College of Medicine celebrates faculty and staff excellence

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine faculty and staff gathered in Spokane in June to recognize those who epitomize excellence in pursuit of the college's mission and vision of a healthier Washington and beyond.

The annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony highlighted how faculty and staff are making a difference for students and patients across areas including leadership, service, teaching, research, and community impact.

Clinical Teaching Award

Dr. Shawn Schweitzer

Dr. Schweitzer, a practicing internist and clinical faculty for the Internal Medicine Residency Program-Everett, was recognized for going above and beyond to ensure students and resident physicians receive a supportive and rigorous medical education.

"Dr. Schweitzer is an exceptional clinician and educator whose impact on learners and patients alike is profound," his nominator wrote. "He is widely regarded as a physician of outstanding clinical acumen, and he is deeply beloved by his patients for both his medical expertise and his compassionate bedside manner. His ability to combine evidence-based practice with genuine human connection exemplifies the highest standards of clinical excellence."

Community Impact Award

Dr. Matt Layton

Dr. Layton is a professor in the College of Medicine's Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology with appointments in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology and College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience. He was recognized for his sustained community engagement, mentorship, and innovative approaches to addressing substance use and mental health challenges.

"Dr. Layton's work is grounded in his background in psychiatry and his commitment to meeting communities where they are. He actively collaborates with community partners to address the growing crisis of youth drug overdose and substance use, supporting programs that center lived experience, peer connection, and empowerment," his nominator wrote. "His efforts have deepened meaningful partnerships across Washington and have empowered both communities and trainees in ways that create lasting impact."

Culture Award (Faculty)

Emily Schreiner

Schreiner, an assistant professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and clinic director at the WSU Health Speech-Language Pathology Clinic, was recognized for her mentorship and dedication to improving access to speech-language care through telehealth and interpreter services.

"She consistently embodies the WSU cultural mission and vision by actively supporting graduate students and staff in developing cultural awareness, humility, and responsiveness," her nominator wrote.

Culture Award (Staff)

Heidi Doolittle

Doolittle serves as a learning specialist at the MD program's Student Learning Center and director of the Peer Tutoring Program. She was recognized for her mentorship and support for WSU medical students and aspiring physicians enrolled in Nmryaqs, a post-baccalaureate pathway program for enrolled tribal members, as well as her contribution to department operations and the wider medical education community.

"Heidi demonstrates an unwavering commitment to students. She listens deeply, views students holistically, and supports both their academic success and overall well-being," her nominator wrote. "Her collaborative spirit, dedication to students and colleagues, and commitment to continuous improvement exemplify the highest standards of service."

Leadership Award (Faculty)

Dr. Sara Scott

Assistant Dean for Clerkship - Curriculum Dr. Sara Scott, who previously served as interim associate dean for curriculum, was recognized for her willingness to step up and her consistent approach to continuous quality improvement in the MD program curriculum.

"Sara Scott is an exemplary leader," her nominator wrote. "She leads an incredible clerkship curriculum staff and I see daily how her leadership through action helps steer a very capable group forward in a way that supports the mission of the college more and more each year. Her ability to set a clear vision and standard and hold herself to that as well is leadership in action."

Leadership Award (Staff)

Andrew Meyer

Assistant Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Curriculum Management Andrew Meyer was recognized for his exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to the college mission.

"Andrew exemplifies the kind of leadership that not only drives excellence but also fosters a culture of trust, compassion, and collaboration," his nominator wrote. "At the core of Andrew's leadership style is kindness. He approaches his work and his colleagues with genuine care, empathy, and respect, creating an environment in which individuals feel valued and supported."

Mentorship Award

Dr. Dawn Kopp

Vice Chair for Obstetrics and Gynecology Dawn Kopp received multiple nominations praising her exceptional support for Washington's future physicians, from fostering scholarly inquiry to supporting students' academic and professional growth.

"Dr. Kopp's impact on my development has been profound," one medical student wrote. "She has helped shape me not only into a stronger future physician and researcher, but also into a more grounded and resilient person. I have consistently felt heard, respected, and empowered under her guidance. For her sustained dedication, authentic advocacy, and transformative influence on those she mentors, Dr. Kopp is exceptionally deserving of this recognition."

Professional Excellence Award

Stephanie Peters

Peters serves as lead instructional designer in the Office for Faculty Affairs and Continuing Professional Development. She received multiple nominations praising her commitment to continuous quality improvement and her learner-centered approach to creating materials for medical students and physicians.

"Stephanie exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve the College of Medicine with dedication, creativity, and exceptional professional skill," one nominator wrote. "As an instructional designer, she consistently delivers learning experiences that are not only clear, engaging, and thoughtfully constructed but also aligned with the evolving needs of our growing program. Her ability to translate complex educational goals into streamlined, accessible, and high-quality instructional materials has had a transformative impact on both subject matter experts and learners."

Research/Scholarship Award

Ekaterina Burduli

Burduli, an associate professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health, was recognized for her impactful research on the urgent public health issue of pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders.

"Dr. Burduli's research program demonstrates a rare combination of methodological rigor, community partnership, translational impact, and national visibility," her nominator wrote. "Her sustained productivity, growing citation influence, externally funded research portfolio, and contributions to addressing the fentanyl crisis and perinatal health disparities exemplify the high level of scholarly excellence required for the WSU College of Medicine Research/Scholarship Award."

Service Award (Faculty)

Dr. Santiago Toro-Posado

Director of Curriculum Management Dr. Santiago Toro-Posado was recognized for the work he has done to develop the MD program's curriculum since the College of Medicine was created in 2015.

"We would not be where we are today without the amazing work he has done with learning objectives, curriculum alignment, and the mapping of the students' milestones," his nominator wrote. "Simply put, he touches every piece of the MD program curriculum."

Service Award (Staff)

Rachel Dryer

Dryer, an admissions and career advising academic coordinator, was recognized for her exceptional dedication, sustained impact, and willingness to go above and beyond. In her dual role, she serves as an essential bridge from admissions to career advising, supporting future physicians throughout their medical school journey.

"Throughout her tenure, Rachel has consistently demonstrated what it means to serve our institution with professionalism, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to students, applicants, and colleagues alike," one of her nominators wrote. "She embodies a true spirit of service, always willing to do whatever is needed to support others and the mission of the college."

Teaching Award

David Conley

Professor and Anatomy Program Director David Conley received multiple nominations praising his genuine care for students and commitment to going above and beyond to ensure each learner's success. He was also recognized for his 30 years of service to WSU.

"Dr. Conley exemplifies what a medical educator should be: knowledgeable, patient, supportive, and passionate," one medical student wrote. "What makes Dr. Conley exceptional is not only his depth of knowledge, but the way he shares it. He is genuinely excited about anatomy, and that enthusiasm is contagious. Whether we are reviewing nerves or navigating the layers of the abdominal wall in lab, he teaches with energy and curiosity that make even the most complex regions feel approachable. His excitement reminds us that anatomy is not just required material but the language of medicine."

Team Excellence Award

Rural and Urban Underserved Medicine Course Team

• Dr. Anne Grossman
• Jade Stellmon
• Jamie Kennel
• Dr. Judi Marcin
• Dr. P. L. Bandy

The team was recognized for their support of medical students developing community-centered projects that serve the needs of local hospitals and clinics where they complete their training, as highlighted at the college's annual Community Connections Showcase.

"This team is deeply mission-driven," their nominator wrote. "Their expertise in the intersection of community-centeredness and thoughtful coaching is remarkable. They are the reason this course is successful, that we have made such an impact in communities across the state, and get to celebrate student successes. This team knows how to help students approach challenges with curiosity, humility, and cultural awareness."