Michelle Colon and June Weiss Honored with 2026 Internal Medicine Service Excellence Awards

The Yale Department of Internal Medicine presented two staff members with the 2026 Department of Internal Medicine Service Excellence Award. Michelle Colon, senior administrative assistant, and June Weiss, research manager, both from the Section of General Internal Medicine, were presented with the awards at the Internal Medicine Staff Town Hall on April 21, 2026.

The award is presented annually to acknowledge and honor two staff members who demonstrate professionalism, commitment, dedication, and teamwork, and serve as role models for the department, Yale School of Medicine (YSM), and Yale University.

“Congratulations to Michelle and June for being honored with the department’s Service Excellence Award. We are grateful for their dedication and contributions to the department’s mission and success,” says Mark A. Holter, CPA, senior director of finance and administration.

Michelle Colon, senior administrative assistant at the New Haven Primary Care Consortium (NHPCC), provides support to all faculty members affiliated with the center and has been in her role since January 2024.

“Michelle is instrumental to the smooth and effective operation of our group. Her work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is visible in every well-run clinic session, every successfully coordinated initiative, and every streamlined administrative process that allows our clinicians to focus fully on patient care,” says Pinar Oray-Schrom, MD, associate professor of medicine (general medicine), who works with Colon at NHPCC and was part of a group that nominated her.

Part of Colon’s role includes ensuring attendings are available to supervise residents, managing the onboarding process for new faculty, and assisting chief residents throughout the academic year.

Colon is recognized as a steady and strategic presence in a complex clinical environment. She is noted for her ability to anticipate challenges, problem-solve in real time, and balance operational and clinical processes. Her team notes how she has been critical to maintaining both efficiency and quality in the clinic.

“Michelle’s insight ensures that our department remains compliant, efficient, and forward-thinking. She is proactive in identifying areas for improvement and willingly assumes additional responsibilities when needed to ensure the success of the team. Her drive is rooted in her commitment to supporting both staff and clinicians so that patient care remains the central focus,” says Amerisa Tarabar, MD, assistant professor of medicine (general medicine), who also works alongside Colon.

Benjamin Gallagher, MD, assistant professor of medicine (general medicine) and assistant medical director of NHPCC, adds how Colon’s dedication extends far beyond the minimum expectations of her role, and she approaches her work with intrinsic motivation and a genuine commitment to excellence.

“Michelle’s expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our department make her exceptionally deserving of this award,” says Gallagher.

June Weiss has worked at Yale since 2010 in various research roles and joined the department in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a research project manager in the Program in Addiction Medicine within the Section of General Internal Medicine.

“June has demonstrated tireless commitment to ensuring successful implementation of several complex trials conducted in both clinical and community-based settings with a mission-driven approach to mitigate health disparities driven by substance use and social inequities,” says E. Jennifer Edelman, MD, MHS, professor of medicine (general medicine) and public health (social and behavioral sciences), who nominated Weiss.

Weiss manages all aspects of these clinical trials focused on addressing the intersection of substance use and HIV and serves as direct manager to a team of research coordinators.

“She has seamlessly transformed the implementation of multiple complex research protocols conducted across clinical and community-based settings with her outstanding leadership, communication, and knowledge. SHe has been a true partner in our work together!” Edelman exclaims.

Virginia Barrett, clinical research coordinator at Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI), praises Weiss for being a highly dedicated and hardworking supervisor who cares deeply about her team. “She is committed to teaching, mentoring, and empowering team members by providing opportunities to grow and succeed.”

Edelman says that beyond their research together, Weiss is beloved by all members and collaborators of their team. She notes that many of the research coordinators working with their team have been eager to find new projects to keep them connected to Weiss as the protocols end.

"June’s great sense of humor and quick wit can brighten up even the toughest of days for our team. She is a tremendous source of support and encouragement for every person she comes across. She sees the potential in people and draws it out while building up their confidence,” says Trevor MacDonnell, clinical research coordinator at YCCI.

Carla Castro, YCCI clinical research coordinator, has worked with Weiss for nearly three years. She says what stands out most about Weiss is how much she cares about her team. “She is approachable, a great listener, and always takes the time to understand and support those around her. Working with June has been both rewarding and inspiring, and this recognition is very well deserved.”