Golden Apple Awards Recognize Outstanding Faculty
Students in the Class of 2020 and 2021 encountered a life-altering event when the pandemic affected their final year, but Covid-19 couldn’t vanquish familiar hallmarks of their college experience: learning, inspiration, generosity of spirit.
Embodying these virtues and more are the 2020 and 2021 winners of the Golden Apple Award. Established through the generosity of the late Kate and Robert D. Wickham, MD, ’52, the honor celebrates Albany Medical College’s commitment to excellence in teaching. The award, stewarded by the Alumni Association, allows graduating medical students the opportunity to recognize the outstanding educators they encountered during their time at the College.
“These esteemed colleagues rose to the occasion as educators and helped continue a tradition that has been in place at the College for 182 years: an unflagging commitment to excellence in medical education,” said Vincent P. Verdile, MD, ’84, The Lynne and Mark Groban, MD, ’67 Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College and Senior Executive Vice President for System Care Delivery. “We thank them for their energy and talents, and we celebrate their success.
The Class of 2020 recognized the following faculty members:
OUTSTANDING CLINICAL GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
James Desemone, MD
Associate Professor/Director of Quality, Department of Medicine
OUTSTANDING PRECLINICAL GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Rebecca S. Keller, PhD
Assistant Dean, Medical Education
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
OUTSTANDING OUTPATIENT PRECEPTOR GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Ann E. Rutter, MD, ’08
Academic Vice Chair
Director of Medical Student Education
Associate Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine
OUTSTANDING RESIDENT GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Fatima Daoud-Yilmaz, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
The Class of 2021 recognized the following faculty members:
OUTSTANDING CLINICAL GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Cassandra L. Denefrio, MD
Assistant Professor
Obstetrics and Gynecology
OUTSTANDING PRECLINICAL GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Rebecca S. Keller, PhD
Assistant Dean, Medical Education
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
OUTSTANDING OUTPATIENT PRECEPTOR GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Danielle P. Wales, MD, ’10
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
OUTSTANDING RESIDENT GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Tyler Robinson, MD
General Surgery