HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Each year, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine recognizes schools of medicine and pharmacy staff members, residents and students who best create a safe, positive and nurturing environment that promotes achievement for all.

The 2020 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion award winners are as follows:

The Drs. Joseph B. and Omayma T. Touma Excellence in Diversity Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes an individual who has made major, innovative and cumulatively outstanding contributions to enhance the practice of equality and diversity while devoting a major portion of their professional career to the effort.

• Darshana Shah, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty advancement and professor of pathology, school of medicine

Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Student Service Awards
This award is given to fourth year medical students who have gone above and beyond their medical school commitment to mentor and encourage ethnic minorities and individuals from the most deprived areas to pursue their dreams of becoming a physician.

• Lee Mendenhall, fourth-year medical student
• Zachary Robateau, fourth-year medical student
• Alexandrine Ratnani, fourth-year medical student
• Preeya Shah, fourth-year medical student

Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Awards
This award recognizes a medical student, faculty, resident or staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to diversity by serving as a role model and by contributing to the education of the schools of medicine and pharmacy community regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals and issues.

• Soudamani Singh, Ph.D., assistant professor, department of clinical and translational sciences, school of medicine
• Tamara Murphy, M.D., PGY2 resident, department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine, school of medicine
• Robbie Nance, administrative associate, office of medical education, school of medicine
• Mitchell Shelton, second-year medical student

Excellence Through Diversity Awards
This award is given to a faculty, resident, staff or alumni member that goes above and beyond to exemplify valuing people and the diversity goals of the schools of medicine and pharmacy through their participation and involvement with diverse individuals, groups and outreach programs while also providing leadership to encourage meaningful interaction and activities among diverse groups to improve campus climate.

• Jennifer Hawkins, D.O., assistant professor, department of pathology, school of medicine
• Cynthia Jones, Ph.D., assistant professor, school of pharmacy
• Adenrele Olajide, M.D., associate professor, department of internal medicine, school of medicine
• Eva Patton-Tackett, M.D., associate professor and residency program director, department of internal medicine, school of medicine
• Nosakhere Griggs, pharmacy student
• Japri Miller, second-year medical student
• Reid Palmer, office manager, Marshall Family Medicine

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Date Posted: Thursday, March 19, 2020