From community service to leadership, professionalism and academic excellence, graduating medical students were recently honored for their achievements during the annual Senior Banquet on April 11 at the Ninth Floor Club & Venue in Wichita.

The banquet was also an opportunity for KU School of Medicine-Wichita students to recognize faculty members and resident physicians who guided them.

"It’s been truly inspiring to watch how far you’ve come throughout the last four years," Ally Turner, assistant director of Academic & Student Affairs at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, told students. "I can speak for all of us in Academic & Student Affairs that we have enjoyed working with you and we are so proud of you! We know you will accomplish great things in the future."

Several of the awards presented to medical students were voted on by their classmates, who shared feedback about their peers.

Cassidy Bowen, who received the My Doctor Award, was described by her classmates as an "exceptional listener" who "embodies the qualities every patient and colleague would want in a physician."

"Her dedication to patient-centered care extends beyond clinical knowledge — she ensures that every individual feels heard, valued and respected," her classmate said.

The Service to Community & Beyond Award went to Hassan Zbeeb, who "dedicates much of his free time to serving the Wichita community," his classmates said. He consistently shows up, gives back, doesn't seek recognition for his efforts and "has the quiet strength of someone who gives without complaint, always putting others first," according to his peers.

The Service to the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Award was presented to Michala Sliefert, "a natural leader" who "fosters a strong sense of community wherever she goes and has worked hard to enhance the Wichita experience for future JayDocs," according to her classmates.

Abbey Fischer-Michel, who received the Leadership & Professionalism Award, was described by classmates as "truly a gem" whose presence "brings both warmth and wisdom."

"She approaches every challenge with curiosity, humility and a quiet confidence that inspires those around her," a classmate said of Fischer-Michel. "She has a rare ability to uplift others — not just as a colleague, but as a friend."

Awards presented during Senior Banquet included the following:

Student Awards

• Shelby Durler - Willard J. Smith, M.D. Award for Academic Achievement, for academic performance reflecting a dedicated commitment to the scholarly acquisition and effective application of knowledge.
• Haley Albers & Colin Slaymaker - P.G. Czarlinsky Award, for outstanding performance as student clinicians. The award recognizes integral development of superior skills in patient care and management, as well as a scholarly understanding and practical application of principles of clinical science. In addition, the award recognizes a significant contribution to the overall health care and educational environment.
• Kale Mills & Michala Sliefert - Merck Award, a national award for outstanding performance in both academic and non-academic activities. 
• Hassan Zbeeb - Service to Community & Beyond Award, for consistently prioritizing service that directly benefits our Wichita community, the State of Kansas and beyond.
• Maggie Malmberg - Janney Family Award, outstanding performance in physical diagnosis.
• Kaci Wilson & Shelby Durler - Janet M. Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Achievement Award, a national award that the Glasgow-Rubin organization provides for medical schools across the nation. It recognizes women who graduate in the top 10% of their graduating classes.
• Cassidy Bowen - My Doctor Award, for exemplifying the characteristics desired in a physician.
• Michala Sliefert - Service to the University of Kansas School of Medicine Award, for using their platform and/or position to benefit their peers and the school at-large.
• Abbey Fischer-Michel - Leadership & Professionalism Award, for upholding high standards of altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, integrity, respect for others and a personal commitment to life-long learning.

Faculty Awards

• Thor Jager, M.D., Award - Mark Harrison, M.D.
• Dean's Award for Clinical Teaching - Aimee Daccache, M.D.
• Jayhawker, M.D., Award - Susanna Ciccolari Micaldi, M.D.
• Jayhawker, M.D., Resident Award - Aimee Daccache, M.D.

Wichita Student Choice Awards

Most Outstanding Faculty

• Family Medicine: Tessa Rohrberg, M.D.
• Internal Medicine: Richard Muraga, M.D.
• Neurology: Pedro Vivar-Cruz, M.D.
• OB-GYN: Ashley Robbins, M.D.
• Pediatrics: Mark Harrison, M.D.
• Psychiatry: Austin Armstrong, M.D.
• Surgery: Marilee McBoyle-Wiesner, M.D.

Most Outstanding Residents

• Family Medicine: Candice Metzinger, M.D.
• Internal Medicine: Joud Zakhour, M.D.
• OB-GYN: George Depew, D.O.
• Pediatrics: Aimee Daccache, M.D.
• Psychiatry: Alisha Sapkota, M.D.
• Surgery: Carlin Hill, M.D.

To see more photos, view the online photo album.