In 2025, Dr. Shashank Kraleti launched the CARE Awards – the Chair’s Awards for Recognition of Excellence.
There were awards available in 22 different categories, and a total of 64 nominations were submitted.
The awards were presented at the close of the 2025 DFPM Research Symposium in Little Rock.
2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Clinical Innovation: Stephen Foster MD
Collaborations and Teamwork: Jonathan M. Reid MA
Community/Inst Service: Robin A. Howell BA
Educational Innovation: Amber Norris MD
Educational Research: Marcia Byers PhD, RN
Excellence in Research: Nicola A. Edge PhD
GME-Program Coordinator: Jennilee Foster
GME-Program Director: Lauren Gibson-Oliver MD, MBA, FAAFP
Master Teacher Award: Scott M. Dickson MD
Mentorship/Sponsorship: Ronald Brimberry MD
Outstanding Adjunct Faculty: Sarah Franklin MD
Outstanding Medical Student: Rachel French BS, BA
Outstanding Resident/Fellow: Sawyer J. Sparks DO
Quality and Safety: Shelly F. Brown
Rising Star Clinical Faculty: Paige B. Beck MD, PhD
Service and Professionalism: Wayne W. Bryant Jr., MD, MS
UME Educator Award: Rajalakshmi Cheerla MD, FAAFP
Staff Excellence-Admin: Lauren A. Wagner BA
Staff Excellence-Clinical: Tara Johnson CPT, CMA
Staff Excellence-Education: Michelle Trulsrud
Staff Excellence-Research: Cody A. Burnett MPH
Chair’s Distinguished Faculty: Daniel A. Knight MD, FAAFP