Dean's Excellence Award Spotlight: 2025 winners

Wendy Frankel, MD, professor emeritus in the Department of Pathology, received the Lifetime Achievement in Education Award. She is honored to have her role in academic education which has been central to her identity, recognized in this meaningful way.

What were the most rewarding parts of being a director & chair of a department? The hardest parts?

One of the most rewarding parts of being an educator is seeing those you have impacted graduate, get an exciting job, win awards, or get promoted. I am never more nervous, or prouder, than when one of my residents or fellows gets up on the podium to present our data. Watching a quiet student or resident grow into a confident and knowledgeable faculty, is an amazing feeling. One of the hardest aspects is remembering they’re working towards their dream, not yours; you need to guide them towards what they see as the priority.

What were some of the biggest lessons you learned?

You can learn a lot from those you teach. Everyone learns in slightly different ways and what works for some will not work for all. Be flexible and listen and pay attention to body language so you can be impactful.

Do you have any words of encouragement to others to nominate someone from their team for the 2026 awards?

It is important to acknowledge all our roles, and recognition improves morale and engagement. There are many challenges we face each day, and feeling appreciated can help us take these on with a more positive outlook.

Christopher Nguyen, PhD, ABPP, associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, received the Community Service Excellence Award. He is a leader in neuropsychology and geropsychology and has been instrumental in addressing the evolving health care needs of older adults in communities nationwide.

Describe the focus of your work.

My main focus is to conduct research with direct and systematic applications aimed at enhancing the well-being of the patients under our care. To advance the understanding and enhancement of cognitive health and decision-making abilities in older adults, I’ve created specialized clinics and training programs, securing funding for innovative behavioral health initiatives that benefit aging populations. In 2023, I organized an aging summit that brought together various stakeholders to shape a three-year aging plan for the university and central Ohio. In addition, I lead and serve on committees of the American Psychological Association, the Gerontological Society of America and other organizations.

Who have you worked with to accomplish this?

I’ve collaborated with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to develop a groundbreaking program to provide psychotherapy services to older adults in Franklin County. I’ve also led collaborative efforts with community partners, such as the American Association of Service Coordinators, to develop educational content for caregivers of aging adults in affordable housing communities.

True Parks, Student Financial Services Manager, received the Professional Staff of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation, significantly impacting learner's and prospecive applicant's financal wellbeing.

Describe how you approach being a champion for students.

I’ve spearheaded initiatives to support their success, such as After-Hours Office Hours that provides virtual drop-in sessions for medical students at times better aligned with their demanding schedules. I’ve also enhanced the college’s financial literacy programming, coining Buck$ for Buckeyes and creating a curriculum that prepares students to make strategic financial decisions for their future.

Describe a few efforts you’ve undertaken that you’re especially proud of.

I worked to revamp the scholarship application process, advocated for changes to academic achievement scholarship evaluations and reallocated more need-based aid to students. To mirror visibility and accountability to students, I regularly attend College of Medicine Student Council meetings and engage with the Finance in Medicine student organization.

Learn more and nominate a colleague before July 11.

As you consider creating a nomination detailing a colleague's specific accomplishments and services, learn more about these individuals who've been recognized for their exceptional contributions to education, research, care and community service at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Kimberly Doran, MS, learning specialist, received the Emerging Leader Award for her dedication to student wellness.

She led the launch of several meaningful initiatives — including Time Out Tuesday, now a nationally recognized program supporting students through Step 1 prep.

How did you produce Time out Tuesday? What sparked it?

Our team was brainstorming ideas to make Dedicated Study time a little less isolating as we know this time is filled with high stress, self-doubt, and loneliness, so we wanted to create something where even if just for a high five and a taco, students felt supported. What started as a grassroots idea that we were going to pay for out of our pockets, turned into seven sponsored Time Outs a year. The college community also saw the need and different departments aided our initiative in a variety of ways from being present, supplying lunch and activities. We have now successfully held 21 Time Outs, and our attendance continues to grow.

What is the best part of your work? The hardest part?

The best part is working with students that are trying to live out their dreams and collaborating with faculty and staff to create programming that will assist student success. The hardest part is showing students who are doubting their abilities that they belong here and that they can do it, even when they don’t think they can.

Do you have any words of encouragement to others to nominate someone from their team for the 2026 awards?

Just do it! If you know that someone deserves this recognition don’t hesitate and nominate them. Everyone needs to know that what they do has an impact and it doesn’t go unnoticed. It means a lot!

Ashley K. Fernandes, MD, PhD, FAAP, clinical professor of Pediatrics, received the Distinguished Clinical Science Educator Award for his work to seamlessly infuse clinical education with principles of bioethics and professionalism.

What does receiving this recognition mean to you?

It is a great honor. I teach ethics and professionalism, where we are trying to reinforce to our students, residents and even faculty what doctors really are — people who lift up the spirit of those who are broken. The fact that Dean Bradford and the College of Medicine have chosen to award me for this teaching discipline says a lot about our leadership and a lot about our college.

What do you think your teaching communicates to learners?

It prepares medical students and trainees to understand how to uphold the dignity of the human person in their everyday practice.

Emily McCartney, fellowship program manager for the Department of Internal Medicine, received the Inclusive Excellence Award which recognized her work to create an environment of respect where all team members feel included, valued and heard, embracing everyone’s unique contributions.

What is the key to ensuring team members are valued and heard in the workplace?

I work to enable them to reach their full potential by creating a platform for connection. I set up a Teams chat for the department’s fellowship program coordinators to create a welcoming space where everyone felt comfortable sharing accomplishments, seeking support and asking questions of peers.

Explain your innovative approach to making sure training incorporates the diverse perspectives of all team members.

Offering continuing learning experiences and support encourages the adoption of best practices and mutual respect. I believe this has improved the quality of training and fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging.

How have you incorporated wellness initiatives?

I prioritize my team’s wellness, regularly accommodating meeting locations to encourage participation in wellness activities. I am passionate about supporting the health and wellness of staff in the college and include action steps in my planning.

Learn more and nominate a colleague before June 30.