On the first day of June, the Department of Anesthesiology celebrated the graduation of 7 fellows and 14 residents at the picturesque Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison central campus. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, the ceremony unfolded, honoring not only the newly minted graduates but also recognizing outstanding achievements with a cascade of awards. Dr. Kelly McQueen, our esteemed department Chair, Residency Associate Program Directors Dr. Patrick Meyer and Dr. Sabrina Sam, and GME Program Administrator Michelle Grosch warmly welcomed the attendees, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
The ceremony kicked off with a surprise appearance from Residency Program Director Dr. Eric Simon, who joined the festivities via live stream all the way from Kuwait, where he’s currently deployed.
As the night unfolded, department faculty mentors took the stage, thoughtfully presenting diplomas to their mentees. Heartfelt speeches accompanied each diploma, celebrating the hard work and dedication of these healthcare professionals.
And that’s not all! The evening sparkled with excitement as ten graduation awards were revealed.
Graduation Awards
Non-UW Faculty Teacher of the Year Award
The evening’s first award went to Dr. Steve Lagman, who received the prestigious Non-UW Faculty Teacher of the Year award. CA1-3 residents honored Dr. Lagman for his exceptional teaching of medical knowledge, technical skills, and clinical judgment.
Teacher of the Year Award
Dr. Courtney Kohn graciously accepted the second award of the evening—the Teacher of the Year Award—from Chief Resident Dr. Alyssa Resop. CA1-3 residents bestowed this honor upon a UW faculty anesthesiologist in recognition of their exceptional teaching of medical knowledge, technical skills, and clinical judgment.
Clinical Role Model Award
Dr. William Hartman received the Clinical Role Model Award from Chief Resident Dr. Calvin Harberg. CA3 residents choose a UW faculty anesthesiologist as their role model—one who exemplifies dedication, selflessness, and commitment to patient care, colleagues, and departmental activities both within and beyond UW.
Virginia Apgar Award
Dr. Tyler Beattie received the Virginia Apgar Award, an esteemed honor in anesthesiology. Presented by Chief Residents Drs. Harberg and Resop, this historical award recognizes Dr. Beattie’s enthusiasm, kindness, and skill, inspiring fellow residents within the department.
Resident Teacher of Medical Students Award
Dr. Alyssa Resop accepted the prestigious Resident Teacher of Medical Students Award. Among the graduating class, Dr. Resop was seen as an exceptional resident and consistently stood out as an inspiring educator and a beacon of excellence in the anesthesiology clerkship mentions. Her impact on medical students extends far beyond the classroom, making her a true role model for aspiring physicians.
Outstanding Senior Resident
The Outstanding Senior Resident award, determined by faculty vote, acknowledges exceptional clinical work, academic excellence, and the embodiment of professionalism, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Dr. Calvin Harberg, this year’s winner, received the award from Associate Program Director Dr. Meyer.
Fellow of the Year
Dr. Lucas Skoda received the Fellow of the Year award from Dr. Kristopher Schroeder, Interim Vice Chair of Education, in recognition of demonstrating enthusiasm, commitment, academic excellence, and clinical distinction during either an accredited or non-accredited fellowship.
Elizabeth Townsend White Cloud of Learning Award
Dr. Michaeli Gorman accepted the Elizabeth Townsend White Cloud of Learning Award. This award is given to the resident who attracts the most complex and unique cases during residency and was presented to Gorman by Dr. Elizabeth Townsend!
Wellness Champion of the Year Award
The inaugural Wellness Champion of the Year Award, was accepted by Dr. Diane Head. This award is given to recognize an exceptional anesthesiology attending physician who has demonstrated unwavering commitment in promoting wellness and honors the tireless efforts of an attending who fosters a culture of wellbeing and happiness both within the department of anesthesiology and beyond. Congratulations, Dr. Head.
Fellow Teacher of the Year Award
Lastly, the Fellow Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Ayden Zarkah. This prestigious honor is awarded by the PGY-1 and CA1-3 residents to one UW Department of Anesthesiology Fellow, recognizing their exceptional modeling and teaching of medical knowledge, technical skills, and clinical judgment.
The Department of Anesthesiology is proud to present the graduating class of 2024!
Fellowship Graduates
(Photo and caption: 2024 Fellow graduates)
Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology
- Lucas Skoda, DO (Clinical Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, University of Wisconsin Department of Anesthesiology)
- Ayden Zarkhah, MD (Clinical Assistant Professor of Critical Care, University of Wisconsin Department of Anesthesiology)
Regional and Acute Pain Anesthesiology
- James Nellen, MD (Anesthesiology Consultants of Marin, San Francisco, Private Practice)
- Benjamin Schessler, MD (Assistant Professor of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain, University of Wisconsin Department of Anesthesiology)
- Meghan Wallner, MD (Minneapolis Anesthesia Partners, Private Practice)
- Marcus Wilson, DO (Assistant Professor of Regional/General Anesthesia, University of Wisconsin Department of Anesthesiology)
Pediatric Anesthesiology
- McKenzee Murdock, MD (Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric Anesthesia, University of Wisconsin Department of Anesthesiology)
Residency Graduates
- Tyler Beattie, MD, Adult Cardiothoracic and Vascular Fellowship, UW Hospital
- Andrew Dalley, MD, Chandler Anesthesia Consultants, Private Group, Chandler, Arizona
- Taylor Gatlin, MD, Advocate Aurora Medical Group, Grafton, WI
- Michaeli Gorman, DO, Pediatric Fellowship, UW Hospital
- Michael Gyorfi, MD, Chronic Pain Fellowship, UCLA
- Calvin Harberg, MD, Regional & Acute Pain Fellowship, UW Hospital
- Cynthia Iradukunda, MB, ChB, Cardiothoracic Fellowship, UW Hospital
- Erica Janz, DO, Neuroanesthesia Fellowship, UW Hospital
- Kay McCullough, MD, Private Practice, Meriter Hospital, Madison, WI
- Kim Pham, MD, Anesthesia Service Medical Group, Private Practice, CA
- Sylvia Rakke, MD, Private Practice, Southdale Anesthesiologists, Edina, MN
- Alyssa Resop, DO, Regional & Acute Pain Fellowship, UW Hospital
- Alex Shulman, MD, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Madison, General Anesthesiologist
- Emily Simpson, MD, Pacific Anesthesia (Edmonds) Private Practice, Seattle, WA
- Kailtin Woods, MD, Assistant Professor (CHS), Adult Multispecialty, UW Hospital