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.

Nominations for the 2026 awards are open; you may submit nominations until December 31, 2025. 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.

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

Christopher Flowers, MD, Res. ’00, MS ’02, Fel. ’02, Fel. ’03We honor Dr. Christopher Flowers for his outstanding contributions to oncology, particularly in lymphoma research, clinical trials and addressing health disparities. As the chair of the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, his work has reshaped therapeutic approaches to lymphoma, focusing on personalized treatments that improve patient outcomes. His groundbreaking research on racial and socioeconomic disparities in cancer care has led to better understanding and interventions for underserved populations. Dr. Flowers has also played a key role in mentoring the next generation of oncologists and researchers, emphasizing diversity and inclusion within the field. Through his leadership in clinical trials and health equity initiatives, Dr. Flowers has significantly advanced both cancer research and healthcare policy.

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.

2025 Recipient: Peter Hashisaki, MD ‘75

Peter Hashisaki, MD ’75We honor Dr. Peter Hashisaki for his profound impact as an infectious disease physician, improving patient care and mentoring colleagues and medical students. His unwavering commitment to underserved populations is particularly evident in his long-standing efforts in Malawi, where he provides crucial medical care, enhances local staff training, and introduces innovative resources like ultrasound devices to improve patient care. Dr. Hashisaki’s humility, generosity, and selflessness inspire everyone around him, making him a true humanitarian who continually strives to better the lives of those in need. His lifelong contributions to global health exemplify the highest standards of service and compassion.

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.

2025 Recipient: Ramoncita “Raye” Maestas, MD ’83, Res. ’86

Ramoncita Maestas, MD ’83, Res. ’86We honor Dr. Ramoncita “Raye” Maestas for her exceptional dedication to the University of Washington School of Medicine and to underserved communities. As a compassionate teacher, leader and clinician, Dr. Maestas made significant contributions to medical education and community health. With a commitment to equity, service learning and student advocacy, Dr. Maestas was instrumental in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Through her work establishing the family medicine residency program at SeaMar Community Health Center, and teaching residents at Providence Hospital, Dr. Maestas transformed care for underserved populations in Seattle. Her impact continues to inspire colleagues and students alike.

 

2025 Recipient: LeeAnna Muzquiz, MD ‘00

LeeAnna I. Muzquiz, MD ’00We honor Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, a dedicated physician and educator, for her lasting contributions to the University of Washington School of Medicine and her community. As the associate dean for admissions, she has championed diversity and equity, ensuring that the medical school’s student body better represents the region it serves. Dr. Muzquiz has also been instrumental in mentoring students, developing innovative pathways for students interested in serving Indigenous communities and fostering an inclusive ecosystem that supports all stages of medical careers. Her leadership extends to her clinical work, where she continues to serve Native communities in Montana while advocating for better healthcare access and opportunities. Her commitment to service, both locally and nationally, makes her an exemplary figure in medical education and community engagement.

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.

2025 Recipient: Ruanne Barnabas, MBChB, MSc, DPhil. Fel. ‘10

Ruanne Barnabas, MBChB, MSc, DPhil., Fel. ’10We honor Dr. Ruanne Barnabas for her extraordinary contributions to global health and her early-career achievements. As chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a professor at Harvard Medical School, her research has had a profound impact on public health policy, particularly in the areas of HIV treatment and prevention, HPV vaccination and global health interventions. Dr. Barnabas has led groundbreaking studies, including the KEN-SHE trial, which demonstrated the efficacy of a single-dose HPV vaccine, influencing global vaccine policy. Her dedication to health equity is also evident in her volunteer work and mentoring of future scientists. With numerous prestigious awards and global recognition, Dr. Barnabas exemplifies leadership, innovation and collaboration.

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

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

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

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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