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Award recipients from the Faculty & Staff Development Retreat 2025.

Why It's Important

At California Northstate University College of Medicine, we believe in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of our faculty and staff. These awards honor individuals who exemplify excellence in academics, research, mentorship, service, leadership, and innovation.

2025 Awardees!

Rajendra Ramsamooj, MD

MVP Award

Rajendra Ramsamooj, MD

The Faculty MVP (Most Valuable Professional) Award honors a medical school faculty member who exemplifies extraordinary dedication, versatility, and impact across multiple domains of academic medicine. This individual consistently goes above and beyond in service to students, colleagues, and the institution, embodying the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and reliability. Whether through exceptional teaching, innovative research, clinical leadership, or institutional service, the Faculty MVP is someone whose contributions are indispensable and whose presence elevates the entire community.


Eslam Mohamed, PhD

Basic Science Researcher of the Year

Eslam Mohamed, PhD

This award recognizes a faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to basic science research in the medical school setting. The recipient is honored for their innovation, scholarly excellence, and impactful discoveries that advance scientific knowledge.


For-Shing Lui, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edinburg)

Physician Researcher of the Year

For-Shing Lui, MD, MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edinburg)

This award honors a physician faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in clinical or translational research. The recipient is recognized for their significant contributions to advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, and bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. Their work reflects a strong commitment to scientific inquiry, academic excellence, and the integration of research into the practice of medicine.


Carol Lynne Concrad-Forrest, MD

Faculty Mentor of the Year

Carol Lynne Concrad-Forrest, MD

This award honors a faculty member who has shown exceptional dedication to mentoring their colleagues in both professional and academic development. Nominated by fellow faculty, the recipient is recognized for offering meaningful guidance, support, and inspiration while fostering growth in teaching, research, clinical care, and leadership. Their commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive academic environment has left a lasting impact on the success and well-being of their peers.


Islam Mohamed, B. Pharm, MS, PhD

Community Engagement and Service Award

Islam Mohamed, B. Pharm, MS, PhD

This award honors a faculty member who has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to community engagement and service. The recipient is recognized for their meaningful contributions to improving the health and well-being of local, regional, or global communities through outreach, advocacy, education, or partnership-building. Their work exemplifies the mission of academic medicine to serve society and reflects a strong dedication to social responsibility and community impact.


Ted Hoehn, MD, FACEP

Innovative Faculty Award

Ted Hoehn, MD, FACEP

This award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation in medical education, research, clinical practice, or community engagement. The recipient is honored for developing novel approaches, technologies, or programs that enhance learning, advance healthcare, or improve institutional effectiveness. Their forward-thinking contributions embody the spirit of innovation and inspire progress within academic medicine.



Staff Awards

Staff Rising Star Award

Sienna Benton, MFA

The Staff Rising Star Award honors an emerging leader among the College of Medicine's staff who has demonstrated exceptional promise, initiative, and impact early in their career. This award recognizes a staff member who consistently exceeds expectations, embraces challenges with enthusiasm, and contributes fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to their team and the broader college community.

Sienna Benton, MFA

Flichard Delosreyes, BA

Staff Service and Dedication Award

Flichard Delosreyes, BA

The Staff Service and Dedication Award honors a staff member whose exceptional service and dedication have made a lasting impact on the medical school community. Recipients consistently go above and beyond, showing professionalism, compassion, and strong commitment to academic medicine. Whether supporting students, faculty, or operations, they are reliable, resourceful, and respected, embodying integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

Student-Nominated Awards

Presented by CNUCOM students, these awards celebrate faculty and staff members who have gone above and beyond in inspiring, supporting, and educating the next generation of physicians.

Class of 2025

Clerkship Director of the Year for the Class of 2025
Eldo Frezza, MD, MBA, FACS

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2025
Forshing Lui, MD, MRCP, FRCP

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2025
Sarah Preiss-Farzanegan, MD, FAAPMR

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2025
Jennifer Gullo, MD

Clerkship Staff Member of the Year for the Class of 2025
Flichard Delosreyes

Golden Apple Award for the Class of 2025
Jennifer Gullo, MD


Class of 2026

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2026
Forshing Lui, MD, MRCP, FRCP

Clerkship Staff Member of the Year for the Class of 2026
Wesly Tse

Golden Apple Award for the Class of 2026
David Yee, MD, MPH


Class of 2027

Professor of the Year for the Class of 2027
Sailabala Vanguri, MBBS, MD

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2027
David Pai, MD, FASN

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2027
John Cusick, PhD

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2027
Sarah Preiss-Farzanegan, MD, FAAPMR

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2027
Raj Ramsamooj, MD

Medical Skills Preceptor of the Year for the Class of 2027
Mark Sheffield, MD, PhD

Staff Member of the Year for the Class of 2027
Susan Thao

Best Faculty Duo for the Class of 2027
Mark Sheffield, MD, PhD & Floyd Culler, MD


Class of 2028

Professor of the Year for the Class of 2028
David Pai, MD, FASN

Physicianship Award for the Class of 2028
Dana Weisshaar, MD, FACC

Medical Skills Preceptor of the Year for the Class of 2028
Andrew Pollock, MD

Staff Member of the Year for the Class of 2028
Logan Rodgers

Best Faculty Duo for the Class of 2028
David Pai, MD & Sarah Preiss-Farzanegan, MD

Best Faculty Duo for the Class of 2028
John Cusick, PhD & Valerie Gerriets, PhD