Recognizing Outstanding Teaching

The annual teaching awards were announced during the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) MD Class of 2026 Commencement. Seven distinguished awards were presented.

One prize is awarded to a faculty member who teaches in the basic sciences, and another to a faculty member who teaches in the clinical sciences. Faculty members and medical students were invited to nominate teachers they felt deserved recognition. A committee consisting of faculty members and students reviewed the responses and made the final selections.

Basic Sciences: Merceditas Villanueva, MD, professor of medicine (infectious diseases)

One nominator noted, “Dr. Villanueva took the role of co-course director of Attacks and Defenses three years ago and since that time, she has transformed a complex course that received middling student reviews into a showcase of innovative pedagogy and assessment. She has restructured the order and depth of topics, created (and performed! musical themes to accompany microbiologic themes, incorporated active learning strategies within sessions, jeopardy, interactive workshops, and more! The course evaluations have been much improved, and Dr. Villanueva is now a major resource for other course directors looking to adapt similar strategies.”

Clinical Sciences: Abhay Dhond, MD, MPH, assistant clinical professor of medicine (internal medicine)

One student noted: “I have felt that no other clinician was a masterclass-quality level teacher than Dr. Dhond. He operated on the classic: see one, do one, teach one. Not only was I encouraged to improve my H/P skills with a pen/paper instead of the EMR to ensure competency, but we went through every single physical exam maneuver by the end of the rotation. At the same time, every patient case was paired with literature either in support of a maneuver or to critically examine a management guideline with some even around oddities on the wards (e.g. pseudo hypoglycemia secondary to Raynaud’s). I felt ready for residency at the end.”

Recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated compassion and sensitivity in the delivery of care to patients.

Shaili Gupta, MBBS, MHS, associate professor of medicine (general medicine)

One student wrote, “During my sub-internship, Dr. Gupta consistently met patients where they were – emotionally, socially, and medically – ensuring each person felt genuinely seen and heard. In several challenging cases, she went out of her way to reassure patients, including coordinating complex discharge plans with out-of state facilities. She was intentional in incorporating patient’s social realties into care and tailoring plans to fit their lived context. The way she led goals-of-care conversations taught me how to approach them with clarity, patience, and deep respect for what matters most to patients and families. She models that clinical excellence and human connection are inseparable.”

Presented to a faculty member who exemplifies humane teaching and serves as a model medical educator, reaching and influencing all students regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background. These are the traits espoused by the late Leah Lowenstein, a medical educator and the first female dean of a co-educational medical school.

Angela Kang-Giaimo, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine (general medicine)

One student wrote, “Despite her many responsibilities, Dr. Kang-Giaimo prioritizes our underserved patients and advocates for the student volunteers. It was her initiative by which the Clinical Advisors of HAVEN Free Clinic are now formally recognized for the work we put into the clinic, through the creation of the Clinical Advisor elective. Her love and dedication for teaching and advocating for medical students makes her most deserving of this prestigious award.”

Awarded to a faculty member chosen as the outstanding teacher of the year in clinical skills by a committee of clinical department chairs, associate chairs, and students.

Adnan Prsic, MD, associate professor

One nominator noted, “Dr. Prsic is a surgeon-educator who has fundamentally reimagined surgical clinical skills instruction at Yale, creating a seamless, four-year continuum from the anatomy lab to the operating room and helping train our next generation of plastic and reconstruction surgeons.” He is a teacher who is as compassionate as he is technically brilliant, with residents describing him as a “gem” and a “strong and adamant supporter” with one trainee noting, “Dr. Prsic is an incredible teacher and resident advocate. He is approachable, patient, kind, and gives us the autonomy we need to progress.”

Presented annually to a faculty member chosen by the graduating class as the most outstanding teacher of medical sciences.

Samuel Buck, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine

Class co-presidents remarked, "To the Class of 2026, he has been far more than an instructor; he has been the bridge between the safety of the classroom and the reality of the bedside. He has a rare gift for making high-stakes learning feel psychologically safe, relevant, and genuinely fun even in the earliest stages of our careers. By transforming simulations into a space of encouragement and patience, he doesn’t just teach us how to practice medicine, but also how to believe in ourselves as future physicians."

Presented annually to a member of the Yale-New Haven Medical Center house staff who, as an excellent educator and role model, has made the most significant contribution to medical student education. The award recipient is selected by the graduating class.

Sarah Householder, MD, hospital resident

Class co-presidents noted, "Our class would like to recognize her for the thoughtful and generous ways she uplifts medical students and team members, offering guidance, encouragement and a consistently welcoming presence. Her unwavering kindness and enthusiasm have helped create a learning environment where students of all interests feel supported and empowered to grow."