MELA’s annual education awards are peer-reviewed awards recognizing the outstanding dedication, innovation and excellence in medical education of faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Awardees receive an honorarium and recognition at the annual fall MELA Education Day. All faculty who are members of MELA are eligible to receive these awards. Faculty may not be recognized more frequently than once every five years.
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Medical Education
This annual award for faculty with an appointment no higher than assistant professor recognizes excellence over the prior academic year in medical education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Areas of excellence may include, but are not limited to, innovation, curriculum development, service, mentorship, and scholarship.
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Award for Medical Educator of the Year
This annual award recognizes faculty who have made a demonstrated impact on advancing medical education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine over the prior academic year. Areas of excellence may include, but are not limited to, innovation, curriculum development, service, mentorship, and scholarship.
2026
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Medical Education
Rebecca A. Krey, MD
Assistant Professor | Medicine & Pediatrics
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Award for Medical Educator of the Year
Ryan M. Spangler, MD
Associate Professor | Emergency Medicine
2025
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Medical Education
Rachel E. Fanaroff, MD
Assistant Professor | Pathology
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Award for Medical Educator of the Year
Madhurima Koka, MD, PhD
Professor | Pathology
2024
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Medical Education
William R. Grier, MD
Assistant Professor | Medicine
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Award for Medical Educator of the Year
Moran R. Levin, MD
Associate Professor | Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
2023
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Medical Education
Rebecca Carter, MD
Associate Professor, Pediatrics
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Award for Medical Educator of the Year
Adam Puche, Ph.D.
Professor, Neurobiology
Vice Chair, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
2022
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Medical Education
Katelyn Donohue, MD
Assistant Professor, Medicine and Pediatrics
The Babak J. Jamasbi, MD ’89 Award for Medical Educator of the Year
Elizabeth Lamos, MD
Associate Professor, Medicine
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs