Medical School Faculty, Staff Honored at 2025 Awards Event

Steven J. Fliesler, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Meyer H. Riwchun Endowed Chair Professor of ophthalmology, was named this year’s winner of the Stockton Kimball Award for outstanding scientific achievement and service.

Fliesler is an internationally renowned vision scientist who has long studied cholesterol metabolism in the eye. "A leading authority in retinal biochemistry, Dr. Fliesler is renowned for his pioneering research on cholesterol metabolism in the retina, work that has significantly advanced our understanding of retinal degenerative diseases,” said Gustavo Arrizabalaga, PhD, senior associate dean for faculty affairs, in announcing the award.

Fliesler will present the Stockton Kimball Lecture in 2026.

The awards ceremony followed this year’s Stockon Kimball Lecture delivered by Jian Feng, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of physiology and biophysics.    

Suzanne G. Laychock, PhD, professor of pharmacology and toxicology, received a special recognition for her years of service and dedication as a senior associate dean at the Jacobs School. She was also recognized for her efforts to help organize the Stockton Kimball Award lecture and faculty and staff awards event each year. 

“For many years, she has been an integral member of the team behind the Stockton Kimball Lecture and faculty and staff recognition event,” Arrizabalaga said.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Laychock for her outstanding service as senior associate dean for faculty affairs and associate dean for faculty affairs.”

This year, two Dean’s Awards were presented. Arrizabalaga presented the awards on behalf of Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School.

The Dean’s Award honors extraordinary service to the school and individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference. Recipients are personally chosen by the dean.

The first Dean’s Award winner was:

John E. Tomaszewski, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Peter A. Nickerson, PhD Professor and chair of pathology and anatomical sciences

“Dr. Tomaszewski’s pioneering research in translational genitourinary pathology has led to significant advancements in digital pathology through the development of quantitative image analysis tools,” Arrizabalaga said.

Tomaszewski’s work and research have advanced personalized medicine through integration of high-resolution imaging with molecular data. His expertise in renal, immuno-, and urological pathology has led to new diagnostic and therapeutic insights.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tomaszewski was key to establishing extensive coronavirus testing program in the region. Further, under his leadership, the pathology department launched new, innovative PhD and MS programs in computational cell biology, anatomy, and pathology.

“Dr. Tomaszewski’s dedication to integrating pathology and laboratory medicine has improved patient care and access,” Arrizabalaga noted. “We are deeply grateful for his exceptional leadership and contributions, which have profoundly impacted our department and the broader medical community.”

The second Dean’s Award was presented to:

Julie Szrama, director of student and academic affairs, Office of Medical Education

“Julie is dedicated to her work with medical students, driven by a passion for creating positive learning experiences,” Arrizabalaga said.

Szrama has played a pivotal role planning and coordinating many student support activities and events. She has organized major events such as Orientation Week, the White Coat Ceremony, graduation activities, and student award ceremonies. Szrama has also facilitated career planning, wellness programs, and international health initiatives for students.

She not only works with so many medical students but gets to know them personally and has been committed to their well-being and success.

“Julie takes immense pride in her work and is deeply honored to support the extraordinary students at the Jacobs School,” Arrizabalaga said. 

This year, inaugural awards for research and clinical mentoring excellence were presented.

“The awards recognize faculty who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to mentoring of students, trainees, and faculty in research and clinical work in medicine and biomedical sciences,” said Anyango Kamina, PhD, assistant dean for trainee and faculty development.

Recipients of research mentoring awards were:

Yongho Bae, PhD, associate professor of pathology and anatomical sciences

Bae was recognized for driving collaboration among diverse learners, offering practical guidance, and providing supportive and empowering mentorship.

Elsa Bou Ghanem, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology

Bou Ghanem was awarded for her time invested in developing scholars, ability to help build independent researchers, and nurturing of trainees’ emotional, intellectual and professional well-being.

Recipients of clinical mentoring awards were:

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

Glassman was recognized for his organized, disciplined and thoughtful mentorship, his responsiveness to community needs, and his ability to foster research that improves learner engagement, empathy, and patient-care philosophy.

William M. Wind, MD ’97, clinical associate professor of orthopaedics

Wind is known for being reliable, compassionate and understanding while fostering trainee growth. He was recognized for being patient and approachable while cultivating optimal learning spaces for clinical and professional advancement.

Inaugural awards for clinical and research teaching excellence were presented this year.

“The teaching awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and a consistent commitment to the education mission of the school and have gone above and beyond expectations,” Kamina said.

Recipients of clinical teaching awards were:

Peter G. Bradford, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology

Bradford provides exceptional education with inclusive, student-centered pedagogy. He was recognized for his ability to uplift others and encourage active participation.

Charles T. Camp, MD ’16, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry

Camp was acknowledged for developing innovative teaching sessions and for mentorship that enriches medical students’ experiences. He also introduced a novel elective for psychiatry residents. 

Michele M. Carr, MD, PhD, clinical professor of otolaryngology

Carr was recognized for vision, innovation and mentorship excellence. She has been committed to student success and also founded UB Oto Chautauqua, a unique student-centered national online platform for otolaryngology that has reached more than 1,200 medical students.

Recipients of research teaching awards were:

Thomas J. Covey, PhD ’16, assistant professor of neurology

Covey always creates a safe, flexible learning environment and balances numerous initiatives while still providing individual attention. He was further recognized for his passion for continuous learning and drive to push the scientific community forward.

Amy Jacobs, PhD, research associate professor of microbiology and immunology

As an expert in multi-disciplinary teaching and creating innovating courses, Jacobs was awarded for her mentorship and program development. She developed the first online course at the Jacobs School and has helped restructure undergraduate curriculum.

Norah S. Lincoff, MD ’88, professor of neurology

Lincoff was recognized for her ability to make complex neurological concepts accessible and for incorporating diverse perspectives in curriculum. As an educator, she encourages unique student voices and perspectives and empowers students to take ownership of their education.

Kamina said that “this honorary award acknowledged individuals whose actions, example and efforts contribute to a respectful and supportive environment at the university and in Western New York.”

Recipients of the inclusion and cultural diversity award included a faculty member, medical resident, graduate student, medical student, and student in the MD-PhD program, respectively:

Sourav Sengupta, MD, MPH, associate professor of psychiatry

As director of training for child and adolescent psychiatry and inaugural director of the Learning Communities initiative within the Well Beyond Curriculum and CommunityConnect service-learning program, Sengupta fosters connectivity in the medical school and strengthens community ties. His work, teaching and mentoring are defined by inclusivity and engagement.

Ellen E. Lutnick, MD ’22, Department of Orthopaedics

Lutnick founded the local chapter of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and has always advocated for representation in medicine. As an orthopaedic surgery resident, she is dedicated to improving access and fostering connections between leaders and students interested in orthopaedic surgery.

Grace Karambizi

While pursuing her doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology, Karambizi also serves as executive director and lead organizer of the Buffalo Immigrant Leadership Team. She continuously elevates community needs and supports immigrant and refugee populations. 

Parveen Attai, MPH

Attai has spearheaded the Afghan Women’s Health Initiative, helping to bridge critical gaps in health care and support for the immigrant Afghan community in Buffalo. She has brought dedication, compassion and excellence to her work meeting the needs of so many people in the community while pursuing her MD.

Meagan L. Collins Hutchinson

To boost awareness, education, and advocacy efforts, Hutchinson, a trainee in the MD-PhD Program, launched UB Rare Disease Day as a community event to support individuals with rare diseases. Her dedication, enthusiasm and compassion have helped lift up people with rare diseases and so many others in the community. 

Each year, the Robert S. Berkson, MD, Memorial Award in the Art of Medicine is presented in remembrance of Robert S. Berkson. The award was presented by Alan J. Lesse, MD, associate professor of medicine and associate dean for medical curriculum.

“The award is presented to a volunteer faculty member for their abilities in patient care and teaching and for recognition by their peers for their current medical knowledge and patient care reputation,” Lesse said.

The Robert S. Berkson award was presented to:

Sanjay R. Ogra, MD ’93, assistant professor of clinical medicine

“Dr. Ogra has gone to great extents to create a wonderful experience for his students, fostering a learning environment that allows students to meet all the core objectives of the clinical immersions, highlighting their knowledge of foundational medical principles, their medical and intellectual curiosity, and their display of professionalism and kindness with their interprofessional colleagues,” Lesse said.

“Dr. Ogra has been a champion to follow for the successful launch of the clinical immersion in the inpatient clinical setting at Catholic Health System, creating experiences for first-year medical students that are truly heartfelt and resonating.” 

The event included a farewell to several departing or recently departed Jacobs School department chairs.

“As we bid farewell to our esteemed department chairs, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their exceptional leadership and dedication,” Arrizabalaga said. “They have each made significant contributions to our institution, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation.”

Departing chairs recognized were:

David Dietz, PhD, professor and chair of pharmacology and toxicology

Mark R. O’Brian, PhD, professor and chair of biochemistry

James D. Reynolds, MD ’78, Jerald and Ester Bovino Professor and chair of ophthalmology

David A. Sherris, MD, professor and chair of otolaryngology

John E. Tomaszewski, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Peter A. Nickerson, PhD Professor and chair of pathology and anatomical sciences

Gil Wolfe, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and former chair of neurology

Two Jacobs School faculty are newly appointed SUNY Distinguished Professors:

Jian Feng, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of physiology and biophysics

Michael E. Cain, MD, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of medicine and biomedical engineering

The John P. Naughton, MD, Award was established in 1999 by Naughton, who served as dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for 23 years.

The award recognizes outstanding staff members, often among the “unsung heroes” of the school’s efforts and advancement who contribute significantly to the school and the fulfillment of its mission.

Receiving the Naughton Award this year was:

Sandra Kicman, photographer, Office of Communications

“This year’s winner is often behind the scenes, and every corner, capturing moments that define the spirit and achievements of the Jacobs School,” Arrizabalaga said.

Kicman was recognized for her professionalism, exceptional teamwork, and work ethic. Her photos capture and share visually compelling stories that leave a lasting impact on the Jacobs School and its community. 

Faculty and staff members who’ve reached service milestones were also recognized.

50 Years

Eleftherios E. Mermigas of the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

Sateesh Satchidanand, MD, of the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

40 Years

Eugene Morse, PharmD, of the Department of Medicine

David Silverstein, MD, of the Department of Family Medicine

Sharon Michalovic, of the Department of Ophthalmology

Uriel Halbreich, MD, of the Department of Psychiatry

Brian Murray, MD, of the Department of Medicine

David Kaye, MD, of the Department of Psychiatry

Bruce Rodgers, MD, of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Althea Ingram, of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology

David Shucard, PhD, of the Department of Neurology

30 Years

Amy O’Donnell, MD ’85, of the Department of Medicine

Kevin Matthew, of the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

Colleen Kilanowski, MD, of the Department of Pediatrics

Barry Smith, PhD, of the Department of Biomedical Informatics

James Kelly, DO, of the Department of Orthopaedics

Nashat Rabadi, MD, of the Department of Medicine

Murali Ramanathan, PhD, of the Department of Neurology

Roslyn Romanowski, MD, of the Department of Medicine