The George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology hosted the 88th Annual Kane King Dodek Obstetrical Honor Society reception on May 14, celebrating the year’s outstanding faculty, residents, and students with induction into the Kane King Dodek Obstetrical Honor Society.
Jennifer Keller, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN), welcomed members of the society, faculty, and guests, alongside a select group of residents and members of the MD Program Class of 2025, who gathered at the University Student Center for the awards ceremony.
In her opening remarks, Keller reflected on the excitement of the moment, as students prepare for their specialty training and residents near the completion of their programs, with some moving on to fellowships or practice. “Witnessing the enthusiasm in their faces… It’s truly an incredible time to be a faculty member here at GW,” Keller said.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Monica B. Jones, MD, MSc, FACOG, FACS, system chair for Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Service Line at Anne Arundel Medical Center/Doctor’s Community Medical Center, and a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at GW SMHS. Jones presented the Founder’s Lecture, titled “The Role of Leadership in Cultivating Curiosity: Traits and Behaviors.”
Throughout her career, Jones has earned recognition for her contributions to community education, efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, promotion of HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention, and development of strategies to eliminate racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
In her remarks, Jones emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and inquiry within oneself. She noted that asking “what” and “how” questions, rather than “why,” is essential to advancing health care within complex systems. She advocated for organizations that prioritize inquiry and cultivate a “growth mindset,” encouraging individuals to view challenges as opportunities and embrace the idea that talent can always be developed.
“That means, in an environment where we are driving change,” Jones explained, “the ability to observe behavior, measure it, modify it, and coach it is absolutely critical to the process of transformation.”
Nancy Gaba, MD ’93, RESD ’97, the Oscar I. and Mildred S. Dodek and Joan B. and Oscar I. Dodek Jr. Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at GW SMHS, who was unable to attend the event in person, offered video message of congratulations to the graduates and residents.
“Tonight, we celebrate your academic achievements, dedication to research, and unwavering service to the field of obstetrics and gynecology,” Gaba said. “You are the future of our specialty, and this evening serves as a testament to your hard work, resilience, and sense of purpose.”
Gaba also took a moment to reflect on the history of the Kane King Dodek Honor Society, explaining that from its founding, the society has upheld enduring values of service, scholarship, and leadership in women’s health.
Founded in 1937 by Samuel Mayer Dodek, MD, in honor of Albert Freeman Africanus King, MD, class of 1861, a professor of obstetrics at GW from 1871 to 1913 and dean of the medical school from 1879 to 1894, the society’s legacy has evolved over time. In 1987, during the society’s 50th anniversary, the name was expanded to include Howard Kane, MD ’12, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology who had delivered Oscar I. Dodek Jr., MD, and Samuel Dodek, MD, RESD 1923.
“Together, these names represent not just individuals, but ideals — excellence, integrity, service, and vision,” Gaba noted. “As we honor the next generation of clinicians and scholars, we reaffirm our commitment to these enduring values.”
Following the Founder’s Lecture, the 2025 Oscar I. Dodek Jr. Faculty Teaching Awards were presented. This year’s recipients, recognized for their exceptional teaching and commitment to excellence in medical education, were Sarah Cigna, MD ’14, RESD ’18, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology; and Roxanne Jamshidi, MD, MPH, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology.
To close the event, Assistant Professors Charelle Carter-Brooks, MD, and Jaclyn Phillips, MD, announced the new inductees into the society from the Class of 2025. These honors were awarded to students and residents selected for their academic excellence in the OB-GYN rotation, contributions to scholarly work and research, and dedication to service.
Kane King Dodek Obstetrical Honor Society
MD Class of 2025
Sandhya Bhupathi Avula
Patrice Basada
Caroline M Bereuter
James Steven Castro Argueta
Sophia A Cordes
Jocelyn Fant
Elena K Johnston
Margaret Mary Klein
Hannah Lurene Kralles
Camille Isabella Leoni
Colleen Marie Morris
Rachel Mira Nassau
Julia Ann Ryan
Priya Sai Sathyanarayan
Yael Noa Shapiro
Elena Tsemberis
Meghan Cassandra Tveit
Alejandro R Velasquez Rodriguez
Alexa Stelling Werner
Julia Xavier
Amy Yi
Class of 2025 Resident Inductees
Rebecca Alpern, MD
Katia DaSilva, MD
Faridat Folarin-Amode, MD
Janice Hejirika, MD
Ainsley Hughes, MD
Celia Kucera, MD
Jaslyn Piggott, MD
Matthew Rohn, MD
