The M.D. Class of 2012 was decked out in formal attire and headed to the Ritz Carlton to attend the 2012 Class Gala, on Friday evening. The event was an opportunity for the entire class to enjoy each other’s company, and marvel at the great things that they have done over the past four years, collectively and individually.
The graduating class’s President, Tom Fogarty, III, welcomed his classmates and thanked them for “going above and beyond, making our class the greatest class to grace the halls of Ross Hall.”
While the event gave the students the opportunity to let loose on their last evening before becoming doctors, it also had a serious side – as 28 departmental, University, and individually sponsored or endowed awards were distributed to individuals who were recognized and awarded for their talent, dedication, and skills that rose above the standard. The awards were presented by select members of the faculty.
The final Announcements during the awards presentation was the Announcements of the class Valedictorian. When Meghan Elizabeth Bishop’s name was announced, the class broke out in applause, with some rising to give her a standing ovation. The entire class was proud of Meghan’s achievement and the feeling of great accomplishment filled the air throughout the evening. It truly was an amazing night of reflection, celebration, and fun.
In addition, for one student, another milestone occurred at the Gala. Sarah Pai was proposed to by her long-time boyfriend, Beant Gill, M.D., who is an SMHS graduate from the class of 2011—which added to the excitement and electric atmosphere of the evening. Pai’s classmate noted that “she had given the class even more to celebrate.”
After the awards were presented, the class got down to the next item of business for the evening—relaxing, spending time with each other, and enjoying the moment. The next chapter of their medical education will begin soon, but Friday evening was a time for fun.
Award Winners
Philip S. Birnbaum Award in Primary Care
Stephanie Lynn Hightower
Dean’s Special Recognition Award
Amisha Mehta
Svetlana Braginsky Shugh
Department of Emergency Medicine Award
Nkemka Obiageli Ezeamama
Christina L. Tupe
Paul L. DeWitt Award in Surgery
William Blair Townsend
Samuel M. and Miriam S. Dodek Award in Reproductive Endocrinology
Lauren Michelle Lewis
Rachel Morris Dominick Obstetrics and Gynecology Award
Morgan Leigh Gilani
Catherine Elizabeth Clayton Hutz
Allie S. Freed Award in Preventive Medicine
Rahul Vanjani
Walter Freeman Research Award
Katherine Clare Michelis
Alec Horwitz Award in Surgery
Dale Frederick Butler
Huron W. Lawson Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Neha R. Jakhete
Benjamin Manchester Humanitarian Award
Rahul Vanjani
Julius S. Neviaser Award in Orthopaedic Surgery
Meghan Elizabeth Bishop
John Ordronaux Valedictorian Award
Meghan Elizabeth Bishop
William Newman Award in Pathology
Kate M. Serdy
Department of Pediatrics Award
Thomas Patrick Fogarty, III
Katherine Marie Ottolini
Hyman R. Posin Award in Neurology
Lena Derani
Lawrence A. Rapee Valedictorian Award
Meghan Elizabeth Bishop
Jorge C. Rios Award in Internal Medicine
Kathryn Watts Weaver
Walter F. Rosenberg Award in Dermatology
Shilpa R. Agarwal
Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Award
Christopher James Douglas Tems
The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation
Marissa Amelia Watts
Medical Alumni Association Award
Ivy Nicole Haskins
Joshua Paul Wiedermann
Jerry M. Wiener Award in Psychiatry
Marilise Alexis Hyacinth
Office of International Medicine Programs Global Health Humanitarian Service Award
Ameeka Pannu
Medical Student Excellence in Anesthesiology Award
Puneet Kumar Sayal
The George Washington University Alumni Association Prize
Thomas Patrick Fogarty, III
American College of Emergency Physicians Award
Christopher James Douglas Tems
American Academy of Neurology Excellence in Neurology Award
Waleed Helmy Kurtom
