A string quartet of Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra musicians performs during the Jacobs School’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.
Music, Award Highlight Volunteer Appreciation Night
By Dirk Hoffman
Published May 22, 2026
Volunteer faculty, partners and friends of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences were celebrated May 18 during the school’s third annual Volunteer Appreciation Night, an evening defined by gratitude, inspiration and music.
“Our Heartbeat: A Night of Heartfelt Appreciation Reception for Volunteer Faculty with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra,” took place in the second-floor atrium of the Jacobs School building and featured an intimate performance by a string quartet of BPO musicians.
Gustavo Arrizabalaga, PhD, senior associate dean for faculty affairs, welcomed guests by emphasizing the collective impact of those in the room. “This is an opportunity to recognize the individuals whose dedication strengthens our mission of education, research, clinical excellence and community engagement.”
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate and honor the remarkable volunteer faculty and academic members whose generosity of time, expertise, mentorship, and service make a lasting impact on our students, trainees, institution and community.
Arrizabalaga also acknowledged the broader network of supporters who have helped advance the school’s mission. “We would also like to extend special appreciation to all those who support the Jacobs School through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community partnership,” Arrizabalaga said. “Your dedication helps cultivate excellence and opportunity for the next generation of health care professionals and your commitment reflects the very best of academic medicine — compassion, innovation and leadership.”
Fatai A. Gbadamosi, MD, left, receives the Robert S. Berkson, MD, Memorial Award in the Art of Medicine from Alan J. Lesse, MD.
Gbadamosi Receives Berkson Award
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Robert S. Berkson, MD, Memorial Award in the Art of Medicine by Alan J. Lesse, MD, associate dean for medical curriculum. The award recognizes a volunteer faculty physician who exemplifies excellence in patient care, outstanding teaching and the respect of both learners and peers.
This year’s recipient is Fatai A. Gbadamosi, MD, an internal medicine physician and chief medical officer of Evergreen Health Services, where he cares for underserved and vulnerable populations, including patients living with HIV and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“In this setting, he models what it means to treat every patient with dignity, respect and empathy,” Lesse said.
Gbadamosi, who is a volunteer faculty member in the Jacobs School’s Department of Medicine, is an “extraordinary educator,” Lesse said.
“For years, he has consistently welcomed students into his clinic, fully involving them in patient care, encouraging independence and creating a learning environment where they feel supported and valued.”
The impact of that commitment is reflected in student evaluations, Lesse noted. Across more than 60 responses, Gbadamosi received outstanding ratings in teaching, professionalism and overall excellence as an educator.
Lesse said Gbadamosi himself sees teaching “not as an obligation, but as a calling.”
“This is precisely what the Berkson Award is designed to recognize — a physician whose excellence in patient care is matched by his deep and enduring commitment to education,” he said. “Dr. Gbadamosi exemplifies these qualities in every way.”
A Moment for Reflection and Celebration
Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, UB’s vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School, told those in attendance “we would not have the Jacobs School without you. You are what makes this school great. Thank you.”
“As we look ahead, the role of volunteer faculty and community partners continues to grow more important. Health care is evolving rapidly — and so must we,” she said. “Together, we are building stronger pathways into medicine, expanding access to care, and shaping a workforce that reflects and serves our communities.”
Brashear noted the BPO performance was a small token of appreciation — “a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that you contribute to this institution.”
“We are deeply grateful for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in our mission.”
The BPO string quartet played compositions by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonin Dvořák, among others.
The quartet’s members were:
- Feng Hew, associate principal cellist
- Antoine Lefebvre, principal second violin
- Anna Shemetyeva, associate principal violist
- Shieh-Jian Tsai, second violin