College and osteopathic profession awards 2023

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Prior to commencement on May 4, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) held its annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony to celebrate outstanding faculty, staff and graduating students.

Class of 2023 award winners were recognized for their leadership, advocacy and distinguished community service, and for their exceptional academic and professional achievements. During their four years at the college, the Class of 2023 graduates demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the osteopathic profession and to the people and communities they serve. Congratulations to the following students on their well-deserved recognitions:

Student Awards

The Richard L. Alper Memorial Award

Justin Romualdo Abadejos, D.O.

Established in memory of Richard L. Alper, who died in a tragic plane crash in 1975, shortly before his graduation. Presented to a MSUCOM graduate for distinguished service to the community.    

The Carnegie Medal for Academic Excellence

Nicole Zuckerman, D.O., and Elizabeth Ann Deming, D.O.

Awarded to graduating students with the best overall academic scores from non-clinical courses.

Dean’s Recognition Award

Derek Scott Versalle, D.O.

Presented to a graduate who has demonstrated leadership and advocacy for the college and the osteopathic profession and who exemplifies the best professional qualities of an osteopathic physician.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

Sister Mary Luke Feldpausch, D.O., RSM

Awarded to the graduating student who has helped meet the needs of people from all walks of life.

The Excellence in Public Health Services Award

Jose Alexandre Rodrigues, D.O., Ph.D.

Awarded to the graduating student who has advanced the public health and safety of our Nation.

Family and Community Medicine Achievement Award for Clinical Performance

Justin Romualdo Abadejos, D.O.

Awarded to the graduating student who has most clearly exemplified an ongoing interest and proficiency in the field of family medicine.

The Donna Jones-Moritsugu Award

Naomi Dawood, partner of Alyssa Soules, D.O. and Dr. Rochelle Versalle, partner of Derek Scott Versalle, D.O.

Awarded to the partners of graduating students who best exemplifies the role of a professional’s partner.

The Annette Kabara Family Endowed Fund Award

Immanuel Anani Jackson, D.O.

Awarded to a graduating student who is a parent having faced special challenges.

The Paul S. McCord, D.O., Memorial Award

Philip van Huigenbos, D.O.

Awarded to a graduating student on the basis of commitment to community service, primary care disciplines and service to medically underserved areas.

Osteopathic Profession Service Award

Anh-Dao Thi Tran, D.O.

Presented to the graduate who has promoted the college and the osteopathic profession through public service and community engagement.

Veronica M. Maher – J. Justin McCormick DO/PhD Award

Patrick O’Connell, D.O., Ph.D.

The D.O.-P.h.D. Program was co-directed by Drs. Maher and McCormick who were world-renowned scientists.  This award is presented to the graduate that best exemplifies their vision of a physician-scientist through exceptional scholarship and academic achievement, while also demonstrating leadership and advocacy for both scientific and osteopathic medical training.

The Michigan Osteopathic Association Outstanding Graduating Senior Award

Courtney Elizabeth Merlo, D.O., RD, CNSC

Awarded to a student in good academic standing who is actively involved in the MOA, AOA, SOMA or student government, and who has made significant extracurricular contributions to the college.

Walter C. Mill, D.O., FACOS, Award for Excellence in Surgery

Zachary Brennan, D.O.

Awarded to the graduating student who best exemplifies excellence in surgery, the surgical subspecialties and anesthesiology.

Fred L. Mitchell Sr., D.O., FAAO, Memorial Award

Benjamin Edward Bolcer, D.O., Taylor J. Casey, D.O., and Philip van Huigenbos, D.O.

Awarded to graduating students for exceptional achievement in the field of osteopathic manipulative medicine.

The Clinical Neuroscience Award

Alexis Lauren McKay, D.O.

Awarded to the graduating student who has shown the most promise in didactic training and clinical skills in neuroscience.

The Judith K. Weiswasser Memorial Award

Melissa Anderson-Chavarria, D.O., Ph.D., M.S.

Established in memory of Judith K. Weiswasser, who died in a tragic plane crash in 1975, shortly before her graduation. This award recognizes the MSUCOM graduate deemed to be outstanding academically, professionally and personally.

Faculty and Staff Awards from the Class of 2023

Basic Science Faculty Award

Stephen DiCarlo, Ph.D.
Professor, Physiology

Awarded to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching basic science and seeks to integrate basic science education with clinical medicine.

Clinical Science Faculty Award

Graham Atkin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Radiology

Awarded to a faculty member who was deemed the best role model and instructor of clinical medicine.

Dedication to Teaching Award

David J. Strobl, D.O.
Professor, Osteopathic Medical Specialties

Awarded to a faculty member who has demonstrated dedication to excellence in teaching integrated clinical science in system courses.

Distinguished Lecturer Award

Paul Kowalski, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Physiology

Awarded to the faculty member whose lectures are most clear, coherent, instructive and well presented.

Distinguished Mentor Award

Howard S. Teitelbaum, D.O., Ph.D., MPH
Professor, Family and Community Medicine

Awarded to the faculty member for their devotion to mentorship and dedication for mentee success.

Osteopathic Faculty Award

Lori A. Dillard, D.O.
Assistant Professor, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Mark R. Gugel, D.O.
Associate Professor, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Terri A. Steppe, D.O.
Assistant Professor, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Awarded to faculty members for excellence in the teaching and practice of osteopathic manipulative techniques.

Student Support Award

Arie Armbruster, M.A.
Advisor, Academic and Career Advising
Brooke-Lynn Vij, M.Ed.
Advisor, Academic and Career Advising
Wendy Wilson
Administrative Assistant, DMC

Awarded to faculty, staff and administrators who have worked above and beyond the call of duty to provide support and assistance to individual students or student organizations.

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