2018 "A Celebration of Global Health Award" Recipients (photo: David Seaver)

The Global Health Program at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine and the Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) hosted "A Celebration of Global Health" at the College April 17 to 18, 2018. International guests included Marat Mukhamedyarov, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Head of International Department at Kazan State Medical University in Russia, and Tendai Machingaidze, M.Div., M.A., a medical student and author studying in Russia who hails from Zimbabwe. They joined WCHN and UVM Larner College of Medicine leaders, faculty, staff and students for several events.

At a special awards dinner held April 17 at UVM's Alumni House Silver Pavilion, three major global health awards were presented to members of the Larner College of Medicine community. Mariah McNamara, M.D., a UVM faculty leader in the Global Health Program, announced the awards, which were presented by Larner College of Medicine Dean Frederick Morin, M.D., and Global Health Program Director Majid Sadigh, M.D. Dr. Sadigh also presented Dean Morin with a special thank you gift for his leadership and support of the Global Health Program.

Bruce Leavitt, M.D.'81, professor of surgery, received the 2018 Patricia O’Brien, M.D. Global Health Leadership & Humanitarian Award. This award was inspired by Dr. O'Brien, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology who is an exemplary humanitarian and leader of global health. The award recognizes an individual who is passionate about health equity and works towards addressing disparities, combating marginalization and helping the under served.

Kristen DeStigter, M.D., Tampas Green and Gold professor and chair of radiology, received the 2018 Beth Kirkpatrick, M.D. Citizen of the World Award. This award was inspired by Beth Kirkpatrick, M.D., chair of microbiology and molecular genetics and director of the Vaccine Testing Center, who is infectious disease specialist, accomplished physician scientist and leader in vaccine research, as well as a dedicated global health champion. This award recognizes an outstanding leader and scholar who dedicates their work towards the advancement of humanitarian pursuits.

Anne Dougherty, M.D.'09, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, received  the 2018 Majid Sadigh Global Health Education Award, named for Dr. Sadigh, Global Health Program Director and Christopher J. Treftz Family Endowed Chair in Global Health at Danbury Hospital. This award recognizes and outstanding global health educator who inspires students to become leaders in global health.

On April 18, the celebration featured a lunch buffet and the Dean's Distinguished Lecture in Global Health on "My Heart Burns: Three Words Form a Memoir" by Dr. Sadigh. Following the lecture, winning submissions to the Photo, Poster & Reflection Exhibit were honored. Watch a video of the lecture.

The Best Poster award went to Danielle Ehret, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and neonatologist. 

Photo award recipients and respective categories included:
Composition - Anya Koutras, M.D., associate professor of family medicine (Uganda photo)
Originality - Tie between Julia Shatten '18 (Japan photo) and Pirapon Chaidaron '21 (Dominican Republic photo)
Impact - Koutras (Uganda photo)

The Reflections winner was Shatten, with several students being recognized with Honorable Mentions, including Amanda Kardys '20 (Zimbabwe); Stephanie Brooks '18 (Uganda) and Stefan Wheat '18 (Uganda).

Visit the Global Health program website.