The Duke University School of Medicine proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Faculty Awards, honoring outstanding contributions in teaching, research, clinical care, professionalism, and service. These awards celebrate the excellence and dedication of faculty members who embody the School’s mission and values.
Master Clinician/Teacher Award
This award honors faculty for exceptional teaching and clinical service within the School of Medicine or Medical Center.
- Donald D. Glower, Jr., MD, Professor Emeritus of Surgery
- Craig Sobolewski, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Angel Zeininger, PhD, Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology
Michelle P. Winn Inclusive Excellence Award
Recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced inclusive excellence within the School of Medicine community.
- Gerald Bloomfield, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine
- Cindy Canty-Dumas, MSW, Program Coordinator, Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and the Center for Research, Community Engagement, Social Impact & Trust (CREST)
Excellence in Professionalism Award
Presented to faculty who exemplify ethical behavior and professionalism, reflecting Duke’s core values.
- Cathleen Colon-Emeric, MD, James B. Wyngaarden Distinguished Professor of Medicine
- Rex Bentley, MD, Professor of Pathology
- Betty Staples, MD, Professor of Pediatrics
Gordon G. Hammes Faculty Teaching Award
Awarded for sustained excellence in teaching and mentoring graduate students in the basic sciences.
- Lindsey Glickfeld, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
Honors faculty who demonstrate compassion, clinical excellence, and respect in patient care.
- Mitchell Krucoff, MD, Professor of Medicine
- Julie Thacker, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery
Leonard Palumbo Jr., MD Faculty Achievement Award
Recognizes dedication to compassionate care and excellence in mentoring young physicians.
- Jane Gagliardi, MD, MHS, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- John Murray, MD, Professor of Dermatology
Ruth and A. Morris Williams Jr. Faculty Research Prize
Awarded for groundbreaking basic science research by early-career faculty.
- Leah Acker, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Anesthesiology
- Wilton Williams, PhD, Associate Professor in Surgery
Duke Health Clinical Excellence Award
- Stuart Russell, MD, Professor of Medicine
- Nicole Scouras, MD, Medical Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology
- Martha Snyder, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Research Mentoring Awards
Recognize excellence in mentoring across clinical, translational, population health, and basic sciences.
- Katayoun Ayasoufi, PhD, Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery
Early Career Research Mentoring Award in Basic Science - Christopher Kontos, MD, Professor of Medicine
Career Research Mentoring Award in Basic Science - Jennifer Rymer, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine
Early Career Research Mentoring Award in Clinical/Translational Science
- Christoph Hornik, MD, PhD, MPH, Samuel L. Katz Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics
Career Research Mentoring Award in Clinical/Translational Science - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, PhD, Associate Professor in Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Early Career Research Mentoring Award in Health Equity and Healthcare Disparities - Tomi Akinyemiju, PhD, Professor in Population Health Sciences
Career Research Mentoring Award in Health Equity and Healthcare Disparities