About

The University of Chicago Academy of Clinical Excellence

The University of Chicago Academy of Clinical Excellence recognizes highly skilled and respected healthcare professionals who exemplify the highest standards of medical practice. Renowned for their expertise, sharp clinical acumen, and compassionate bedside manner, these clinicians are sought after by both patients and colleagues. With a deep understanding of medical conditions and a lifelong commitment to providing effective, empathetic care, they embody the pinnacle of clinical excellence. As leaders in their field, they inspire peers and set the standard for excellence in medicine, shaping the future of healthcare through their dedication and skill.

Daniel Appelbaum, MD

Professor of Radiology

Barry Arnason

Barry G. Arnason, MD

Professor of Neurology

Posthumous Inductee

James Brorson, MD

Professor of Neurology

Dennis Coalson

Dennis Coalson, MD

Associate Professor Emeritus of Anesthesia and Critical Care

Kamala G. Cotts, MD

Kamala Gullapalli Cotts, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine

Fernando Goldenberg, MD

Professor of Neurology
Professor of Neurological Surgery

Perpetua Goodall, MD

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Yasmin Hasan, MD

Associate Professor of Radiation and Cellular Oncology

Aliya Husain

Aliya N. Husain, MD

Professor of Pathology

Amanda Johnson

Amanda Johnson, MSN, APRN

Advanced Practice Provider, Pediatric Neurosurgery

Daniel Johnson, MD

Professor of Pediatrics

Kelly Kramer

Kelly Kramer, MSN, APN

Advanced Practice Provider, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology

Donald Liu

Donald Liu, MD, PhD

Professor of Pediatrics

Posthumous Inductee

James Michael Millis, MD

J. Michael Millis, MD, MBA

Professor of Surgery

Anthony Montag

Anthony G. Montag, MD

Professor of Pathology

Posthumous Inductee

Olatoyosi Odenike, MD

Olatoyosi Odenike, MD, MBBS, FASCO

Professor of Medicine

Sonia P. Oyola, MD

Assistant Professor of Family Medicine

Arlene Roman

Arlene Roman, MD

Clinical Associate of Pediatrics

David T. Rubin, MD

Joseph B Kirsner Professor In Medicine of Medicine
Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics

Amanda Schwartz

Mindy A. Schwartz, MD

Professor of Medicine

Shari Goldman Snow, MD

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Helen S. Te, MD

Professor of Medicine

Marie Tobin, MD FACLP

Professor of Adult Psychiatry

Shona Vas, PhD

Professor of Adult Psychiatry

Stephen G. Weber, MD

Professor of Medicine

Nada Williamson

Nada Williamson, CRNA

Advanced Practice Provider, Anesthesia and Critical Care

Kenneth Wilson, MD

Professor of Surgery

Fuad Baroody, MD

Professor of Surgery

Gini Fleming, MD

Professor of Medicine

Brian S. Funaki, MD FSIR FAHA FCIRSE

Professor of Radiology

John Gnezda

John Gnezda, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Cardiac Surgery

Lawrence Gottlieb, MD

Professor of Surgery

Catherine Harth, MD

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Daniel Haraf

Daniel J. Haraf, MD

Clinical Professor of Radiation and Cellular Oncology

Medical Director, Radiation Oncology

Seenu Mavidi Hariprasad, MD

Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Shui-Chin Lee Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science

Rex C. Haydon, MD PhD

Simon and Kalt Families Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine

Javad Hekmatpanah, MD

Professor of Neurological Surgery

John Hart, MD

Professor of Pathology
Professor of Medicine

Nora T. Jaskowiak, MD

Professor of Surgery

Keriann Kordas

Keriann Kordas, MSN, APN

Advanced Practice Provider Manager, Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Program

James W. Mitchell, MD

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Mark Myren

Mark Myren, PA-C

Physician Assistant, Cardiac Surgery

Michael O'Connor, MD

Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care
Professor of Medicine

Annemarie O'Connor

Annemarie O’Connor, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CBRN

Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, Burn and Complex Wound Care

Aytekin Oto, MD MBA

Chief Physician & Dean for Clinical Affairs
Professor of Radiology

Patel Bansari

Bansari Patel, DNP, ACHPN

Advanced Practice Nurse, Inpatient Palliative Medicine Consult Service

Mitchell C. Posner, MD

Thomas D. Jones Distinguished Service Professor of Surgery
Professor of Radiation and Cellular Oncology

Helene Rubeiz, MD

Associate Professor of Neurology

Carol Semrad, MD

Professor of Medicine

Wendy Stock, MD

Anjuli Seth Nayak Professor of Medicine
Committee on Cancer Biology
Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics

Debra B Stulberg, MD

Chair of Family Medicine
Professor of Family Medicine

2026 ACE Induction Ceremony

This year's new members will be honored at an induction ceremony and reception. All members of the BSD and UCM community are welcome to attend, to be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: David Rubenstein Forum, Friedman Hall, 1201 E. 60th Place, Chicago, IL 60637

RSVP Form

Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 inductees have concluded. Thank you for your participation! 

 

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Nominees

  • MD, PhD, DO, MD/PhD or DO/PhD, APPs, CA
  • Currently practicing, emeritus or post-humous
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Eligibility

  • Minimum of 15 Years in Clinical Practice

    The nominee must have been in clinical practice for more than 15 years.
  • Outstanding and Equitable Patient Care

    Provides exceptional care to all patients in an equitable manner, without favor or prejudic
  • Compassion and Empathy

    Demonstrates deep compassion and empathy toward patients and their families, especially in patient-facing role
  • High Patient Satisfaction and Colleague Endorsement

    Maintains a high level of patient satisfaction and is strongly endorsed by colleagues for their clinical expertise
  • Exemplary Reputation Among Clinical Colleagues

    Has an exemplary local reputation for clinical care among clinical colleagues and trainees. Colleagues would trust the nominee to care for their own family or loved ones
  • Outstanding Clinical Outcomes

    Achieves outstanding clinical outcomes, particularly in complex or challenging case
  • Exceptional Judgment and Integrity

    Demonstrates exemplary clinical judgment and integrity in all aspects of patient care and professional conduct
  • Highly Effective Communication and Collaboration

    Possesses highly effective interpersonal and communication skills that ensure smooth information exchange and foster close collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and, if patient-facing, with patients and their families
  • Exceptional Integrity and Ethical Leadership

    Maintains the highest ethical standards and is frequently sought out by others for counsel on ethical matters
  • Distinguished Mentor and Educator

    Serves as a distinguished mentor, providing guidance and support to students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty, and other trainees, fostering the development of future leaders in clinical care
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Nomination Requirements

Nominee’s CV

  • Highlighted with activities and achievements that are relevant to this award

Nomination Letter (250-500 words) the basis for the nomination, that may include:

  • The clinical expertise and growth of the nominee over time
  • Exemplification of the qualities of compassion, empathy, outcomes, collegiality, judgement, and integrity

Endorsements from patients/colleagues:

  • Once the nomination letter is received within the organization, the committee will ask for endorsements from patients(if clinician is directly patient facing) or from colleagues(if indirectly patient facing: ie pathology, radiology, anesthesia)