The Program Director of the Year Award honors an exceptional Graduate Medical Education (GME) program director at UI Health Care who exemplifies excellence in leadership, innovation, mentorship, and educational scholarship..

This prestigious institutional award recognizes individuals whose dedication and vision have had a transformative impact on their training program, learners, and the broader medical education community.

Recipients of this award demonstrate an unwavering commitment to creating an outstanding learning environment that fosters community, creativity, academic excellence, and professional growth. They are champions for resident and fellow development, serving as trusted mentors who support trainee well-being, career advancement, and lifelong learning.

Award recipients are recognized for their ability to lead high-performing programs while maintaining accreditation excellence, developing innovative curricula and teaching strategies, embracing new educational technologies, and modeling the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassionate patient care. Their influence extends beyond their own program through meaningful contributions to medical education scholarship, national presentations, research, and leadership in professional organizations.

The Program Director of the Year Award celebrates those whose enduring commitment to graduate medical education inspires future physicians and advances the mission of UI Health Care. The recipient is recognized annually at the GME Awards Celebration, alongside other distinguished educational leaders whose efforts strengthen the educational experience for residents and fellows across the institution.