Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education
Medical education thrives on the dedication and ingenuity of its educators, and each year the Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education recognizes those who redefine the learning experience. This year, we proudly honor Sarah A. Sterling, MD, FACEP, Professor of Emergency Medicine, as the Trailblazer of the Year.
Dr. Sterling exemplifies what it means to be a trailblazer—an educator who inspires, innovates, and elevates every aspect of medical education.
“Dr. Sterling is an amazing and compassionate human being. She is a model of professionalism, an excellent communicator, and a true advocate for her patients and learners. I hope to be just like her when I grow up.
— Dr. Jarrett Morgan, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Transforming the Curriculum
Dr. Sterling’s impact on medical education is both transformative and far‑reaching. A visionary in curriculum innovation, she has played a central role in the preclinical redesign, serving as Clinical Sciences Director for SOM 610: Fundamentals of Biomedical Science and SOM 613: The Cardiovascular System. She is also spearheading the Discovery Curriculum, a self-directed learning model designed to empower medical students as lifelong learners.
“Dr. Sterling is not only a phenomenal lecturer—she excels in every dimension of academic medicine, from curriculum design and assessment to student support. On top of that, she’s a delight to work with.”
— Dr. David Norris, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Family Medicine
Leading with Assessment Excellence
As Chair of the Evaluation and Assessment Subcommittee and a member of the Curriculum Committee, Dr. Sterling is guiding a comprehensive evaluation of curricular content in preparation for the upcoming LCME site visit—work that is mission‑critical to maintaining institutional excellence and alignment with competency‑based standards.
“Dr. Sterling leads with a logical, level-headed approach that fosters thoughtful discussion and balanced decision-making. She has significantly strengthened the effectiveness of the curriculum evaluation process, leading to meaningful and sustainable improvements for students.”
— Leah Stanford, Instructional Designer in the School of Medicine
Elevating scholarship and mentorship.
Beyond course design, Dr. Sterling launched Discovery Day. In this annual showcase, medical students present research through posters and oral presentations—now a cornerstone of the curriculum that strengthens scientific inquiry, communication, and professional identity formation. Her influence spans medical students, residents, and junior faculty, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
“Her innovations and leadership have had a lasting, measurable impact on medical education at UMMC.”
— Nomination Letter
A Model of Learner-Centered Leadership
Dr. Sterling is widely regarded as an outstanding educator whose teaching reflects a sophisticated understanding of adult learning. She consistently balances rigor with empathy—offering clear, actionable feedback while safeguarding psychological safety.
Dr. Sterling encouraged critical thinking, provided clear, constructive feedback, and created an environment where we felt safe to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions. Her approachable and supportive demeanor made learning both challenging and empowering.
— Medical Student Feedback
Recognizing Our Trailblazers
In addition to Dr. Sterling, we proudly celebrate the outstanding contributions of the following educators, each of whom embodies excellence in teaching and mentorship:
Dr. Alyson Stacks Carraway– Assistant Professor of Radiology
Dr. Ashley Villareal– Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Brian J. Tollefson – Professor of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Brian Williams– Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine
Dr. C. LaToya Mason– Professor of Anesthesiology
Dr. Jose Trigueros – Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Joshua Trull – Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
Dr. Juliana Sitta – Assistant Professor of Radiology
Dr. Katrina Johnson – Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Kimberly Dobbs – Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Molly s. Clark – Professor of Family Medicine
Dr. Samuel Davidson – Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Dr. Youssef Al Hmada, MD – Associate Professor of Pathology
Honoring Excellence in Medical Education
The Trailblazer Award reminds us that great educators are not just instructors—they are mentors, innovators, and role models who shape the future of medicine. Dr. Sarah Sterling and her fellow awardees embody this spirit, ensuring our medical education remains dynamic, inclusive, and forward‑thinking.
Congratulations to Dr. Sterling and all of our Trailblazer Award recipients! Please join us in celebrating these exceptional educators for their remarkable contributions to our institution and the next generation of physicians.