WASHINGTON (June 4, 2012) — The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) is pleased to announce the first recipient of the Mervin Zimmerman Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology Residency -- Sankaranarayana Mahesh, M.D. The award is sponsored by Petros E. Carvounis, M.D., G.M.E. ’05, and honors retired SMHS Ophthalmology Clinical Professor Mervin H. Zimmerman, M.D.
“It is an honor to recognize Dr. Zimmerman through this scholarship, as he was a mentor and friend for me and many others at GW,” said Dr. Carvounis.
Dr. Zimmerman’s tenure in the Ophthalmology Department at GW encompassed a full forty-six years, from 1965 to 2011. His contributions to resident education in the GW Department of Ophthalmology are innumerable. As a master diagnostician, a superb clinician, and skilled ophthalmic surgeon, he is an exemplary role model for GW Ophthalmology residents. His involvement in resident development extended far beyond the clinic and operating room.
"Dr. Zimmerman was a caring mentor and advocate for residents, who was always available to provide sage-like advice and guidance regarding myriad aspects of life in a fatherly fashion," said Sanjeev Grewal, M.D., Associate Professor and Residency Program Director, Department of Ophthalmology. Craig E. Geist, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology added, “he was a great role model for our residents and his absence is keenly felt. This award will not only honor those qualities which Dr. Zimmerman personified, but moreover, will underscore some of the guiding principles that we feel best exemplify our training program.”
The first recipient of this award possesses many of the same qualities. Dr. Mahesh has consistently been a resource and role model for his junior colleagues, peers, faculty, staff, and patients alike. His upbeat demeanor, exceptional work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need have touched everyone in the department.>
The Zimmerman Award Committee selected Dr. Sankaranarayana Mahesh as the inaugural recipient of this award because he embodies many of the same traits that were modeled by his teacher and mentor, Dr. Mervin Zimmerman -- while adding his own unmistakable flair. He is a thorough and superb clinician, a technically skilled surgeon, and an excellent teacher and role model to his junior residents.
The award was presented to Dr. Sankaranarayana Mahesh, at Alumni Day on June 1.
