabeth Matthews, Palo Alto, CA
- Samantha Alexis Singal, Long Beach, VA
- Noah Jeremiah Thompson Orfield, Nashville, TN
Congratulations to these outstanding graduates! For more Class Day photos, check out the event Flickr album.