Residency Awards

We award multiple distinctions annually at our annual Hail & Farewell and Intern Welcome luncheon. Below is a list of the awards and their descriptions, as well as our previous awardees.

Arthur Sowgas Award for Outstanding Pediatric Faculty Educator

The prestigious award, originally known as the Outstanding Faculty Award since its inception by Colonel Ogden Bruton in the 1950s at Walter Army Medical Center, is one of the highest honors given to a faculty member. In the late 1950s to early 1960s, Arthur Sowgas, an orderly in the pediatric ward and nursery, pursued a medical degree with support from Dr. Bruton and other faculty members. After completing his education and a transitional internship, he returned to the pediatric department. Upon his retirement, it was proposed by two residents to rename the award in honor of Dr. Sowgas, cleverly reflecting his dedication with the acronym of his last name, "someone who gives a shit." Dr. Sowgas was celebrated for his genuine care and mentorship, attributes likely influenced by his modest beginnings and the guidance he received during his own tenure in the department.

Year	Name
2007	Gregg Montalto, MD
2008	Jeff Hutchinson, MD
2009	Greg Gorman, MD
2010	Greg Gorman, MD
2011	Matt Eberly, MD
2013	Tom Burklow, MD
2014	Cassie Carr, MD
2015	Phil Rogers, MD
2016	Michael McCown, DO
2017	John C. McDonnell, MD

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Joel Labow Award for Excellence in Patient Continuity

Dr. Joel Labow was celebrated for his exceptional patient care and commitment. Known for carrying a distinctive leather medical bag, this iconic item has inspired the trophy given to the award's recipients. This prestigious award is presented to the senior resident who achieves the highest rate of patient continuity, measured by the percentage of patients seen more than once during their residency.

Year	Name
2023	Billy Bennett
2019	Cory McFadden
2020	Subodh Arora
2022	Nelson Vick
2014	Lauren Vasta
2015	Sebastian Lara
2016	Stephanie Berdy
2017	Jennifer Falcon
2018	Shannon Brockman
2021	Elizabeth Ketchum

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Merino Award for Outstanding Fellow

Named after Margaret Merino, a pediatric hematology-oncology fellow in the 1990s, who contributed greatly to the educational development of our residency. This award is given to a fellow who is consistently available, always ready to provide teaching while maintaining a keen sense of when to instruct and when to allow space. The fellow understands the resident experience and aids in developing residents into independent practitioners.

Year	Name
2023	Elizabeth Ketchum, MD
2023	Don Rees, MD
2023	Chase Groomes, MD
2022	Chase Groomes, MD
2013	Kelly Bear, DO
2015	David Giaferante, MD
2016	Luis Lozada, MD
2017	Javier Padial, MD
2018	Jenna Nadolsky, MD
2019	Jenna Nadolsky, MD

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Resident of the Year

This award recognizes an outstanding resident from each class, chosen for their exceptional clinical skills, leadership, and compassionate patient care. Nominated by both faculty and fellow residents, this award's recipients are celebrated for their ability to inspire peers, mentor, and contribute positively to the culture of their program.

Year	PGY Level	Name
2019	PGY-3	Paul Patterson
2020	PGY-1	Nelson Vick
2020	PGY-2	Bobby Brooks
2020	PGY-3	Mike Laguarda
2021	PGY-1	Billy Bennett
2021	PGY-2	Brittany Flemming
2021	PGY-3	Riordan Ledgerwood

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Teaching Honor Roll

This award recognizes faculty members who exemplify excellence in teaching, as selected by residents each year. This accolade celebrates those educators who have made significant impacts through their outstanding teaching abilities, dedication to learner development, and commitment to creating an enriching educational environment.

We strive to maintain the accuracy of this page. Please email coordinator@nccpeds.com with any corrections or updates.

Last updated: 29MAY2024