Outstanding Medical School Faculty, Staff Honored in 2014

The following awards were presented or announced during a May 29 event:

• Stephen Rudin, PhD
  SUNY Distinguished Professor of radiology
  director of radiation physics

A world-renowned expert in medical physics, Rudin was lauded for his career-long “display of global excellence.”

Working with interdisciplinary teams, he has pioneered cutting-edge technologies and methods for medical diagnostics and interventional imaging, with applications for brain and heart treatment.

He is best known for his work in developing a solid-state x-ray image intensifier and for his research in asymmetric stents.

A fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, Rudin will deliver the Stockton Kimball Lecture in 2015.

• Roseanne C. Berger, MD
  senior associate dean for graduate medical education
  associate professor of family medicine

Lauded for her “tireless contributions,” Beger oversees residency training in 63 programs at UB-affiliated hospitals — all of which are fully accredited, most for the maximum number of years allowed.

“Roseanne is recognized as a superb leader, administrator, educator, and physician, and is a valued and loyal citizen of our school and university,” said Michael E. Cain, MD, vice president for health sciences and medical school dean.

This award recognizes an individual who has provided extraordinary service to the school and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference.

• James J. Rosso
  admissions adviser, Office of Medical Admissions

Described as “empathetic, kind and tolerant,” Rosso has been the medical school’s first personal contact with prospective students for 25 years. He is known for displaying the utmost professionalism while putting applicants at ease throughout the entire admission process.

Named for a former medical school dean, this award recognizes outstanding staff members or volunteers who contribute significantly to the advancement of the medical school and its mission.

• Nagaraja Rao Sridhar, MD
  clinical associate professor of medicine, Division of Nephrology

This award recognizes Sridhar’s “brilliance as a teacher” and selflessness and dedication to the best patient care.

He was described as a “fantastic consultant on the inpatient service.” He trains residents on rounds as well as medical students in his office and through well-received lectures on renal tubular acidosis.

This award is named for a Buffalo internist and medical school alumnus who was actively involved in teaching medical students and residents.

• James N. Jarvis, MD
  clinical professor of pediatrics and chief of allergy, immunology and rheumatology
  

Noted for his work with indigenous Americans, Jarvis contributed to the memorandum of understanding between the University at Buffalo and the Indian Health Service that aims to improve health outcomes in Native communities across the region.

He chaired the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Native American Child Health.

• Sarah E. Riley, Class of 2016

Riley has assumed numerous volunteer and leadership roles that distinguish her as an advocate for the medically underserved, especially refugees. She has served as president of the UB student group Physicians For Human Rights, a student manager at Friends of the Night People and a volunteer mentor for pregnant refugees through the Priscilla Project.

• Bethany Asare
  pharmacology and toxicology doctoral candidate
  

Praised as a “natural leader,” Asare has worked to encourage underrepresented students to pursue science careers. She established after-school programs for Buffalo students with a focus on chemistry. She visits her alma mater, Tougaloo College, to discuss career options and strategies for success with current undergraduates.

• Kenyani S. Davis, MD
  internal medicine — preventive medicine residency program
  

Noted for her advocacy of diversity within her residency program as well as her academic work at an outpatient medicine site, Davis is conducting a project about African Americans’ approach to palliative care. She also served as an outreach resident, speaking to underrepresented minorities who may consider medical training at UB.

• Alastair Brownie, PhD, DSc
  SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor emeritus of biochemistry
  curriculum consultant
  

• Leah Doherty
  undergraduate academic adviser (senior staff assistant)
  biotechnical and clinical laboratory sciences

• Carl V. Granger, MD
  professor of neurology

• Luann M. Kaite
  assistant to the chair (staff assistant)
  biotechnical and clinical laboratory sciences

• Theresa Kruse
  project administrative officer
  microbiology and immunology

Also recognized were winners of the 2014 Louis A. and Ruth Siegel Awards for Excellence in Teaching.