The 2021 WIMS Leadership Award: Dr. Julia Martin

Dr. Martin is a professor of emergency medicine. She has served as the medical center simulation director, on the faculty council for the College of Medicine, and as the state medical director for the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services and national EMS advisory boards with many of those services expanding over a decade.

She has been a bedside leader in education at UK since 1996, and her tenure as a bedside educator for the UK emergency department is unmatched. Christopher Doty, MD, professor of emergency medicine, writes, “Dr. Martin is a role model academic physician and sets the benchmark for what our faculty should aspire to. She was innovating with medical simulation before it was 'a thing.' She’s been a valued mentor to male and female residents and junior faculty alike. She raised the bar and set new benchmarks for emergency medical services care in the Commonwealth and increased the quality of the EMS care in the state of Kentucky. She is a tremendous asset to the University of Kentucky and continues to work tirelessly to further the goals of the University and the interests of the women of the UK College of Medicine.”

The 2021 UK College of Medicine WIMS Mentorship Award: Callie Rzasa, MD

Dr. Rzasa is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of pediatric cardiology. Sarah Ashley, one of her fourth-year medical students wrote, “Her advice was ‘to do the least amount of work that you can’t live without doing.’ The wisdom truly altered the course of my life. In addition, she is an expert diagnostician and natural educator, seamlessly integrating clinical pearls. Her extensive research publications demonstrate true leadership in her field, and as her mentee she has imparted her strategies for innovative, responsible research practices to me. But most importantly, I have learned how to respectfully and humbly interact with patients and their families through observing her deliver complex diagnoses in simultaneously simple and eloquent terms. In short, I feel that I am a better future physician and a better person because of Dr. Rzasa. For this, I will forever be grateful.”

The 2021 UK College of Medicine WIMS Rising Star Student Award (Medical and PhD Students): Colleen Bodnar, Graduate Research Assistant in Neuroscience

Colleen is currently a doctoral student in the department of neuroscience who has authored or co-authored four papers thus far in her short career. She has been awarded both an NIH T32 and F31 fellowship. She serves as a teaching assistant for four classes in the department of neuroscience.

She serves as the president and founder of the Students in Neuroscience Advancement and Professionalism Society, graduate student representative of the department of neuroscience, as well as the University Graduate Student Council and Bluegrass Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. Adam Bachstetter, PhD, states, “Colleen has the intelligence, motivation, and temperament to succeed and become a future leader in biomedical research and education. It is with utmost confidence I can say that Colleen is the most outstanding student I have had the opportunity to train.”

The 2021 UK College of Medicine WIMS Rising Star Post-Graduate Trainee Award (Resident, Fellows, and Postdocs): McKayla Riggs, MD

Dr. Riggs is currently a fellow in gynecology-oncology and was promoted to captain of the U.S. Air Force during fellowship. She has published five articles within her first year as a fellow and received research awards. She is active in resident and medical student education and mentoring and received the Obstetrics and Gynecology Fellow Teaching Award in 2021 as well as numerous other awards during residency.

Megan Hutchcraft, MD, writes, “Dr. Riggs is an outstanding and natural teacher inside and outside of the operating room. She is not only smart and exceptionally capable, but she makes all of her team members feel valued. She expects the best from her trainees and acknowledges their hard work and commitment even when things don’t go perfectly. Dr. Riggs is truly a rising star and an outstanding mentor. We are so incredibly lucky to have her.”

WIMS Leadership Award: Susanne Arnold, MD

Dr. Arnold is a professor of internal medicine in the division of hematology and oncology. She serves as the associate director of clinical translation at Markey Cancer Center and the Buck-Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Chair. She has mentored numerous junior faculty through her leadership in the Markey Clinical Trials Boot Camp, has over 90 publications, and has served on many national committees including the SWOG Lung Cancer Committee, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, Cancer Research and Biostatistics Clinical Trials Consortium, and National Cancer Institute Investigational Drug Steering Committee.

Kathleen O’Connor, PhD, writes, “Dr. Arnold is a priceless gem for those of us in Kentucky that work with her, depend on her for patient care, and/or are mentored by her. Without her leadership, the Markey Cancer Center would not be the quality institution it is today and our achievement of NCI-designation would be in jeopardy.”

WIMS Mentorship Award: Donna Wilcock, PhD

Dr. Wilcock is a professor of physiology and serves as the assistant dean for biomedicine. She is a Sweeney-Nelms Professor in Alzheimer’s Disease Research. One of her students wrote, “What makes Donna an amazing mentor is that she is not trying to make us and our career choices mirror her. She is allowing us to become the individual scientists we are meant to be.” 

Maj-Linda Selenica, PhD, assistant professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry, writes, “It seems that Donna’s mentorship is instinctive and knows no borders. She always reaches out to ask how things are going. At its core, the purpose of mentorship is to advise and deliver support when someone needs it, advocate and always keep the mentee’s best interest in mind. At least this is what I think when I think of a great mentor, and that is Donna.”

WIMS Rising Star (Medical and PhD students): Lyndsay Young

Lyndsay is a graduate research assistant in molecular and cellular biochemistry and a trainee in the laboratory of Matthew Gentry, PhD. She has authored or co-authored nine papers in her short career and has won several awards for her scientific work. She serves as the chair of the Biomedical Graduate Student Organization Outreach Committee and the president of the Graduate Student Organization.   

Dr. Gentry, professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry, writes, “Lyndsay’s passion for science, work ethic, mastery of class work, excellence at the bench, and dedication to outreach all indicate that she encompasses the type of candidate that should be recognized.  Lyndsay is one of those rare individuals who does not come around often. She has enormous potential, and she will continue to be a leader among her peers.”

WIMS Rising Star (Residents, Fellows, and Postdocs): Michelle Abou-Jaoude, MD

Dr. Abou-Jaoude is currently a fellow in vitreoretinal surgery who completed her ophthalmology residency at UK. She has presented lectures and research at several national meetings and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed manuscripts. She has also created and mentored multiple research teams including residents and medical students. 

Claire Fraser, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, writes, “Dr. Abou-Jaoude is an insightful physician-scientist who is always ready to consider a clinical question from another angle. Her knowledge, research skills, surgical acumen, and effort far surpass that of any fellow I have encountered. She is truly a ‘rising star.’”

Three travel award winners attended the AAMC Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar this past spring and summer. This travel award was awarded to a male or female faculty member who serves as a mentor and role model for the UK College of Medicine women. The early-career recipient went to Sara Police, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology and nutritional sciences. The mid-career recipients were April Richardson-Hatcher, PhD, special title faculty in neuroscience, and Amy Hessler, DO, associate professor of neurology. 

We received over 30 nominations this year!

WIMS Leadership Award: Daret St. Clair, PhD
This award acknowledges the contributions and accomplishments of female faculty in the UK College of Medicine. 

Dr. Daret St. Clair is a professor of toxicology and cancer biology and serves as the James Graham Brown Foundation Endowed Chair for the department. She serves as the associate director for basic research for Markey Cancer Center and is a fellow of the Society for Redox Biology and Medicine.

She has given nearly 100 invited research presentations worldwide, and published over 200 manuscripts. She has served on multiple advisory boards including with the NIH, MD Anderson, and other universities. Christine Brainson, PhD, assistant professor of toxicology and cancer biology, writes, Dr. St. Clair is “highly regarded in her field and truly esteemed by her colleagues here at Markey Cancer Center. She is an excellent example of a leading woman in science. Due to Daret’s efforts, we now have a great group of young women faculty that will maintain our department’s interest in training women scientific leaders for the future.”

WIMS Mentorship Award: Larry Goldstein, MD
This award recognizes an outstanding male or female UK mentor who has helped UK College of Medicine Women in their careers.

Dr. Goldstein serves as the chair of the department of neurology as well as the co-director of the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute. Lisa Koehl, PhD, assistant professor of neurology, writes “Dr. Goldstein strives for greatness in each domain including clinical, teaching, and research and is thus able to guide his faculty in whichever endeavors are most strongly desired.” Lumy Sawaki, MD, PhD,  writes, “In the era of the Me Too movement, many men in academia shy away from mentoring women.  In contrast, Dr. Goldstein has been very present, encouraging, and steady in providing meaningful leadership to encourage women and faculty of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups. He understands the common purpose; he breaks barriers for us; he is an exceptional communicator – and most importantly, he is an outstanding listener.”  

WIMS Rising Star (Medical and PhD students): Aria Byrd
This award recognizes and promotes the accomplishments of women who are still in training. 

Aria Byrd, graduate research assistant in toxicology and cancer biology, currently trains in the Brainson laboratory working to understand the epigenetic mechanisms that lead to COPD. She has won several awards for her scientific work as well as the Lyman T. Jones Diversity Award. She serves as the current external affairs officer for the UK Graduate Student Congress and president of the UK Black Graduate and Professional Student Association.

Dr. Brainson writes, “She is an exceptional student with extremely refined organizational skills, scientific curiosity and attention to detail. Aria’s contributions to the scientific community and her scientific progress exemplify her status as a Rising Star at the University of Kentucky.”

WIMS Rising Star (Residents, Fellows, and Postdocs): Sara Klinger, DO
This award recognizes and promotes the accomplishments of women who are in their post-graduate training.

Dr. Klinger is a third-year resident in internal medicine and will serve as chief resident next year upon graduation. Dr. Klinger co-founded a cardiology journal club for internal medicine residents to discuss landmark cardiology trials. She has published two articles in the Journal of American College of Cardiology and served as moderator for the Midwest Women in Cardiology Symposium. She also mentors medical students as they navigate potential careers in internal medicine and cardiology. 

Katie Twist, MD, associate professor of medicine, writes, Dr. Klinger “has honestly astounded me with her personal drive, clinical and research skill, as well as her ability to mentor and lead others and bring out the best in them. She is definitely in the top 5 percent of the residents I have worked with.”

WIMS Travel Awards
Two travel award winners attended the AAMC Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar this past spring and summer. This was awarded to a male or female faculty member who serves as a mentor and role model for the UK College of Medicine women. The early-career recipient went to Asha Shenoi, MD, associate professor of pediatrics. The mid-career recipient was Kristy Deep, MD, associate professor of internal medicine. 

Together with the Office of Biomedical Education, WIMS co-sponsored a travel award for a postdoctoral scholar to attend the National Postdoctoral Association Meeting. The recipient of this award was Stephanie Davis from the department of neurology.

WIMS Leadership Award
Meriem Bensalem-Owen, MD, is a professor of neurology and serves as the medical director for the epilepsy program at UK. She also serves as the director for the epilepsy fellowship training program.  Ima Ebong, MD, MS, assistant professor of neurology, writes, “Dr. Bensalem-Owen is a phenomenal physician, teacher, mentor, and friend. In her short career, she’s overseen the epilepsy division’s growth to one of the top in the region in terms of innovative therapies and patient safety.” Hilary Long states, “She is a selfless leader who always puts others first. She has the biggest heart, and even when she has ten other things going on, she is always available when anyone needs her.”

WIMS Mentorship Award
Carrie Oser, PhD, serves as the associate chair in the department of sociology, as well as the associate director of the Center for Health Equity Transformation. She is also the interim associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences. Amanda Bunting writes, “Dr. Oser is an invaluable resource who cultivates academic and career success.  She does not hoard her success but is a collaborative scholar publishing with both faculty and students from colleges across the University. Dr. Oser is committed to enhanced collaboration and productive relationships and consistently bridges department and college divides.  When I set my own goals and imagine success, I envision Dr. Oser. I know that she is dedicated to my success, and her mentoring is invaluable to me as well as many academics and professionals.”

WIMS Rising Star Award (Predoctoral)
Nika Larian, graduate research assistant in pharmacology and nutritional sciences. Nika is currently a trainee on the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-funded Superfund Basic Science Research Grant. She has served as president of the nutritional sciences and pharmacology student association and volunteers her expertise for several community groups including Food Chain Lex, Better Bites, and Tween Nutrition and Fitness.

Lisa Cassis, PhD, vice president for research, writes, “She is incredibly active serving as a role model, blogging on nutrition and fitness, and living what she researches. She is a rising star and has the talent and capabilities to achieve much in research and education.”   

WIMS Rising Star Award (Postdoctoral)
Julie Shelton, MD, junior chief cardiology fellow, completed her internal medicine residency at UK prior to starting her fellowship. Susan Smyth, MD, PhD, writes, “She is without a doubt, one of the best fellows I have had the pleasure of working with at UK. She is a person of extraordinary dedication, hard work, and responsibility. On a daily basis, Dr. Shelton goes above and beyond what is required and exemplifies excellence.” 

WIMS Travel Awards
Our two travel award winners attended the University of Michigan Leadership Summit in the Spring of 2017. The early-career travel award went to Katie Twist, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine. The mid-career travel award went to Cynthia Talley, MD, associate professor in trauma surgery.

WIMS Leadership Award
Hollie Swanson, PhD, is a professor of pharmacology and nutritional sciences and director of the Women's Executive Leadership Development Program. Dr. Swanson has a distinguished career publishing in top journals, and she serves on multiple advisory and review boards at regional and national levels. She also serves as the director of the summer undergraduate research fellowship programs in pharmacology and environmental health sciences where underrepresented Appalachia students are provided unique research experiences thanks to National Institutes of Health funding she acquired.

Kristine Lohr, MD, states, “Dr. Swanson is an innovative educator and champion of women faculty, trainees, and students.” Elizabeth Head, PhD, writes, “In support of women’s careers, Dr. Swanson is truly exceptional. As the director of WELD, she also serves as an example herself, of what outstanding leadership involves. What is unique about her leadership is by virtue of exposing our group to the leaders at UK, she is providing us with opportunities to not only meet the leadership but also for the leadership to meet us. This is to me one of the most important qualities of a leader – to elevate those around her.” 

WIMS Mentorship Award
Lisa Tannock, MD, serves as the division chief of endocrinology and molecular medicine as well as the vice chair of internal medicine. She is also the associate director of the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, associate editor of the journal Atherosclerosis, and editor-in-chief for the Endocrine Self-Assessment Program. Lisa Cassis, PhD, vice president for research, writes, “She is a mentor to many, not just junior investigators and trainees, but to senior basic scientists such as myself. She has been instrumental in helping junior faculty as well as senior investigators in competing effectively for grants and contracts. Her reach is broad, and her impact is also broad. A strong physician-scientist, organized and capable leader, and basically the glue that brings people together and keeps them engaged.”

WIMS Rising Star Award (Predoctoral)
Chelsea Barrett is a graduate research assistant in molecular and cellular biochemistry. Chelsea received her undergraduate degree in chemistry while playing collegiate volleyball and following graduation pursued a job at PPG, an industrial paint company where she worked for three years. After acceptance into the Integrated Biomedical Sciences PhD program, she joined the lab of Rebecca Dutch, PhD. Chelsea serves as co-creator and current elected president of the College of Medicine's biomedical graduate student organization. She also is part of the trainees in research advisory committee where she acts as the graduate student representative. Tyler Kinder, fellow graduate research assistant in Dr. Dutch’s lab, writes, “Chelsea has demonstrated countless acts of leadership and professional excellence and serves as a role model for her colleagues in both scientific and non-scientific aspects of her professional career.”  

WIMS Rising Star Award (Postdoctoral)
Kristin Hoffman, MD, PGY-3 anesthesiology resident, is a graduate of West Virginia University and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus. Dr. Hoffman was awarded the Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health award during medical school. As a resident, she has been noted to have superb anesthetic plans that are executed flawlessly. She is considerate of other colleagues and patients, staying late even when not on call, and forms bonds with patients even in the suspicion of medical error putting the patient’s interests above her own. Robert Gaiser, MD, writes, “Dr. Hoffman epitomizes a resident who has mastered the core competencies of patient care, communication, professionalism, and medical knowledge. I have been involved in graduate medical education for 24 years as a teacher, program director, and chair. In my opinion, Dr. Hoffman represents the ideal resident in that she is bright and hardworking, extremely professional, and serves as a wonderful role model not just for the residents, but also for the faculty.”

WIMS Leadership Award
Susan Smyth, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine
Dr. Smyth is the chief of cardiovascular medicine and also serves as the director of the Gill Heart Institute. She leads the MD/PhD program for the College of Medicine and directs the TL1 program for the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences. She is nationally recognized for her research and serves on many professional committees both regionally and nationally.

Lisa Tannock, MD, writes, “Often the busiest, most productive people end up being stretched thin due to the excessive demands on their time; however, Susan never gives that impression. Everything she does, she does 100%. She has excellent insight into the potential impacts of decisions on women and junior faculty, and one of her key leadership traits is her consistent action on behalf of others. She is one of the strongest leaders I know.”

WIMS Mentorship Award
Arundathi Reddy, MD, Associate Professor and Chief of Pediatric Anesthesiology
Dr. Reddy serves as the chief of pediatric anesthesiology as well as the medical director for outside the operating room anesthesia services. She has received numerous awards including Alpha Omega Alpha, Surgery Faculty Teaching Award, and multiple Abraham Flexner Awards including one for outstanding teaching contributions or mentorship. She has mentored over 150 medical students, 25 residents, and multiple junior faculty members.

One of Dr. Reddy’s many mentees said, “I am here because of Dr. Reddy. She has provided more than ideas.  She is helping me to start an academic career.” A medical student wrote, “Her dedication to my career aspirations was made evident in many conversations over coffee and through multiple text messages and emails. Of the numerous attending physicians I have interacted with she continues to stand out in my mind as one of the very best, and her involvement in my medical school career has been paramount in solidifying my decision to become an anesthesiologist.”

WIMS Rising Star Award
Catherine Mannon, UK College of Medicine, Class of 2017
Catherine has been a leader throughout her medical school career.  She was selected to be the Class of 2017 student representative to the AAMC Organization of Student Representatives where she has attended both regional and national AAMC meetings. She returned to UK with multiple initiatives including developing a program called Resilient to help support student physician wellness.

She was selected as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha as well as the University of Kentucky Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.  Todd Cheever, MD, MS, associate dean of student affairs, writes, “Since the start of school, Catherine has looked for ways to improve the medical school experience and mentor other students here at UK as well as at other medical schools and through her regional and national work through the AAMC. She is a humble and dedicated individual who has the potential to impact her patients and generations of students for many years to come.”