Awards & Recognitions
Our educators and trainees are the key to our future success. UT MD Anderson offers multiple awards to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of educators, trainees and alumni who have gone above and beyond to support our institution's Education mission area.
Educators and trainees in spotlight
Open the different sections below to view the educators, trainees and alumni who have been recognized in the past year for their exceptional contributions to MD Anderson and/or their specialty.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
The annual Distinguished Alumnus Award & Lecture is sponsored by UT MD Anderson Alumni and was established in 1980 to recognize a prominent alumnus who has made distinguished contributions to his or her respective field. The recipient of this award is selected from nominations received by the UT MD Anderson Alumni. Candidates must have completed a UT MD Anderson-based program or received a degree or certificate from a UT MD Anderson school.
Qihui “Jim” Zhai, M.D., FCAP, is a board-certified surgical pathologist specializing in head, neck, genitourinary and endocrine pathology. He is a professor in and the Albert G. and Harriet G. Smith Chair of the Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Shreveport. Additionally, Zhai is the pathologist-in-chief with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s pathology service.
He earned his medical degree from the Medical School of Shandong University in Shandong, China, and completed his graduate studies at Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing. Zhai then undertook postdoctoral research training in neurology at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., before joining the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo as an assistant professor (research track). He later advanced to associate professor (research track) at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. Zhai subsequently completed a pathology residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and an oncologic pathology fellowship at MD Anderson.
Prior to joining LSU Health Shreveport, Zhai held a faculty appointment at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Jacksonville, Fla. There, he served as a professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, where he was also the director of research and the founder and medical director of the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization and Molecular Laboratory.
Zhai has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, manuscripts, and abstracts, and he has authored and edited nine major textbooks spanning his subspecialties, including best practices and quality assurance. Additionally, Zhai has served on the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine editorial board since 2005. He has extensive experience leading extramurally funded, hypothesis-driven initiatives that have been successfully implemented in clinical practice. His work spans basic science and translational research, morphological studies, clinical correlations, the application of artificial intelligence, and liquid biopsy techniques. He also has been instrumental in translating technological advances into patient care, ensuring the continued delivery of effective, accurate and up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Zhai’s pathology practice experience encompasses academia, large group settings and private practice. As a passionate advocate for pathology, pathologists, an integrated care model and optimal patient care, Zhai remains a dedicated educator and mentor, guiding junior faculty members in their career trajectories.
Zhai is an active member of numerous organized medicine and pathology societies, including the Houston Society of Clinical Pathologists, the Florida Society of Pathologists, the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Board of Pathology, the Association for Molecular Pathology, the Association of Pathology Chairs, the Chinese American Pathologists Association and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
He has been a fellow of the CAP since 2004 and actively served on several of its committees and councils as a member, vice chair or chair. He was elected to the CAP’s Board of Governors in 2019.
In 2023, Zhai became the CAP’s president-elect, and in 2025, he was inaugurated for a two-year term as the CAP’s 39th president.
Click here to see a list of previous UT MD Anderson Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients.
The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine, M.D., Academy of Health Science Education
The University of Texas System (UTS) Kenneth I. Shine, M.D., Academy of Health Science Education recognizes educators across the UT system who have implemented an innovative project or program with proven success.
Brian Chapin, M.D., professor, Urology, is the director of our Urologic Oncology Fellowship program, one of the top fellowship programs in the nation, and the chair of Urology’s annual continuing medical education conference. He supports both rotating and MD Anderson-based trainees in their surgical and clinical training and collaborates with colleagues in the Division of Surgery to establish supporting educational programs, including a summer lecture series and a leadership and professional course for trainees.
In his nine years as director of the Urology fellowship program, he has supported from than 40 fellows, teaching them technical skills in the operating room but also pushing the boundaries of their intellect by opening them up to new approaches and ideas. His mentorship guided the next steps of their careers, and his support has allowed them to successfully navigate both professional and personal challenges. Many of Chapin’s trainees continue to keep in touch with him, often reaching out to seek support or even share updates on their accomplishments.
Chapin’s passion for education extends beyond his commitment to trainees. He recently was appointed as the Urology lead for MD Anderson’s Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence clinic, a new multidisciplinary clinic for patient education, clinical care and state-of-the-art prostate practice.
Click here to see a list of previous members inducted into The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine, MD, Academy of Health Science Education.
The William Randolph Hearst Foundations Faculty Achievement Award in Education
The William Randolph Hearst Foundations Faculty Achievement Award in Education recognizes faculty members who’ve made significant, original contributions in education, while enhancing the institution’s international reputation.
Gottumukkala Raju, M.D., professor, Gastroeneterology and Hepatology, was the 2024 receipient of The William Randolph Hearst Foundations Faculty Achievement Award in Education.
Click here to see a list of previous recipients of The William Randolph Hearst Foundations Faculty Achievement Award in Education.
Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in Education
The Rogers Award recognizes one employee who consistently demonstrates excellence and dedication to MD Anderson's mission to end cancer. The award rotates among the institution's four mission areas, so this award is given once every four years to a faculty or staff member who works in the area of Education.
Sylvia Brown, program director, Nurse Navigation, was the recipient of the 2025 Julie and Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in Education.
Click here to see a list of previous Julie & Ben Rogers Award for Excellence in Education recipients.
Emil J Freireich Award for Excellence in Education
This Emil J Freireich Award for Excellence in Education is an annual award that recognizes faculty members who have made exceptional contributions to education at MD Anderson.
Wafik Zaky, M.D., professor, Pediatrics Patient Care, received the Emil J Freireich Award for Excellence during Education Week 2025. The award recognizes a faculty member who is nominated by graduate medical education trainees for their outstanding contributions to education and training programs at MD Anderson.
According to his nominators, Zaky has a knack for breaking down the complex intricacies of brain biology, brain cancer pathologies and non-standard treatment approaches to help trainees better comprehend the challenging field of pediatric neuro-oncology. He goes above and beyond to support trainees through mentorship, lectures and hands-on clinical training, but perhaps his most revered skillset is his demonstration of compassion and empathy when delivering devastating news to the families of pediatric patients.
One trainee wrote, “Through these experiences, Dr. Zaky instills in us an appreciation for the humanity behind neuro-oncology, teaching us to find and impart hope even when a cure is not possible. Many of us have, at some point during our fellowship, considered pursuing neuro-oncology because of Dr. Zaky’s influence.”
Click here to see a list of previous Emil J Freireich Award for Excellence in Education recipients.
Faculty Educator of the Year Award
The Faculty Educator of the Year Award honors faculty members who demonstrate excellence and innovative practices in education.
A professor in Radiation Oncology, Chelsea Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D., is both respected and recognized by trainees and peers for her love of education.
Pinnix currently serves as program director of the Radiation Oncology Residency program, where she’s had a tremendous impact on educational initiatives. She spearheaded the implementation of various education tracks, including the Fletcher Cox Pathway, the Global Oncology Pathway and the Bioinformatics Pathway, to further promote trainee development. She also created a novel cohort mentorship program to enhance personalized faculty mentorship with residents through each year of training.
Pinnix consistently takes on new opportunities to teach, giving both formal and informal lectures to trainees even during her busiest clinic days. She’s been known for interrupting clinical discussions to make crucial teaching points and flagging cases for future teaching points. Her accessibility and transparency with trainees enables them to feel supported throughout their educational journey.
One of her many nominators wrote, “There is no doubt that Dr. Pinnix’s whole heart goes into the welfare, mentorship and sponsorship of us residents. She makes everyone feel special and heard. Dr. Pinnix is gracious with her time and does everything she can to ensure that our experience as residents is positive and educational. I truly believe that she is one of the best program directors in the country for any specialty.”
Click here to see a list of previous Faculty Educator of the Year Award recipients.
Staff Educator of the Year Award
The Staff Educator of the Year Award acknowledges employees who demonstrate dedication, originality and enthusiasm for education.
As an education coordinator at our School of Health Professions (SHP), Xiaojun Liu, Ph.D., supports both the molecular and cytogenic tracks of the Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics graduate program.
Her nominators describe her as an outstanding instructor whose motivation and enthusiasm in educational activities drives students to achieve academic excellence.
Liu was instrumental in the implementation of Nanopore technology at SHP and went above and beyond to develop high-impact workshops, projects and teaching modules. She actively teaches four courses, regularly updating her teaching tools and methods to stay abreast of best practices. Liu also serves on at least six student thesis and defense committees and frequently stands alongside her students to ensure they receive top-notch training in cutting-edge cancer genetics diagnostic techniques. Her colleagues and students say her constant presence during SHP’s extensive lab hours is proof of her dedication to the growth and success of her students.
“Her use of thought-provoking questions keeps us attentive and inspired to excel in our learning journey. Additionally, when we achieve success in lab experiments, her enthusiastic praise serves as a strong incentive for us to continue striving for excellence,” one student nominator says, adding that, “Dr. Liu’s visionary approach and dedication to promoting education have had a lasting impact on all.”
Click here to see a list of previous Staff Educator of the Year Award recipients.
Distinguished Mentor Award
Every year, the Distinguished Mentor Award is presented to an MD Anderson faculty member who demonstrates exceptional mentoring of their postdoctoral fellows.
Michael Roth, M.D., professor, Pediatrics, received the Robert M. Chamberlain Distinguished Mentor Award in recognition of her exceptional mentoring of postdoctoral fellows.
“Dr. Michael Roth’s exceptional mentorship, combined with his qualities as a teacher, coach, and sponsor, have earned him this prestigious recognition. The nomination we received highlighted his passion for collaborative research, compassionate leadership, and dedication to the advancement of his trainees. His outstanding commitment to the development of trainees has been recognized by the Postdoctoral Association as exemplary of exceptional mentoring at our institution,” one nominator says.
GME Trainee Awards
Each year, the Office of Graduate Medical Education recognizes excellent work performed by MD Anderson residents and fellows in Professionalism, Teaching and Teamwork.
Resident/Fellow Award for Excellence in Professionalism
Ramez Kouzy
Ramez Kouzy, M.D., a fourth-year Radiation Oncology resident who has demonstrated incredible dependability and immense support for faculty, peer trainees and patients, received the 2025 Clinical Award for Excellence in Professionalism.
During the last winter storm, Kouzy volunteered to take the place of a colleague who was stuck at home and became an integral member of the ride out team. He’s also among the first people to volunteer to write letters of nominations for faculty and trainee awards, drafting more support award nominations than any other trainee in the program. As a cancer survivor himself, he has taken measures to support our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program by serving as a co-principal investigator in a study examining the outcomes of AYA Program participants.
His nominator writes, “Ramez is the kind of physician-in-training we all aspire to be. His inquisitive nature is contagious, his potential is limitless, and his intelligence, integrity, leadership, and dedication to both patient care and academic advancement make him highly deserving of this recognition.”
William Mi
William Tao Mi, M.D., a surgical pathology fellow whose polite, pleasant and humble demeanor enables him to emerge as a natural leader, also received the 2025 Clinical Award for Excellence in Professionalism. His nominators say he always sees the good side of people, adapts quickly to new situations and takes initiative to solve problems as they occur. These qualities have earned him significant praise by faculty who have worked with him.
“More than just a skilled pathologist, William is an outstanding team player. His ability to foster meaningful discussions, keen analytical skills, and commitment to patient care make him an exceptional candidate for this award. He elevates those around him through mentorship, collaboration, and unwavering support,” says one nominator.
Resident/Fellow Award for Excellence in Teaching
Kristen Jorgensen
Kirsten Jorgensen, M.D., a fourth-year Gynecologic Oncology fellow, received the 2025 Clinical Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the didactic and orientation curricula for clinical fellows.
Jorgensen comes up with out-of-the-box topics and ways of teaching to engage learners and improve the quality of the learning process. She helped overhaul the fellowship’s scheduling process to maximize one-on-one time with faculty and clinical pharmacists, which has made a significant impact on fellows’ training and universally appreciated by everyone involved.
One nominator writes, “Dr. Jorgensen excels in creating a learning environment where inclusivity and mutual support are prioritized. Her ability to remain approachable and open-minded, while maintaining a high level of professionalism, makes her a cherished mentor and collaborator.”
Olayinka Okeleji
Olayinka Okeleji, M.B.B.S, chief fellow in the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program, also received the 2025 Clinical Award for Excellence in Education for her exemplary work as an educator and leader.
Okeleji successfully developed and delivered lectures across multiple disciplines in pediatrics, including oncology, cellular therapy, stem cell transplant, and classic hematology, and remains an active participant in the division’s board prep series. She also designed a thorough boot camp curriculum that is tailored for fellows in varying years of their training and has played a pivotal role in multiple education projects at MD Anderson. Perhaps more impressive, she created an evidence-based guide for initial pain management in Sickle Cell Disease that has been adopted at Memorial Hermann Hospital and presented to the UT System.
“Dr. Okeleji leads by example, setting a high standard in clinical knowledge, professionalism, and collegiality. She is not only a brilliant clinician but also a supportive and compassionate mentor who uplifts those around her,” says one nominator.
Resident/Fellow Award for Excellence in Teamwork
Samantha Batman
Samantha Batman, M.D., a fourth-year fellow in the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program, received the 2025 Clinical Award for Excellence in Teamwork.
Batman’s nominators say she has displayed excellence in team settings, including the inpatient and research environments and with her peers. Her teammates often comment on how she values each of them and truly makes them feel heard. She not only listens to their thoughts and concerns but also incorporates them into plans for patients. Faculty members who had the pleasure of working with her also have noted how collaborative and responsive she is.
One nominator wrote, “She connects with other team members on a deeper level, which allows her to build their trust, respect, and support.”
Catherine Garcia
Catherine Garcia, M.D., fellow in the Neuro Oncology Fellowship Program, also received the 2025 Clinical Award for Excellence in Teamwork.
Garcia was recognized for her readiness and willingness to step in at any time to help where it is needed and often being the first to respond to an unexpected coverage need. She regularly participates in educational conferences and is actively engaged in quality improvement initiatives that have helped faculty understand how they can better serve teammates. She loves to teach, and medical students and residents love to learn from her, which is evident by the way they gravitate to her for help and advice.
One nominator wrote, “Dr. Garcia is the backbone of any team she is a part of. She never hesitates to assist, ensuring that the team operates efficiently and that patient care is never compromised.”
Clinical Education Awards
Each year, the Office of Graduate Medical Education recognizes two faculty members and two administrative staff members for their outstanding dedication to education at MD Anderson.
Outstanding Program Director Award
George Eapen
George Eapen, M.D., professor, Pulmonary Medicine, received the 2025 Outstanding Program Director Award. Eapen has served as program director for the Interventional Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship since its infancy nearly 20 years ago.
His program and expertise have helped shape the field of interventional pulmonary medicine and set the benchmarks for education excellence at other fellowships across the nation. Eapen is revered by patients, trainees and colleagues, as evidenced by his numerous awards, including the MD Anderson Clinical Leader of the Year. His nominator credits his distinguished military career and personal determination to foster strong, cohesive and respectful teams as key factors in the success of his program and the careers of his trainees.
“His ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and trainees exemplifies his effectiveness in teamwork. He has built strong, cohesive teams that thrive in a culture of respect, innovation, and shared learning,” his nominator says.
Jillian Gunther
Jillian Gunther, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Radiation Oncology, also received the 2025 Outstanding Program Director Award. Gunther is the director of the Radiation Oncology’s Medical Student Education program and also oversees the Visitors and Observer programs.
Gunther’s nominators describe her as an innovator and a “doer.” During the COVID-19 lockdown, students weren’t allowed to come on campus, so she created a virtual curriculum to keep her program running. She was the only educator in the country who offered virtual mentorship opportunities for medical students during this time. This gave students the opportunity to learn directly from MD Anderson faculty and helped radiation oncology maintain a healthy pipeline of prospective residents and fellows for its graduate medical education program. She also worked with the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston to integrate radiation oncology into the preclinical curriculum and initiated a research mentorship program for students who have little to no exposure to radiation oncology. During this time, she also continued to lead the in-person medical student radiation oncology clerkship, through which she mentors up to 30 medical students annually.
“Aside from her administrative and leadership roles, Dr. Gunther is an extraordinary teacher who engages and inspires her students. Her ability to make complex topics both fun and interactive is one of her most remarkable traits,” one nominator says.
“When she says she will do something you can count on it to be done. She inspires me in this way,” another says.
Outstanding Program Administrator Award
Denise De La Cruz
Denise De La Cruz, Ed.D., director of division education administration, Radiation Oncology, also received the 2025 Outstanding Program Administrator Award.
De La Cruz oversees all the education and training programs in Radiation Oncology and has played a critical role in their transformation. Her nominator describes her as the single most important factor behind radiation oncology’s clinical learning improvement, which has helped secure MD Anderson’s reputation as a top destination for Radiation Oncology residency and fellowship programs in the country.
Adaptable, collaborative and nurturing, Denise has helped shape a culture of support, openness and wellbeing among residents, fellows and faculty. She has worked hard to propel her own professional development, earning a Doctorate in Education and establishing herself as an industry leader by serving as President of the Association of Radiation Oncology Program Coordinators and a board member of the Association of Directors of Radiation Oncology Programs.
“She is a constant agent of change and process improvement and launches into every initiative with a ’can do‘ attitude. In addition to the multiple program development initiatives Denise has implemented, what makes her contribution truly special is the culture she has nurtured in our residency and fellowship programs,” her nominator says.
Katelyn Gazouleas
Katelyn Gazouleas, an associate program manager in Pediatrics, who supports the Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program, received the 2025 Outstanding Program Administrator Award.
According to her nominators, Gazouleas has demonstrated unparalleled efficiency in all aspects of program administration – from recruitment, to onboarding to curriculum development. Gazouleas is described as a true advocate for fellows, faculty and staff. Her dedication to support initiatives, such as Pebble in My Shoe, Wellness Task Force, Pediatric OncoTalk and Helping Our Peers Endure Stress Critical Debrief Program, have not only improved trainees’ educational experience but boosted their wellbeing and resilience in a demanding medical specialty. Additionally, her leadership of the MD Anderson Graduate Medical Education Program Administrators Committee underscores her deep commitment to GME.
“Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and the success of our fellows and faculty makes her an exemplary program administrator and a true asset to MD Anderson GME,” one nominator says.
Mike Hogg Award
The Mike Hogg Fund is dedicated to the support of academic proposals that will further the advancement of clinical care through medical research, education and the implementation of new diagnostic or therapeutic techniques. UT MD Anderson's division of Education and Training manages the annual Mike Hogg Award and Lecture, given to outstanding external researchers in academic medicine.
The fund was established in 1955 by Alice Nicholson Hanszen in memory of her first husband, Mike Hogg. The annual lectureship honoring Hogg was established in 1958, and Arthur Kornberg, M.D., delivered the first lecture the following year. Kornberg, a Nobel laureate, set the standard for the superior caliber of the scientists and physicians chosen to receive this honor in subsequent years.
Brent R. Stockwell, PhD, is the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Professor of Chemistry in Arts & Sciences, Columbia University, and Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center. His research involves the discovery of small molecules that can be used to understand and treat cancer and neurodegeneration, with a focus on biochemical mechanisms governing cell death. In a series of papers from 2003-2012, Dr. Stockwell discovered compounds that activate a previously unrecognized form of cell death that he termed ferroptosis. His lab defined key mechanisms governing ferroptosis, its therapeutic implications, and essential reagents for studying this new form of cell death.
Dr. Stockwell has received numerous awards, including being elected to the US National Academy of Medicine, the 2024 Cell Death and Differentiation Award, a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award at the Scientific Interface, a Beckman Young Investigator Award, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Scientist Award, the BioAccelerate NYC Prize, the Lenfest Distinguished Columbia Faculty Award, and the Great Teacher of Columbia College Award from the Society of Columbia Graduates.
He has been in the top 1 percent of highly cited researchers the last five years and was named as one of the 50 most influential life science individuals in New York. He has published >200 scientific articles, been awarded 23 US patents, and received >50 research grants for >$40 million.