News & Announcements

Shining Star Award! 

This award is given to celebrate all of the great work done within the Department of Family Medicine and will be awarded quarterly.

• October 2024-Melissa Wahl

Whether it’s being the go-to person for chocolates or acting as a sounding board and voice of reason, Melissa is always available to help.  Melissa is also held in high regard by her coworkers. Last year, Melissa single-handedly kept the DFM business office during a time when several colleagues were out on maternity leave and medical leave. She stepped up without hesitation.

• January 2025-Lisa Deferville 

Lisa has an incredible work ethic and puts more than 100% effort into everything she does.  She is dedicated to serving the education mission of our department through her tireless commitment to the multiple FPM courses and rotations for medical students throughout the four years.  The past year she was instrumental in supporting a pilot project for the new FM 3rd year clerkship.  This was a new initiative, and we absolutely could not have implemented the pilot project without her support and expertise.  She is an amazing asset in our Department and I’m grateful for all she does!

She is the current course coordinator for MS4 FPM 432/426 clerkships. However, she will be the new MS3 FM Clerkship coordinator as well starting May '25. She has literally become the "heart and soul" of our MS3 FM Clerkship Curriculum development committee. She attends our monthly committee meetings- always providing fabulous creative ideas. She tirelessly brainstorms constructive solutions to the myriad barriers we have faced. She is diligent, hard working and dedicated to the FM mission and to promoting student education. Our department would not be able to run these clerkships without her and thus, our faculty would not be able to have such a robust teaching experience without her. She is deserving of this award and more!

• July 2025-Rosa Ruiz and Jennifer Mathews

Rosa joined the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) in 2019 and was promoted to Program Coordinator in 2023. She stepped into this leadership role with integrity, reliability, and professionalism—quickly earning the respect of colleagues across 26 national sites. As the youngest Program Coordinator and a first-time supervisor, Rosa leads with clarity, collaboration, and quiet confidence.

She is beloved by our elderly study participants and well regarded by collaborators and leadership, who consistently praise her efficiency, dependability, and positive attitude. These strengths were especially evident during a period of uncertainty when Rosa remained focused on participant support—spending hours listening to their concerns, organizing virtual meetings, and sharing updates and advocacy resources.

She also managed transition and close-out tasks with foresight and care, safeguarding both participant trust and data integrity.

Rosa’s calm leadership and unwavering dedication make her a true Shining Star.

Jennifer is consistently reliable, efficient, and dedicated. She follows through on every task, often ahead of schedule, and frequently volunteers for extra responsibilities without seeking recognition—though she’s more than deserving.

Her customer service is exceptional, and she brings a thoughtful approach to every interaction. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, yet her impact is far-reaching.

Recent contributions include:

• Creating a smooth onboarding experience for a new team leader.
• Taking ownership of critical reporting and training junior staff.
• Improving department systems to boost efficiency and accuracy.
• Providing meticulous support for initiatives like scholarship funds and reimbursements.

Jennifer’s initiative and dedication don’t just support the department—they elevate it. 

• Former Triton Basketball Player Now Cares for Teams; Faculty mentioned: Dr. Amy Leu
• Dr. Rosen presented with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award during recent White Coat Ceremony; Faculty mentioned: Dr. Rebecca Rosen 
  

• Dr. Alan Shahtaji discussed preventing injuries during the Olympics.; Faculty mentioned: Dr. Alan Shahtaji

• How team sports can have positive physical & mental health impacts for kids of all abilities  Faculty mentioned: Dr. Suraj Achar
• Dr. Marcia Faustin worked with Olympic gymnasts! Residency alumna Dr. Marcia Faustin mentioned 
• New Sports Medicine Procedure Heals Runner’s Heel Faculty mentioned: Dr. Ken Taylor
• Family Medicine Is Ticket to Wide World of Sports Medicine Faculty mentioned: Dr. Amy Leu
• Concussion Derails Football Dreams, Experts Help Ignite Hurdles Talent Faculty mentioned: Dr. Alan Shahtaji