Below are those named to this month’s Internal Medicine Honor Roll—an employee recognition program where team members (providers, staff, etc.) can recognize other team members who are doing great things.
We are pleased to recognize their contributions!
Samira Malik, Clinical Assistant Professor
Immunology
Nominated by Ben Davis & Danielle Allen
Dr. Malik, for her thoughtfulness and dedication to recognizing meaningful occasions for her colleagues. She acknowledges important dates and celebrations, helping others understand their significance. Most recently, she recognized those celebrating Diwali, creating a warm atmosphere that reflects her care and attention to detail.
Lily Ganz, Physician Assistant
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Nominated by Dan Cook
Lily Ganz exemplifies the very best of critical care medicine. Day after day, she brings remarkable clinical expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion to every patient encounter. She develops meaningful connections with families during their most vulnerable moments. She takes the time to listen, explain complex medical situations with clarity and empathy, and provides the emotional support that transforms the ICU experience.
Jamie Sams, Clinical/HC Research Associate
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Nominated by Charlie Terzano Borovic
Jamie stands out for constantly building up and helping out her research team. She is always helping amongst every study we have. She helps at every subject visit we have and really is the glue to keep our team functioning and together. She has more than earned our respect and shines bright enough to warrant a bit of recognition.
Shannon Kussatz, Nurse Practitioner
Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation
Nominated by Lauren RInge
Shannon consistently provides compassionate care to our complex patients and their families and is a tireless patient advocate. I have many examples of Shannon surpassing expectations to ensure that patients feel supported and cared for under frightening and difficulty circumstances. Additionally, she takes initiative to work on quality improvement and staff education projects, and never hesitates to help when needed. Her dedicaton to her patients and our team is inspiring, and I am very appreciative of everything she does. Thank you, Shannon!
BreAnne Orr, Nurse Practitioner
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Bree stepped up in the ICU and covered the attending role when it wasn’t her responsibility. She didn’t have to do it, but she volunteered and made sure everything ran smoothly. That kind of commitment and teamwork deserves real appreciation.
Munish Ashat, Clinical Assistant Professor
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Nominated by Vivian Nwude
Excellent team player. Ask any one in the department. Very respectful and very humble.
Ethan Hoover, Clinical/HC Research Associate
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Anonymous nomination
Ethan covered all of my studies while I was on maternity leave along with his studies and did an amazing job! All of my patients were well taken care of, along with the sponsors and their team. When I returned all my studies were in great shape. Thank you!
Nicole Strand, Fellowship Coordinator
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Nominated by Sara Lang
Nicole continuously finds a way through or around any obstacle to make sure that her doctors and fellows have everything they need in a timely manner. The pulmonary division is extremely lucky to have such a hard worker navigating our fellowship program!!!
Sam Bredlau, Division Administrator
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine
Anonymous nomination
We participated in Toys for Tots again this year. Some of our staff were unable to shop but wanted to contribute toys. Sam did the shopping for them in her own time and most likely toting 3 kids with her as well! Sam is an exemplary role model for the division in all areas; this nomination is just a glimpse of what all she does for the division.
Usamah Elbakkush, Resident
Internal Medicine
Anonymous nomination
After a noon conference, Usamah joined along to help with an RRT even though he was not on the rapid team. He performed an excellent cardiac and abdominal POCUS that raised concerns about possible hemorrhage in a patient with AHRF and a recent surgical intervention. This level of selflessness and clinical excellence will carry him far as a clinician, and should bode well for his future as a cardiologist.
William Thiel, Associate Professor
Cardiovascular Medicine
Anonymous nomination
His ability to consistently identify the next positive step in any research story is remarkable. Rather than centering on what has not been done, he reframes the conversation toward opportunity, clarity, and forward momentum, a rare and gifted talent.
Madhu Singh, Research Assistant Professor
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Anonymous nomination
Madhu provided valuable input through thoughtful discussions of my research ideas and offered insightful suggestions that significantly strengthened the overall framework of my grant application. His feedback helped refine the scientific rationale and improve the clarity and competitiveness of the proposal.
Matt Golden, Fellow
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Matt is a great leader in the ICU. He challenges learners to think critically and provides feedback in a way that is supportive and constructive. He brings humor into difficult days without minimizing the seriousness of our work. He is a joy to be around and genuinely makes coming to work better.
Anika Mittal, Resident
Internal Medicine
Anonymous nomination
Anika was a fantastic senior on 6RC during a stretch when we had a very complex patient list, and offered her interns excellent support. Even after the workday was done, she offered to drive us interns to our cars on cold nights when we stayed late. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior!