HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA) has named Darshana T. Shah, Ph.D., professor of pathology and senior associate dean for faculty advancement at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, as the recipient of its 2025 Carole J. Bland Phronesis Award. Shah’s contributions to academic medicine were recognized Thursday, July 10 during the AAMC GFA Professional Development Conference in Portland, Oregon.  

Established to honor the legacy of Dr. Carole J. Bland, the Phronesis Award recognizes members of the faculty affairs community who embody the spirit of phronesis—acting for the welfare of others without self-interest and championing the growth and success of others. 

Shah has long been a transformative force in academic medicine, known for her commitment to faculty development, mentorship, and leadership. She founded the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine’s Office of Faculty Advancement and Marshall Journal of Medicine, a peer-reviewed and the first online open access academic journal in West Virginia. From personalized mentoring and career coaching to faculty enrichment workshops and leadership training, these initiatives have equipped faculty members with the skills, confidence and resources necessary to thrive in academic medicine. Her work has empowered countless faculty members to thrive professionally and personally, embodying the essence of phronesis. 

“Dr. Shah’s leadership is defined by compassion, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to the success of others,” said David Gozal, MD, MBA, PhD (Hon), vice president for health affairs at Marshall University and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “She has fostered a culture of support and excellence that continues to shape the future of academic medicine. Her recognition with the Carole J. Bland Phronesis Award is a powerful testament to her lasting impact—both at Marshall and medical schools across the nation.” 

As a national thought leader in faculty affairs, Shah has contributed extensively to the scholarship of faculty development and has served in numerous leadership roles within the AAMC and other professional organizations. Her tenure as the nationally elected chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Faculty Affairs, as a board member of the International Network for the Science of Team Science, and as president of the Group for Research in Pathology Education highlights the broad impact of her leadership. 

Date Posted: Friday, July 11, 2025