Stritch '22 honors faculty

Each year, each class of Stritch School of Medicine students recognizes faculty who have made a substantial impact on their medical education. The Class of 2022 presented three awards at their recent Match Day celebration. Congratulations to the following faculty honored this spring!

Dr. Kamran Mirza – Outstanding Classroom Educator

Kamran Mirza, MD, PhD, is an associate professor and the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Stritch, as well as the Director of Molecular Pathology at Loyola University Medical Center. He attended Aga Khan University's Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Stritch M4s appreciated the “joyful blend of enthusiasm and approachability” of Dr. Mirza’s regular check-ins with them, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. One student said, “He is profoundly passionate in education, but even more so, he takes the time to mentor and nurture curious minds.” Another mentioned that Dr. Mirza “has the ability to make each and every student feel seen and valued.”

Dr. Monica Edwards – Outstanding Clinical Educator

Monica Edwards, MD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Stritch, as well as the Vertical Course Director for Health System Science at Loyola University Medical Center. She attended Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at Northwestern’s McGaw Medical Center.

Students’ nominations highlighted Dr. Edwards’ dedication, passion, and support, as well as her interest in their career aspirations and her push to “rise up to high expectations.” “She inspires me to be a clinical educator, and I look to her as a role model,” said one student. “She always made herself available and genuinely wanted us to succeed,” shared another.

Dr. Ramzan Shahid – Humanism in Medicine

Ramzan Shahid, MD, is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Stritch, as well as the Pediatrics Clerkship Director and the General Pediatrics Division Director at Loyola University Medical Center. He attended University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Dr. Shahid is this year’s recipient of the Arnold P. Goldman Humanism in Medicine Award, nominated by Stritch student representatives of the Association of American Medical College's Organization of Student Representatives (OSR).

Stritch OSR representatives noted Dr. Shahid’s kindness, vulnerability, and professionalism. “Dr. Shahid embodies someone who works hard, not for himself, but to see those that he mentors succeed,” shared one student. Another added, “He truly does go above and beyond to teach, mentor, and serve a role in his students’ professional and personal development.”