From the Dean’s Desk | We notice your efforts

On May 15, we held our second virtual graduation celebration to honor our 31 graduating students from the Class of 2021. The students gathered the following day at Freiberger Field on the Case Western Reserve University campus for commencement, at which time they received their degree that reads “Medical Doctor with Special Qualifications in Biomedical Research.” In addition to their medical degree, 13 graduating students earned a master’s degree. We could not be prouder!

At the virtual graduation celebration, we honored six of our caregivers who received awards:

• Shetal Shal, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology: Kaiser-Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award for Outstanding Basic Science Educator
• Eric Yudelevich, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine: Kaiser-Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award for Outstanding Clinical Educator
• Monica Yepes-Rios, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine: Outstanding Faculty Contribution Award
• Karen Wright, CCLCM administration team: Outstanding Non-faculty Contribution Award
• Elizabeth Pfoh, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine: Excellence in Research Award
• Gisele Velez, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine: Elaine F. Dannefer, PhD Award

Eleven of our graduating students also received awards to acknowledge their outstanding performance and achievement throughout their five years of medical school. I invite you to read more about our students’ graduation experience and see which of our graduates won awards.

In addition to our faculty and graduating student awards, a special educator award was recently given to 162 of our faculty and 121 of our residents, some of whom are CCLCM alumni, for meeting the criteria to be named an outstanding preceptor during 2020. These faculty and residents are responsible for educating our year 3 medical students during their core clerkships. I encourage you to read more about this prestigious award and to view the list of faculty recipients and resident recipients.

At CCLCM, we’re committed to meaningfully acknowledge our students and faculty for their efforts. Receiving well-deserved recognition helps to drive innovation, creativity and morale. Whether the recognition comes in the form of an award or a handwritten note, it not only makes us feel appreciated, but it also reminds us that our work has purpose. We’re reminded that our contributions matter, we’re making a difference and someone took notice.

Congratulations to all our graduates and award winners. You and your efforts are seen and valued!

Bud Isaacson, MD
Executive Dean