Distinguished Alumni Awards

Every year, the UW School of Medicine Alumni Association recognizes exceptional alumni with a series of awards. We encourage UW School of Medicine alumni, faculty, staff, students, and other professional colleagues to nominate alumni for one or more of the awards listed below.

2026 alumni award recipients will be celebrated at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Nominations for the 2027 awards are open; you may submit nominations until December 31, 2026. Please contact the Alumni Office at medalum@uw.edu with any questions about the awards or nomination process.

Nomination Form

Suggest a colleague or alum for an award!

Nominate an Alum

Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

Recognizes an alum whose professional achievements and cumulative contributions have brought personal distinction, enhanced the general health and well-being of the public through professional practice, research or public policy, and brought honor to their alma mater.

2026 Recipient: Dr. John M. Boyce, MD ’70

Dr. John M. Boyce, MD '70Dr. John M. Boyce’s career has had a major effect on hand hygiene practices by healthcare personnel globally. His landmark research on alcohol-based hand antiseptics, and co-authorship of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings, has led to improved hand hygiene practices in healthcare facilities throughout the United States. Dr. Boyce was also a major contributor to the World Health Organization’s Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health Care, which has revolutionized hand hygiene in hospitals worldwide. He is considered an international expert on hand hygiene and is widely recognized for his work in hospital epidemiology. The widespread adoption of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in hospitals and in public spaces traces directly to his collaboration with Professor Didier Pittet of the University of Geneva. Through extensive scholarship, international lectures and mentorship of emerging leaders, his evidence-based innovations have saved countless lives and raised standards of patient safety across healthcare systems worldwide.

Alumni Service Award

Recognizes an alum whose dedicated and determined efforts have benefited the University of Washington School of Medicine and/or the University of Washington School of Medicine Alumni Association and/or their community.

2026 Recipient: Dr. J. Richard Goss, MD, MPH, Fel. ’96

Dr. J. Richard Goss, MD, Fel. ’96, MPHDr. J. Richard Goss has built a career defined by principled leadership and unwavering service to those most in need. At Harborview Medical Center, which provides the highest level of trauma and burn services in the region, he has strengthened systems of quality oversight and embedded equity metrics into performance measurement. In his career at Harborview and the statewide Cardiac Outcomes Assessment Program, he has advanced data tools that drive safer, more accountable care across UW Medicine and across the state. He has guided Harborview through surging demand, behavioral health crises, housing instability, gun violence and the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the hospital remained accessible to every patient who depends on it. His steady, collaborative leadership has not only safeguarded vulnerable communities but also mentored a generation of physician leaders, reinforcing Harborview’s role as a lifeline and elevating standards of care statewide.

Alumni Humanitarian Award

Honors an alum who embodies an ongoing commitment to providing healthcare to communities in need and the underserved, or whose extraordinary service has contributed to the good of humankind.

2026 Recipient: Dr. D. Ryan Ormond, MD ’06

Dr. D. Ryan Ormond, MD ‘06Dr. D. Ryan Ormond has advanced global neurosurgical equity through sustained, capacity-building partnerships in East Africa. Working closely with the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, he has helped expand neurosurgical training, strengthen residency education and introduce practical, resource-conscious innovations that improve surgical safety and neurologic outcomes. His collaborative approach has significantly increased the regional neurosurgical workforce and reduced mortality in underserved communities. By investing in long-term infrastructure rather than episodic outreach, Dr. Ormond has created durable systems of care and inspired colleagues to engage in global health. His work stands as a model for sustainable, high-impact humanitarian leadership in medicine.

Alumni Early Achievement Award

Honors an alum, within 20 years of their final year of training/education with the University of Washington School of Medicine, who has excelled in their career, making significant contributions to public health through clinical care, medical science, research, or administrative activities.

2026 Recipient: Dr. Daniel Low, MD ’17

Dr. Daniel Low, MD ‘17Dr. Daniel Low exemplifies a new generation of physician leaders who address not only disease, but its root causes. His innovative workforce pipeline programs, recognized nationally for their impact, have opened pathways into medicine for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through his leadership with the King County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Association, he has mobilized physicians around housing, climate justice, racial equity and public health policy. From legislative advocacy to community partnerships that return critical resources to low-income families, Dr. Low’s early career reflects uncommon breadth, measurable impact and a deep commitment to justice in healthcare.

Watch videos celebrating previous years’ recipients by following the links in the lists below.

2025
Christopher Flowers, MD, Res. ’00, MS ’02, Fel. ’02, Fel. ’03

2024
Lawrence E. Holland, MD, Res. ’86

2023
John J. Mulvihill, MD ’69

2022
Peter J. Kudenchuk, MD ’79, Res. ’82, Fel. ‘83

2021
John T. Schiller, PhD ‘82

2019
Peter S. Rabinovitch, MD ’79, PhD ’80, Res. ’81
Robert A. Winquist, MD ’69, Res. ’74

2018
Benjamin S. Danielson, MD ’92, Res. ’95

2017
Richard Kirkpatrick, MD ’72
F. Bruder Stapleton, MD, Res. ’74

2016
Barbara J. deLateur, MD ’63, Res. ’67, M.S. ’68
Henry G. Kaplan, MD, Res. ‘74, Chief Res. ’77

2015
John Olerud, MD ’71, Res. ’76, Res. ’78

2014
George Ojemann, MD, Res., ’64

2013
Catherine M. Otto, MD ’79, Fel. ’85

2012
John W. Kendall, Jr., MD ’56

2011
Lawrence K. Altman, MD, Res. ’68, Fel. ’69

2010
Roger E. Moe, MD ’59, Res. ’68

2009
Harry R. Kimball, Res. ’64, Res. ’68

2008
Gerald T. Nepom, PhD ’77, MD ’78

2007
Jan V. Hirschmann, MD ’70

2006
Marcus E. Raichle, MD ’64

2005
Kenneth R. Wilske, MD ’59, Res. ’62

2004
Jerry S. Trier, MD ’57

2003
William J. Bremner, MD ’69, Res. ’72

2002
Roger J. Bulger, Res. ’65, Fel. ’66

2001
Sigvard T. Hansen, MD ’61, Res. ’69

2000
Merle A. Sande, MD ’65

1999
Wayne E. Crill, MD ’62

1998
Leonard D. Hudson, MD ’64

1997
D. Eugene Strandness, Jr., MD ’54, Res. ’62

1996
Robert W. Higgins, MD ’65

1995
Harry N. Beaty, MD ’58 , Res. ’63

1994
Manus C. Kraff, MD ’57

1993
Lloyd M. Nyhus, MD, Res. ’56

1992
Edmund W. Gray, MD ’53, and Judith G. Hall, MD ’66

1991
M. Roy Schwarz, MD ’62, Faculty

1990
Charles A. Evans, Faculty
Charles E. Odegaard, Faculty
Cornelius Rosse, Faculty
George N. Aagaard, Emeritus Dean
John D. Chase, Emeritus Dean
John R. Hogness, Res. ’51, Emeritus Dean
Robert L. Van Citters, Emeritus Dean
David C. Dale, Res. ’72, Emeritus Dean
Clement Finch, Fel., Faculty/Author
James W. Haviland, Faculty/Author
Hilding H. Olson, Res. ’51, Faculty/Author

1989
William O. Rieke, MD ’58

1988
James E. Dalen, MD ’61

1987
Eloise R. Giblett, MD ’51, Fel. ’55, and George M. Martin, MD ’53

1986
Donald M. Keith, MD ’58, and Jerome B. Posner, MD ’55, Int. ’56

1985
Gerald P. Murphy, MD ’59

1984
John R. Hogness, MD, Res. ’51

1983
Donald D. Trunkey, MD ’63

1982
Lloyd C. Elam, MD ’57

1981
Richard J. Blandau, MD, ’72, Res. ’78, ’79

1980
J. Bruce Beckwith, MD ’58

1979
William H. Foege, MD ’61

2025
Ramoncita “Raye” Maestas, MD ’83, Res. ’86
LeeAnna Muzquiz, MD ‘00

2024
Scott R. Stuart, MD ’01, Res. ’04, Chief Res. ’05

2023
Andrew C. Castrodale, MD ’94

2022
Thomas J. Benedetti, MD ’73, MHA ’00

2021
Erika A. Goldstein, MD, Res. ’84, MPH

2019
Sandra E. Juul, M.D. ’81, Res. ’84, Chief Res. ’86, Fel. ’89, Ph.D.

2018
John F. McCarthy, M.D. ’90, Res. ’92

2017
J. Randall Curtis, M.D., Res. ’91, Chief Res. ’92, MPH, Fel. ’95

2016
Michael J. Ryan, M.D., Res. ’89, Chief Res. ’90, Fel. ’93

2015
John Betz, PA-C (MEDEX, Seattle Class 1)

2014
Ted Epperly, M.D. ’80

2012
Samuel H. Tarica, M.D. ’52, Res. ’53, Res. ’55
David F. Wolter, M.D. ’52, Res. ’58

2011
Anna H. Chavelle, M.D. ’57

2010
Jack N. Lein, M.D. ’55

2008
John H. Vassall II, M.D. ’78

2001
Richard H. Layton, M.D. ’54

1998
John Philip Sauntry, M.D. ’51

1997
Bruce C. Gilliland, Res. ’64

1996
Rick Lane Johnson, M.D. ’61, Res. ’64

1995
Werner E. Samson, M.D. ’53, Res. ’58

1993
John H. Pierce, M.D. ’65

1992
Glenn M. Doornink, M.D. ’53

1990
John N. Kirkpatrick, M.D. ’73

1986
Kenneth N. Anderson, Sr., M.D. ’58, Res. ’62, Fel. ’62, Res. ’67

2025
Peter Hashisaki, MD ‘75

2024
Ramona M. Okumura, BS ’81

2023
Julie R. Gralow, MD, Fel. ’95

2022
Blair B. Washington, MD ’02, MHA

2021
John E. Fankhauser, MD ‘89

2019
Tipu V. Khan, MD ’08

2018
Michael Haglund, MD ’87, PhD ’88, Res. ’92, Fel. ’95

2017
Lois Thetford, PA-C (Seattle 14)

2016
Samuel R. Baker, MD ’66, Res. ’74

2015
Jamie Garcia, MD ’99

2014
Matthew Oliva, MD ’99, Res. ’03

2013
Juliette M. Engel, MD ’74, Res. ’75, ’78

2012
Melissa C. Smith, MD ’87, Res. ’91

2011
Frank W. Ogden, MD ’61

2010
Jamal K. Gwathney, MD ’99

2008
Ann Y. Kao, MD ’00

2006
Donald H. Mott, MD ’66

2005
Raymond E. Vath, MD ’65, Res. ’69

2004
Walter B. Hollow, MD ’75, Res. ’78

2003
Isaac S. Pope, MD ’74

2002
Dennis G. Carlson, MD ’55

2001
Doris H. Wilson, MD ’51

2000
Thomas M. Green, MD ’69, Res. ’75

1999
Keith Andrew Hurst, MD ’90, Res. ’92, and Vashti Apostol-Hurst

1998
Jill H. Seaman, MD ’78

1997
Henry A. Kuharic, MD ’54, Res. ’60

1995
Frederick F. Holmes, MD ’57, and Grace E. Foege Holmes, MD ’57

2002
Michael K. Copass, Res. ’73

2003
Bruce C. Gilliland, MD, Res. ’64

UW School of Medicine Alumni Association
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