DFPM Celebrates 2024 Promotions, Awards, and Accomplishments during Annual Holiday Party

In December, members of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine gathered at the Grand America Hotel for the department’s annual holiday party to celebrate its achievements across all functions, including clinical work, research, education, and operations.

Interim Department Chair John Barrett, MD, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the collective commitment to the department’s success. The department experienced a monumental year in 2024, including an organizational restructuring and a move of its physical location. Dr. Barrett encouraged the newly organized department to continue its efforts in developing a new culture and sense of identity. After his remarks, faculty promotions were announced, as well as special recognition awards, with Executive Medical Director Matthew Johnson, MD, presenting the clinical attending awards and Public Health Division Chief Jim VanDerslice, PhD, presenting staff awards.

Following the program, attendees enjoyed a delicious feast, danced the night away, and reflected on the accomplishments of the past year.

NEWS Holiday Party 2

Congratulations to the following individuals who received promotions and awards:

Faculty Promotions

  • L. Scott Benson, MD, PhD, MPH: Promoted to Professor on the Lecturer Track in the Division of Public Health
  • Lisa Gren, PhD: Promoted to Professor on the Tenured Track in the Division of Public Health
  • Karly Pippitt, MD, FAAFP: Promoted to Professor on the Clinical Track in the Division of Family & Community Medicine
  • Brian Vukelic, MD: Promoted to Associate Professor on the Clinical Track in the Division of Family & Community Medicine

Clinical Attending Awards

  • Hafsa Abdikadir, FNP-C: Community Engagement Award
  • Cindy Gellner, MD: Leadership Award
  • Erik Hansen, APRN, DNP: Clinical Teaching Award
  • Michael Voorhees, PA-C: Patient Service Award

Staff Awards

  • Kathlyn Dannewald: Recognized for Excellence in Teamwork
  • Rob Gray: Recognized for Transformative Leadership
  • Craig Kakita: Recognized for Exemplary Service
  • Pam Lyon: Recognized for Outstanding Collaboration