Mentor Recognition Program

Through its Physician Mentor Recognition Program, the AMA-WPC provides an opportunity for physicians to express appreciation to the special men and women who have offered their time, wisdom and support throughout their professional journeys.

Every July, AMA-WPC members are invited to tell us about a professional colleague or teacher who has served a special role in your life and career. The individual may have inspired you to greater heights, steered you into a specialty you love, helped you find balance in life and work, guided you through your professional society, challenged you to surprise yourself, or unknowingly been a role model for you and others.

Mentors will be recognized in materials displayed prominently at the AMA-WPC Interim Meetings. 2012's honorees include:

Mentee: Neena Malik (medical student)
Mentor: Ellen J. Scherl, MD

"Her passion for medicine, exquisite expertise and devotion to advancing gastroenterology are all readily apparent to patients, students and colleagues alike."

Mentee: Amakor Olumbunmi
Mentor: Gladys M. Ayala, MD

"She gives advice, guidance and encouragement so that her students can excel as physicians and as people with lives outside of medicine."

Mentee: Amakor Olumbunmi
Mentor: Laurel E. Baldwin-Ragaven, MD

"To practice medicine is to respect life and to recognize inalienable rights that each person possesses simply because they are alive. She taught me that the privilege of becoming a physician comes with a responsibility to humanity."

Mentee: Stephanie Meyer, MD
Mentor: Donna A. Woodson, MD

"Her skilled knowledge, genuine compassion and experienced wisdom culminate into the art of medicine."

Mentee: Shannon Pryor, MD
Mentor: Willarda Edwards, MD

"She is always a voice of wisdom and experience when I need a guide."

Mentee: Maya A. Babu, MD
Mentor: Marilyn J. Heine, MD

"Dr. Heine is a dedicated, selfless and inspiring mentor who goes out of her way to guide and support young leaders. "

Mentee: Claudia Reardon, MD
Mentor: Tosha Wetterneck, MD

"Dr. Tosha Wetterneck is "the whole package" when it comes to a mentor. She models for me and so many others in that role of fearless but also humble leadership."

Mentee: Jennifer Wu
Mentor: Ami Shah, MD

"She really is my role model and I hope to one day to also bring innovation, opportunities and energy to medical and health policy just as I have seen her do."

Mentee: Angela E. Papassvas, MD
Mentor: Janice Bensen, MD

"She has not only been an outstanding leader, mentor and friend, but is an extraordinary physician whose genuine concern for her patients, colleagues and students was evident in her caring manner."

Mentee: Joseph Javdan
Mentor: Shahram Javdanfar, MD

"He genuinely cares about each and every one of his patients and strives to provide them with the best medical care."

Mentee: Theresa Rohr-Kirchgragber, MD
Mentor: Nadia Carlesso, MD, PhD

"Nadia is an exceptional woman who instituted the subcommittee on awards for the IUSM Women's Advisory Council. She has been very proactive promoting women faculty and assuring they get recognition for their work."

Mentee: Carolyn Payne (medical student)
Mentor: Albert E. Payne, MD, UT Medical Center

"The compassion and advocacy he possesses for his patients is an inspiration and has influenced my passion and desire to be a champion now and in the future for just women’s health policy. "

Mentee: Carolyn Payne
Mentor: Barbara Reed, MD.

"Dr. Reed's mentorship in the field of clinical research provided me the highest quality introduction into the steps and processes behind conducting scientifically sound clinical investigation. "

Mentee: Joan Paul, MD
Mentor: Aisha Sethi, MD

"I have yet to meet anyone of her caliber in dermatology and her warm personality and intelligence are unparallel."

Mentee: Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD
Mentor: William R. Furman, MD

"He has provided me with advice and guidance, in gentle but appropriately firm ways when I needed it most. I cannot think of another mentor who has contributed more to my own personal and academic success than Dr. Furman."

Mentee: Rashmi Kudesia, MD
Mentor: Divya Gupta, MD

"Her attention to detail in the care of our clinic patients is also exemplary. I will definitely take the lessons she taught us to my first faculty job!"

Mentee: Nadejda Bespalova
Mentor: Angela Siler-Fisher, MD

"She's accomplished so much in her life, and is a role model to women doctors everywhere."

Mentee: Anayatzy Franco
Mentor: Pooja Oza, MD

"She has also been a great teacher who always imparts her knowledge in a friendly and clear way. Not only is she a great physician, but also an amazing person who is always seeking ways to help others. "

Mentee: Maya Babu, MD, MBA
Mentor: Ann R. Stroink, MD

"She is a kind-hearted person who always demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and humility."

Mentee: Shahram Javdanfar, MD
Mentor: Fred Javdan, MD

"He has helped me and many other famous and highly respected medical doctors to pursue their true passion and do whatever it takes to succeed in order to make a positive contribution to society."

Mentee: Shahram Javdanfar, MD
Mentor: Joseph Javdan, DO

"He is a nature leader with amazing communication skills. We need more leaders like him in our community."