Dear Medical College of Georgia Friends,

Annual Faculty Senate Awards give us the chance to recognize achievements in research, education and clinical care

This Dean’s Diary may be a bit longer than usual, but I believe it is necessary to fully capture the impact of this year’s Faculty Senate Award winners. I believe the strength of MCG lies in the people who serve it so well. Their tireless commitment is certainly shaping the future of health care, and I count it as a privilege to serve alongside such inspiring colleagues. My congratulations, and thanks to all of you.

Dr. Richard Schwartz receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Lifetime Achievement Awards are meant to recognize profound contributions across a span of time, often over an entire career. That certainly fits for this year’s recipient of this award, Dr. Richard Schwartz.

Before he retired this March, Dr.  Schwartz served as chair of our Department of Emergency Medicine for 22 years and as a faculty member for nearly 30. A decorated military veteran turned medical pioneer, he brought his battlefield wisdom to MCG, creating the nation’s first Army/Civilian Emergency Medicine Residency Program. His vision for disaster preparedness shaped national protocols and has no doubt saved countless lives. Under his guidance, the National Disaster Life Support curriculum trained over 200,000 professionals worldwide. From working with FBI teams to mentoring physicians and collaborating with regional EMS systems, Dr. Schwartz’s innovations transformed emergency medicine.

Dr. Vincent Robinson receives Spirit of MCG Award

Dr. Vincent Robinson, Glen E. Garrison, M.D., Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine and professor in the Department of Medicine, received this year’s Spirit of MCG Award – a full circle moment for him and us, since it was Dr. Robinson who first proposed this award that honors significant contributions to MCG – past, present and future.

Over 16 years leading our Cardiology Fellowship, he’s shaped the careers of nearly 60 young doctors, many who still name him as their most influential mentor. His groundbreaking research and passionate commitment to cardiology have earned him national recognition, including the Spirit of the Heart Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists. His research contributions, including more than 50 published manuscripts and multiple clinical trials, continue to impact cardiology and patient care.

Dr. Wendy Bollag honored as Outstanding Faculty of the Year

Dr. Wendy Bollag, this year’s Outstanding Faculty honoree is a Regents’ Professor in the Department of Physiology and a distinguished leader in endocrinology. A cell physiologist who is an expert in the biology of the adrenal gland, she has published nearly 150 papers and made many significant discoveries in cellular signaling, rightly earning a reputation as a leader in her field. Her scientific accomplishments include numerous grants and awards, and leadership roles in key research initiatives such as the VA Merit Award and several NIH-funded projects.

But beyond the significant impacts she has made in the lab, she is equally committed to training the next generation of scientists, mentoring students at all levels, directing and co-directing over 30 courses, and leading institutional initiatives such as the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the AU Adrenal Center.

Dr. Cassandra Groth receives Patient Care Award

Dr. Cassandra Groth, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, is this year’s recipient of the Patient Care Award. A dedicated psychologist at East Central Regional Hospital’s inpatient forensic unit, she provides critical treatment services and conducts forensic evaluations for patients involved in the legal system. With specialized training in forensic psychology and extensive experience in correctional and psychiatric settings, she offers compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of her patients. Her focus on trauma-informed care, competency restoration, and advocacy for underprivileged populations has strengthened both patient outcomes and professional development in the field.

Dr. Ashley Saucier honored for Institutional Service

Dr. Ashley Saucier, an associate professor in Family and Community Medicine and assistant dean for evaluation, accreditation and CQI, was honored for her Institutional Service. That’s putting it mildly. Her expertise was instrumental in our successful LCME re-accreditation, during which she served as site visit coordinator and clinical science lead, effectively helping guide us all through this critical process.

After graduating from MCG in 2011 and finishing her family medicine training as chief resident, she thankfully never left her medical school. She’s helped transform how we train medical students by working alongside Dr. Joseph Hobbs, our former chair of Family and Community Medicine, to build an impressive network of learning opportunities—connecting MCG with over 20 Federally Qualified Health Centers and 4 rural hospitals and fundamentally changing how we prepare future doctors by bringing new experiences into their training. Her talent for teaching has earned her nine teaching awards and the Faculty Senate’s top honor for clinical education. A true servant leader, she works tirelessly to strengthen MCG’s educational mission through her mentorship and service.

Dr. LaShon Sturgis is a valued mentor and advocate for students

Like Dr. Saucier, here’s another person we’re glad has never decided to leave MCG. Dr. LaShon Sturgis, an associate professor in Emergency Medicine and our assistant dean for academic advising, has dedicated her career to transforming medical education, both nationally and at her alma mater. She earned her PhD in cardiovascular and renal physiology at MCG in 2007, returned here for medical school, graduating in 2014, and then stayed with us for her emergency medicine training.

This year’s recipient of both the Distinguished Faculty for Mentoring Excellence and the Champion of Advocacy and Success Awards has helped us redefine student support here. She’s implemented evidence-based mentorship approaches and created a more supportive learning environment through her work on the At-Risk Student Committee and Curriculum Oversight Committee. Her expertise in social determinants of health and steadfast efforts in establishing a positive and enriching academic setting have earned her multiple teaching awards and established her as a champion for student success. Dr. Sturgis is shaping both individual careers and institutional culture, making medical education more accessible and enriching for each and every student. In her own words: “Mentorship matters.” I couldn’t agree more, and neither could her mentor, the legendary Dr. Rhee Fincher, our former and longtime vice dean for academic affairs. It was a special treat to see her there last week to congratulate Dr. Sturgis.

Drs. Daria Ilatovskaya and Hong Shi are just two examples of our emerging and talented faculty

Each year we also celebrate two rising stars whose early-career innovations are already reshaping research and patient care.

Dr. Daria Ilatovskaya is an associate professor of Physiology, and this year’s Outstanding Early Career Basic Science Faculty. A graduate of the Institute of Cytology at the Russian Academy of Sciences, she has pioneered breakthrough research in renal physiology. Her innovative work on electrolyte homeostasis and renal epithelial transport has advanced our understanding of diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, and hypertension. Using rare, sophisticated techniques, she’s developed comprehensive protocols spanning from molecular to whole-animal studies, while her recent work on renal mitochondrial bioenergetics and sex differences in hypertension continues to push scientific boundaries.

Dr. Hong Shi, an assistant professor of Rheumatology, is the Outstanding Early Career Clinical Science Faculty. She is transforming the management of cardiovascular complications in lupus patients and has secured over $1 million in research funding from the NIH and American Heart Association. She’s also established a specialized clinic for people suffering with systemic lupus erythematosus and leads pharmaceutical trials at Wellstar MCG Health, bringing innovative treatments directly to patients while also mentoring the next generation of rheumatologists.

Drs. Huabo Su and Jorge Cortes honored for basic science, clinical research

Here are even more examples of how work being done here is not just advancing scientific knowledge, it’s transforming the lives of people facing serious diseases:

This year, we honored Dr. Huabo Su, professor in the Vascular Biology Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, with the Distinguished Faculty Award for Basic Science Research. Dr. Su is a pioneer in understanding heart failure mechanisms. After completing his education at Guangxi and Fudan Universities and postdoctoral work at the University of South Dakota, he’s built an internationally recognized research program focused on protein modifications in cardiac health. Specifically, his lab examines how specific proteins regulate heart muscle health, leading to important discoveries about how cells maintain heart function. By studying these molecular processes, he’s uncovered new ways that heart disease develops and potential pathways for treatment.

Dr. Jorge Cortes, professor of Medicine and Director of the Georgia Cancer Center, is this year’s winner of the Distinguished Faculty for Clinical Science Research Award. Dr. Cortes has dedicated three decades to revolutionizing leukemia treatment. His groundbreaking research has led to FDA approval of five new therapies, fundamentally changing how we treat myeloid leukemias. As principal investigator on more than 230 grants and contracts, he’s driven innovations in predictive modeling and reduced treatment toxicity, while improving patients’ quality of life. His remarkable impact on the field is reflected in an extraordinary publication record—1,267 peer-reviewed manuscripts in leading journals (one of the highest H-Indexes I have ever seen!), establishing him as a global authority in leukemia research and treatment.

Drs. Ariel VanLeuven and Subbaramiah Sridhar honored for basic science, clinical teaching

What makes MCG’s medical education exceptional? I believe it’s educators like these two outstanding faculty members, who don’t just teach, but inspire future physicians and physician/scientists.

Dr. Ariel VanLeuven, this year’s Outstanding Faculty for Basic Science Teaching, is an assistant professor at the AU/UGA Medical Partnership. She leads the GI/Endocrine/Reproduction curriculum with a focus on educational innovation. After earning her doctorate in cell biology and completing specialized training in university teaching at UGA, she has strengthened the curriculum through evidence-based improvements and faculty collaboration. Beyond her core teaching responsibilities, she serves as faculty advisor for multiple student interest groups and is a trusted guide for students seeking extra academic support. She is also on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and attends every meeting from Athens remotely.

Dr. Subbaramiah Sridhar, professor of medicine and a gastroenterologist, has spent over two decades teaching the next generation of GI specialists at MCG. His dynamic teaching style and evidence-based approach have transformed the Gastroenterology Fellowship into a premier training program, with his mentorship leading to remarkable achievements among his trainees. Beyond his numerous teaching awards and leadership roles, Dr. Sridhar is known for creating an educational environment where learners thrive and feel both challenged and supported.

Faculty and Departments celebrated for educational excellence

Being chosen as an Educator of the Year is special and there is no greater recognition for our faculty—it comes directly from our students. At each of our four-year campuses, medical students in each class select a faculty member who has profoundly influenced their journey toward becoming physicians. While all our faculty awards celebrate excellence, there’s something particularly meaningful about being recognized by those you teach. These awards reflect not just outstanding instruction, but the lasting impact these educators have on the next generation of doctors. This year’s winners and the classes who chose them are:

Class of 2025:

• Augusta: Dr. Jennifer Tucker, a 1997 graduate, pediatric emergency medicine physician and associate dean for student affairs.
• Athens: Dr. Kurt Horst, associate professor, Department of Emergency Medicine

Class of 2026:

• Augusta: Dr. Tucker-a two class winner! (see class of 2025 above)
• Athens: Dr. Melanie Wooten, assistant professor, Department of Pathology

Class of 2027:

• Augusta: Dr. Amanda Barrett, a 2013 graduate and associate professor, Department of Pathology
• Athens: Dr. Donald Scott, associate professor, Department of Medicine

Class of 2028:

• Augusta: Dr. Puttur Prasad, professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Athens: Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, professor, Department of Medicine
• Savannah: Dr. Elapulli Prakash, professor, Department of Physiology

Our second-year class in Augusta also honored the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy with the Outstanding Basic Science Teaching Award; and our senior class honored the Department of Medicine with the Outstanding Clinical Science Teaching Award.

Today, many of us will be on Jekyll Island, one of the beautiful Golden Isles, at our yearly MCG Statewide Faculty Development Conference.  We have over 200 in attendance! More about our time there in the next Dean’s Diary.

My best to you always,

David C. Hess, MD

Dean, Medical College of Georgia

Upcoming Events

May 29-31 – MCG Faculty Development Conference, Jekyll Island

June 20 – MCG Faculty Senate Meeting, noon, Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium