Pediatric residents and the physician mentors who have guided them gathered on Tuesday for a ceremony to honor the residents’ hard work and commitment to their medical education.

The group also celebrated the members of the graduating class and their upcoming leap into the next stage of caring for children and families. For some, this means transitioning to faculty positions at CHoR, while others will be joining community practices or even moving across the country for faculty or specialty fellowship positions at other highly-regarded children’s hospitals.

The program kicked off by recognizing an outstanding faculty member for his teaching excellence.

“In his first year here, Dr. Karam has already made himself beloved to the pediatric housestaff (resident physicians who care for patients under the direction of attending physicians) who have been lucky enough to work with him. He is an excellent clinician, decisive and thought out, while also being kind and patient and a great educator,” said Joan Dickerson, MD, pediatric chief resident, as she announced Dr. Oliver Karam’s name.

Dr. Peter Heyman was selected as this year’s Mickael M. Kannan Community Pediatrician Teaching Award recipient for his excellence in teaching, compassion and active contributions to the community.

The residents are immensely grateful for the mentorship of these leaders and all of the skilled physicians who have taught, counseled and challenged them to be the best pediatricians and specialists they can be. Congratulations also to the following residents who were honored at this year’s pediatric awards ceremony. With these new physicians joining the field, the future of pediatric medicine is bright!

David Draper Award: Cole Hawthorne, DO

Recognizes an intern who exemplifies Dr. Draper’s professionalism, excellent patient care and dedication to clinical education by serving as a role model for their colleagues and students.

Louise Robertson Award: Kyle Trowbridge, MD

Given to a second year resident who exemplifies Dr. Robertson’s love of teaching. This resident has shown patience and understanding in his ability to teach medical students and fellow residents.

Radiology Award: Rozana Shah, MD

Recognizes a resident for their academic excellence and interest in radiology.

Endocrine Award: Patrick Rizzuto, MD

Presented to the resident who best exemplifies the character, honesty, teaching excellence and scientific presence of Charles Edward Brown-Sequard, who was one of the founding fathers of endocrinology and a faculty member at Medical College of Virginia.

House Award of Excellence in Hospital Medicine: Megan Coe, MD

Given to the senior resident who demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding hospitalist, including exceptional leadership and teaching skills, a family-centered approach to patient care, excellent clinical reasoning and judgment with a focus on evidence-based practice, advocacy and a systems-based approach to care.

William Tate Graham Neonatal Medicine Award: Andrew Anderson, MD

Given to a senior resident who represents the highest dedication to quality care, empathy and concern for the special needs of neonatal patients and families.

Martin Hoffman Memorial Award: Daniel Poliakoff, MD

Presented to the senior resident who most represents empathy, interest in teaching, quality care and concern for patients.

Emily Gardner Memorial Award: Ashley Sullivan, MD

Given to the resident who exemplifies the dedication to their patients which Dr. Gardner showed during her practice of pediatrics in the Richmond community from 1930-1956.

Annual Resident Quality Improvement Award:
Meaghan Moxley, MD, Melody Brown, MD, Megan Lyle, DO and Jessica Cohen, MD

Annual Resident Research Award:
Prasanthi Parsala, MD and Austin Mercadante, MD