2025 Golden Apple Awards

MSI/MSII Golden Apple Award — Arnold Schwartz, MD, PhD

“The most passionate and enjoyable lectures that make pathology easy to approach. Every slide is taken with care and many students will agree he brings such joy to Ross Hall and studying medicine.”

“His enthusiasm and energy are infectious!”

“He is an excellent teacher, kind, entertaining, and makes you want to learn (even if you strongly dislike pathology).”

MSIII/MSIV Golden Apple Award — Emmeline Ha, MD ’18, BS ’14, assistant professor of emergency medicine

“Dr. Ha is the best preceptor I’ve ever worked with! She always makes you feel like a valued member of the team. In her clinic you never feel rushed or overwhelmed because she’s able to work efficiently while still making plenty of time for teaching.”

“Dr. Ha is an outstanding educator. She teaches by example in her empathetic, knowledgeable, and efficient encounters with patients.”

“Absolutely wonderful mentor, so dedicated to teaching students, an absolute role model.”

PA Program Golden Apple Award — Michael Johnson, PA, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, and of neurological surgery

"Professor Johnson serves as a constant source of encouragement for students and always takes the time to be personable and inspire confidence in his students. I feel lucky to have had Professor Johnson as an instructor and look forward to considering him a future colleague."

“Professor Johnson has enhanced student education well beyond what can be expected for a professor. He works hard to cultivate a positive learning environment with engaging material and open discussion about complex topics. He facilitates communication in a way that makes me feel like a future colleague rather than simply a student. This style of education makes for well-rounded future providers who are equipped to provide high-quality patient care and work as influential members of a care team.”

PT Program Golden Apple Award — Erin Wentzell, DPH ’23, DTP

“Dr. Wentzell always comes to class with great energy and passion for what she is teaching. She cares about her students and truly values them. She goes above and beyond to help her students learn and understand the material. I really enjoyed learning from her and am very thankful to have Dr. Wentzell as a teacher.”

“I love her passion for what she teaches and for advocacy. Our teaching course has taught us practical life skills that can be used both in and out of the clinic.”

“Her passion for teaching and helping others is abundantly evident and she is very proactive and open to assist in any way she can to anyone who may need her help.”

Resident Golden Apple Award — Laura Tiusaba, MD ’18, surgery resident

“One of the most empathetic and supportive residents I have ever had! She creates a wonderful learning environment and has pushed all boundaries to allow students to succeed. She puts students first and displays exceptional patient bedside manner. Incredible mentor. She is the epitome of what makes a great GW resident.”

“She made my surgery rotation an incredible experience. She is a great teacher to med students and created a healthy and warm working environment. Her kind demeanor towards patients is something I hope to achieve as a future resident.”