The UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine proudly celebrated its graduating class during a memorable ceremony on May 29, recognizing excellence in clinical care, education, leadership, and service.
The annual awards presentation highlighted the exceptional accomplishments of this year’s graduates and faculty.
2026 Graduation Awards
Aldrete Award for Excellence in Pain Medicine
Brittany Hatter, M.D., M.Ed., M.S.
Boudreaux Award for Quality and Patient Safety
Timothy (Storm) Owens, M.D.
Cardiac Anesthesia Outstanding Graduate Award
William (Zachary) Wright, M.D.
Chestnut Award for Excellence in Obstetric Anesthesia
Reagan Hattaway, M.D.
Defalque Award for Outstanding Performance in Regional Anesthesia
Timothy Maxwell, M.D.
Leadership, Education & Development Recognition
Yung Shu Wong, M.D. - Echocardiography Certification Course
Alexander Kofskey, M.D. - Master of Science in Health Administration
Donaldson (Cameron) Lee, M.D. - Master of Science in Health Administration
Mathru Award for Excellence in Critical Care Medicine
David Merkley, D.O.
McGahey Award for Excellence in Medical Student Teaching
Robin Bush, M.D. (faculty)
John North, M.D. (resident)
Outstanding Graduate Award
Alexander Kofskey, M.D.
Outstanding Pediatric Anesthesiology Graduate Award
Zainab Agboola, M.D.
Resident Recruitment Director Recognition
Reagan Hattaway, M.D.
William (Zachary) Wright, M.D.
Top 5 Residency Program Teachers
Andrew Barker, M.D.
John Briggs, M.D., MSHA
Joel Feinstein, M.D.
Andrew Hackney, M.D.
Annalese Neuenschwander, M.D.
Residency Program Teacher of the Year
Annalese Neuenschwander, M.D.
2026 Faculty Awards (presented by residents)
Fellow of the Year
Xiao Lu (Linda) Zhang, D.O., Ph.D.
Keenan Award for Excellence
John Briggs, M.D.
Subspecialty Beacon Award
Benjamin Tuck, M.D.
Faculty Awards
The Anchor Award
David Miller, M.D.
Runners-Up
Ben Tuck, M.D.
Brittney Clark, M.D.
The Junior Faculty Trailblazer Award
Dan Gouger, M.D.
Runners-Up
Emily Wasson, M.D., MPH
John Ahn, M.D.
The Citizenship Award
Blair Smith, M.D., FASA
Runners-Up
Chris Godlewski, M.D., MSHA
Jacob Mayfield, M.D.
The Spark Award
Riaz Karukappadath, M.D.
Runners-Up
Grace Rafield, M.D.
Asaf Gans, M.D.