Siegel Awards Celebrate Outstanding Teachers

On April 23, seven awardees, including faculty members and a student, resident, and fellow, were honored during a ceremony in the Jacobs School’s M&T Auditorium.

A committee of Jacobs School students selected the recipients. Caitlin Chunco, a fourth-year medical student serving on the awards committee, greeted the audience and praised the educators’ work and dedication. “You have all done such an amazing job, and that’s why you’re being recognized here today,” she said.

While welcoming the audience, Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School, noted that “teaching is the bedrock on which future generations of health care providers are built.”

“Today we shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of our educators that make the work of advancement of medical education possible,” she said. “It is their mentorship and their commitment that really brings to light the mission of the Jacobs School.”

Teaching in the Preclinical Program

Stuart D. Inglis, PhD, instructor of pathology and anatomical sciences

Nominees had the following to say:

“Whether providing essential learning materials, helping navigate complex clinical concepts, or supporting extracurricular endeavors, they’re fully invested in their students’ growth and success.”

“In a field that is often demanding, this person brought a level of mentorship that is both inspiring and transformative. They make the difficult feel manageable and the overwhelming feel achievable.”

Teaching in the Clinical Program 

Seth R. Glassman, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine

Nominators’ comments included:

“It was inspiring to work with a physician who’s passionate about his field as well as an expert in his practice with an unmatched bedside manner and professionalism with everyone else he interacted with in the hospital setting.”

“The epitome of a master internist and educator.”

Resident Teaching Award

Mohamed Soliman, MD, PhD, neurosurgery resident

Comments from nominators included:

“They don’t just supervise, they teach. Every moment becomes a chance to learn how to think critically, how to stay curious, and how to connect our work back to patients.”

“I am the learner I am today because of them.”

Fellow Teaching Award

Christian G. Cavalieri, MD, general cardiology fellow

Comments about the nominee included the following:

“It is clear that this nominee embodies the qualities that make an exceptional medical educator. They’ve consistently gone above and beyond what is expected in their preceptor duties.”

“I remember doing a complete head-to-toe physical exam on a patient for the second time ever, and this nominee was excited and proud, noting how much I had improved and how great it was to see.”

Volunteer Teaching Award

John Gillespie, MD, clinical assistant professor of family medicine

Nominators commented on the recipient, saying:

“Prior to our clinical skills exams, they offered extra practice sessions, allowing us to ask endless questions and work on perfecting our clinical exam skills.”

“This person’s commitment to our growth exemplifies the kind of educator and mentor who makes a lasting impact on students’ medical training.”

Student Teaching Award

Mackenzie Cronin, fourth-year Jacobs School medical student

Comments about the nominee said:

“She doesn’t just embody what it means to be an excellent educator, she inspires others to rise to the occasion.”

“Her peer-educator sessions, which regularly ran over two hours, sometimes more than once a week, offered the clarity many of us desperately needed during the most intense moments of our preclinical years.”

Siegel Career Achievement Award

Christopher S. Cohan, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of pathology and anatomical sciences

In recognition of his upcoming retirement and 39 years of service to the Jacobs School and dedication to student teaching, Christopher S. Cohan, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of pathology and anatomical sciences, received a special recognition. 

During the ceremony, Cohan, who’s been a past Siegel Award recipient and 16-time nominee, was praised by David A. Freedman, PhD, instructor of pathology and anatomical sciences. “It’s hard to put into words the impact that a great teacher has, not just on their students but on the entire school community,” Freedman said. “Chris’s journey as a teacher is one defined not by longevity but by evolution.”

“It wasn’t about staying relevant, it was about staying effective, compassionate, and present,” Freedman said of Cohan. “In all those years and through all those changes, one thing never changed: your passion and joy.”

Other nominees for this year’s Siegel Awards included Jacobs School faculty, students, residents, a fellow, and staff:

Rishabh Bansal, MD, fellow, Department of Medicine

Emily Brunette, MD, resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Anthony Burdo, MD, Department of Family Medicine

Christopher S. Cohan, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of pathology and anatomical sciences

Michael R. DiGiacomo, MD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry

John D. Hall, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine

Ryan Hartman, MD, clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine

Meghan A. Higman, MD, PhD, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics

Muhsinah Howlader, Jacobs School Class of 2027

Ali Khan, Jacobs School Class of 2026

Andrew Ko, DO, resident, Department of Pediatrics

Jennifer K. Lang, MD, associate professor of medicine

Megan Malueg, Jacobs School Class of 2026

Pamela K. Morris, MD, clinical assistant professor of family medicine

Norma J. Nowak, PhD, professor of biochemistry

Sangrok Oh, DO, clinical assistant professor of family medicine

Hannah Onsi, Wisdom Security

Johanna Rajotte, MD-PhD candidate

Malak Shah, MD, resident, Department of Radiology

Hanaa Youssef, security staff

Mark R. Zambron, MD, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics 

The Siegel Awards are the foremost means for recognizing extraordinary teachers in the Jacobs School.

Louis A. Siegel received his medical degree from UB in 1923 and served as an assistant professor of obstetrics-gynecology for 21 years. He was a dedicated clinical teacher who was able to inspire both medical students and house officers with enthusiasm and the spirit of inquiry.

Considerations for the Siegel Awards include: instructional skill, ability to stimulate thinking and develop understanding, demonstration of sensitivity toward the human condition, and serving as a role model for students.

A student award committee composed of representatives from each medical class reviews nominations provided by students and selects awardees.