Outstanding Clinical Educator

Ramzan Shahid, MD
Clerkship Director, Pediatrics; Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Education

The Outstanding Clinical Educator award was presented to Ramzan Shahid, MD, by Matt Driscoll, treasurer of the class board. Of Dr. Shahid, Driscoll said, “He offers sage guidance and encourages students to develop their clinical thinking skills in a safe but challenging learning environment. On the pediatric wards, he spends time carefully modeling the compassionate bedside manner and sharp critical thinking we all aspire to have in our careers.”

He added, “On behalf of our class, I want to say thank you for being an incredible, teacher, guide, and sounding board for all of us.”

While accepting the award, Dr. Shahid said, “I am truly grateful to the Class of 2026 for honoring me with this award.” He continued, “But actually it’s not about the award. It’s not about recognition. It’s not about accolades. What life is really about is helping others; about growing others; about mentoring others; about developing others; and about bringing out the best in others by inspiring them. And that is what I love most about working with the students here at Stritch: you are all amazing students, amazing people, and amazing doctors to-be who will do amazing things in your careers.”

Dr. Shahid concluded by saying, “To the Class of 2026, good luck to all of you and be the inspiration for others.”

Outstanding Classroom Educator

Theresa Kristopaitis, MD
Associate Dean for Medical Education – Curriculum Integration; Director, Mechanisms of Human Disease Course; Professor, Department of Medicine

The Outstanding Classroom Educator award was presented to Theresa Kristopaitis, MD, by Alice Barrington, secretary of the class board. Of Dr. Kristopaitis, she said, “I have personally worked closely with Dr. Kristopaitis as a student member of the Central Curricular Authority, and I’ve seen firsthand how she not only gives her full energy to each individual course she teaches, but is also passionately dedicated to the overall curriculum at Stritch. She has been vital to the amazing education that we’ve received here.”

During her acceptance speech, Dr. Kristopaitis noted, “The practice of medicine is a giant classroom with many teachers and many learners. In a few short months, you students will be interns that the bright-eyed—and probably scared—third year student will turn to for guidance. You will be the wise teacher handing out clinical pearls. We faculty are perpetually learning from our students.”

To the Class of 2026, she said, “Sincerest thanks for this wonderful honor. It has been my absolute privilege to serve as one of your classroom educators, one of many educators and staff who celebrate today with you and look forward to your ongoing successes.”

Outstanding Student Support

Tina Marino-Misura, MEd
Assistant Director of Student Affairs, M1 and M2 Years

The Outstanding Student Support award was presented to Tina Marino-Misura by Maddie Heyn, a member of the class board responsible for alumni relations. Heyn said, “When I was sourcing things to say about Tina today, someone fittingly said: she is your mom at school when you can’t be with your own mom, and she is always on your side, especially when you feel alone.”

Heyn noted, “She has given so much to us, and this is the least we can do. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Tina.”

While accepting the award, Marino-Misura said “Thank you so much. I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to get to know the best medical students in the world.”

She added, “I truly believe it takes a village to make it through medical school. Thank you so much for allowing me—even if it was just a short time—to be part of your village. I am always proud of you.”