Women Physicians

Inspiration Award honoree listings, last names N-Z

UPDATED . 10 MIN READ
Contents
  1. Anupama Nair, MD
  2. Theresa Nguyen, MD
  3. Michelle A. Nuss, MD
  4. Suguna Pappu, MD, PhD
  5. Donna Parker, MD
  6. Avani K. Patel, MD, MHA
  7. Debra D. Poutsiaka, MD
  8. Rebeca Racataian-Gavan, MD
  9. Prerana Ramadurgum, DO
  10. Alyssa Reese, MD
  11. Shrein Saini, MD, FACP
  12. Kaushal Shah, MD
  13. Meenal Sharkey, MD
  14. Seleena M. Shrestha, MD
  15. Natalia Solenkova, MD
  16. Lauren Streicher, MD
  17. Elizabeth Valencia, MD, JD
  18. Lauren A. Walter, MD, MSPH
  19. Lynn M. Yee, MD, MPH
  20. Michelle Zeidler, MD, MS
Anupama Nair, MD
Anupama Nair, MD

Anupama Nair, MD

"I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Anupama Nair. She has worked in our internal medicine clinic since 2001 and is currently the associate division head. Her dedication to patient care, training residents, and optimizing clinic operations, is unmatched.

Her presence brings so much joy to our work. Her leadership, support and positive energy inspire us all."

Nominated by Danielle Heidemann

Theresa Nguyen, MD
Theresa Nguyen, MD

Theresa Nguyen, MD

"Dr. Nguyen is a model community health physician and medical educator. As the director of the Center for Community and Global Health at Stritch School of Medicine, she serves as an exemplar for all students interested in emergency medicine and community health.

Her openness to mentorship and teaching is inspiring, and above all, her kindness and professionalism is one I hope to emulate as a budding physician. She is so deserving of this recognition for the 2024 AMA Inspiration Award!"

Nominated by Maya Roytman

Michelle A. Nuss, MD

Michelle A. Nuss, MD

"Dr. Nuss has been a role model for women for over 25 years. Currently, the Athens regional campus Dean for the AU/UGA Medical Partnership, she has been named the founding dean of the UGA School of Medicine, which plans to accept its first class in Fall of 2026. Inspiring others, she advocates for women to serve leadership roles."

Nominated by Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber

Suguna Pappu, MD, PhD

Suguna Pappu, MD, PhD

"Suguna Pappu, MD, PhD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Carle Foundation Hospital. She is an amazing physician and role-model. On top of being a woman in a male-dominated field, she has a background in engineering and is contributing to the integration between engineering and medicine. Most notably, she completes projects in imaging to better understand markers for patient outcomes and in human factors in surgery. Her work in this field will help contribute to improved equipment and environment for women in the OR."

Nominated by Alexa Lauinger

Donna Parker, MD

Donna Parker, MD

"Dr. Parker, a pediatrician at the University of Florida, has been an invaluable mentor, providing unwavering support and advocacy for learners. Her leadership in the UFCOM Office for Health Care Excellence fosters a safe, inclusive environment; her honesty and care make her an exemplary role model."

Nominated by Agurah Humphreys

Avani K. Patel, MD, MHA

Avani K. Patel, MD, MHA

Avani K. Patel, MD

"Dr. Avani Patel is a psychiatrist and has been an active member since she was in medical school. I have had the pleasure of serving with Dr. Patel in many leadership capacities from medical school through residency. She was the first resident physician to serve on the AMAF Board of Directors. She is not only kind and genuine, but she also exhibits characteristics of a true woman physician leader and advocate.

But more importantly, she's someone who has been a friend, mentor, peer and everything in between. I will always be thankful for her support, and she always inspires me and encourages me to be my best self. She is the epitome of inspiration, a role model, and physician leader."

Nominated by Kieran McAvoy

Debra D. Poutsiaka, MD

Debra D. Poutsiaka, MD

"Dr. Poutsiaka is an amazing physician and mentor who, even in the busiest inpatient days on the wards, makes time for teaching and mentorship. She inspires me that a woman in medicine can achieve success and make space in a specialty amongst their male colleagues."

Nominated by Senila Yasmin

Rebeca Racataian-Gavan, MD
Rebeca Racataian-Gavan, MD

Rebeca Racataian-Gavan, MD

"Rebeca Racataian-Gavan, MD, epitomizes humanism in medicine. She leads with sincerity, grace and compassion towards her students, patients and colleagues.

As a dedicated educator and a wise mentor, she inspires me daily to strive for clinical excellence and compassionate patient care."

Nominated by Ciara Madigan

 

Prerana Ramadurgum, DO
Prerana Ramadurgum, DO

Prerana Ramadurgum, DO

"Prerana raised the bar for my expectations of what a resident physician should be. She's focused, an avid learner, a willing teacher, and dedicated.

She's a clear model for the junior stage of career development. Dr. Ramadurgum makes me feel like this career is possible."

Nominated by Elizabeth Medina

 

Alyssa Reese, MD
Alyssa Reese, MD

Alyssa Reese, MD

"Dr. Reese-Bosso is inspiring beyond any measure. She mentors students and creates research opportunities for them.

Her passion fuels her to pave an easier path for students and help patients feel comfortable in their skin by providing gender-affirming surgeries and cleft-palate repairs with care."

Nominated by Victoria Miller

 

Shrein Saini, MD
Shrein Saini, MD, FACP

Shrein Saini, MD, FACP

"Dr. Shrein Saini, an esteemed infectious diseases specialist, embodies compassion, advocacy and leadership in health care. Her impactful efforts include raising community awareness about latent tuberculosis and hepatitis C, contributing significantly to improved public health outcomes.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Saini champions patients' rights and inspires fellow medical professionals to drive societal change through proactive advocacy. Her leadership is marked by a dedication to inclusivity and patient-centered care, creating a supportive environment that nurtures colleagues and empowers medical trainees. Dr. Saini's commitment to health care excellence and her proactive stance on health disparities make her an exemplary candidate for the AMA Inspiration Award."

Nominated by Somal Khan

Kaushal Shah, MD

Kaushal Shah, MD

"Dr. Shah stands as a beacon of inspiration for medical students, residency applicants and trainees, demonstrating unwavering dedication and exceptional mentorship. Dr. Shah's remarkable teaching and mentoring capabilities and research knowledge have not only positively impacted hundreds of students but have also enabled them to present mental health research findings at all major national and international psychiatry conferences. Furthermore, his leadership in medical research has empowered trainees to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, resulting in publications in high-impact journals.

Despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Shah consistently makes time to guide the ideas and aspirations of future psychiatrists, reflecting his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals. His commitment to volunteerism is evident in his readily offered guidance to individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a culture of trust and respect within the medical community.

I am immensely grateful for Dr. Shah's mentorship and leadership, which has played an instrumental role in shaping my professional journey, and I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination, confident that his impactful contributions merit recognition and celebration through the AMA Inspiration Award."

Nominated by Sushma Srinivas

Meenal Sharkey, MD
Meenal Sharkey, MD

Meenal Sharkey, MD

"Strong educator that has led multiple committee groups and formed a strong residency. Appreciated by both residents and faculty alike, I believe Meenal exemplifies this award."

Nominated by Ben Kastenbauer

"Dr. Sharkey goes out of her way to teach in shift and is an advocate for women in medicine. She seeks to help her residents and students learn and grow. In addition, she assists and guides residents on career planning and development."

Nominated by Stephanie Michael

"Dr. Meenal Sharkey is an associate program director at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital Emergency medicine residency. She has a passion for educating medical students and residents. Dr. Sharkey has helped me and others in reviewing fellowship applications to meet our career goals and advocates for diversity and inclusion within our program. She is an inspiring female physician who deserves recognition for her contribution in medicine at the bedside and academically as an educator and mentor."

Nominated by Marlee Thomas

Seleena M. Shrestha, MD
Seleena M. Shrestha, MD

Seleena M. Shrestha, MD

"Dr. Seleena Shrestha is an assistant professor and chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine.

She is a trusted clinician, forward-thinking leader, valued mentor and an exceptional role model for her residents and peers. Dr. Shrestha is truly an inspiring woman in medicine!"

Nominated by Vidhya Prakash

 

Natalia Solenkova, MD
Natalia Solenkova, MD

Natalia Solenkova, MD

A Russian immigrant, Natalia completed post-doctoral research and training in internal medicine and critical care. Active in policy and advocacy up to global levels, she fought pandemic disinformation leading to personal attacks from celebrities & politicians. She most recently served as AMA IMGS chair.

Nominated by Ankush Bansal

 

Lauren Streicher, MD
Lauren Streicher, MD

Lauren Streicher, MD

"Dr. Streicher serves as an inspiration for me and many of my peers interested in careers in sexual medicine. Her expertise in menopause and sexual health, in addition to her masterful communication and pedagogical skills demonstrated on her podcast, have transformed the field of sexual medicine.

She paved the way for so many of us and continues to mentor students through the Medical Student Forum on Female Sexual Medicine in Chicago. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with and learn from her, and she is most deserving of this recognition."

Nominated by Maya Roytman

Elizabeth Valencia, MD, JD

Elizabeth Valencia, MD, JD

"Dr. Valencia is truly inspiration personified. She is truly the reason why I am currently pursuing my MD and JD. She has been a source of light when I am smothered by darkness, strength when I am depleted, encouragement when I question my path. Every woman NEEDS a Dr. Valencia in their life and it is an honor to have been taken under her wing."

Nominated by Desiree' Brionne Dillard

Lauren A. Walter, MD
Lauren A. Walter, MD, MSPH

Lauren A. Walter, MD, MSPH

"A consummate supporter of women in medicine, she has led several committees that seek to improve the health of women, such as sex and gender health and revitalized the AMWA physician and medical student groups at UAB building it into a powerhouse of women physicians.

Supporting physicians and future physicians, her leadership is an inspiration to us all."

Nominated by Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber

Lynn M. Yee, MD
Lynn M. Yee, MD, MPH

Lynn M. Yee, MD, MPH

"Dr. Yee has been my research mentor for the past three years, and I can't think of another physician who inspires me in the field of ob-gyn as strongly as she does. Not only does she ensure that every lab meeting is a learning opportunity for students, but she provides myself and others the space to explore our own personal interests in the field of maternal-fetal medicine. She has cultivated a community of brilliant and compassionate researchers, all of whom I consider my mentors as well, and she continues to shine as a changemaker in clinical research and health equity.

Her commitment to bettering the lives of her patients by using research as an advocacy tool inspires me to continue to think critically about how social issues impact individual health care. Above all, she is a kind person who is a joy to work with and learn from! I couldn't ask for a more ideal mentor and role model as I navigate my own journey in medicine—please strongly consider Dr. Yee for the 2024 AMA Inspiration Award."

Nominated by Maya Roytman

Michelle Zeidler, MD, MS
Michelle Zeidler, MD, MS

Michelle Zeidler, MD, MS

"Dr. Zeidler is one of the most incredible women in medicine I've ever met. She has provided mentorship and sponsorship to dozens of sleep medicine fellows and junior faculty, facilitating networking on their behalf and supporting their transition to independence in their early careers.

She advocates for others with intention and grace and creates a psychologically safe space to be vulnerable when life feels overwhelming. I wish to honor her with this award to let her know how deeply appreciative so many of us are for the wisdom, kindness and guidance she provides to all of us."

Nominated by Kathleen Sarmiento

Table of Contents

  1. Anupama Nair, MD
  2. Theresa Nguyen, MD
  3. Michelle A. Nuss, MD
  4. Suguna Pappu, MD, PhD
  5. Donna Parker, MD
  6. Avani K. Patel, MD, MHA
  7. Debra D. Poutsiaka, MD
  8. Rebeca Racataian-Gavan, MD
  9. Prerana Ramadurgum, DO
  10. Alyssa Reese, MD
  11. Shrein Saini, MD, FACP
  12. Kaushal Shah, MD
  13. Meenal Sharkey, MD
  14. Seleena M. Shrestha, MD
  15. Natalia Solenkova, MD
  16. Lauren Streicher, MD
  17. Elizabeth Valencia, MD, JD
  18. Lauren A. Walter, MD, MSPH
  19. Lynn M. Yee, MD, MPH
  20. Michelle Zeidler, MD, MS

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