The Loma Linda University School of Medicine (LLUSM) Professionalism Committee is committed to fostering professionalism in the practice of medicine through curriculum, peer teaching, mentoring, research, and honoring those who demonstrate the values of Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) in action. Each year, the Positive Professionalism Award recognizes twelve LLUSM students at every training level who exemplify LLUH’s core values—Compassion, Excellence, Humility, Integrity, Justice, Teamwork, and Wholeness.
Nominations are submitted by peers, resident and faculty physicians, as well as other clinicians, and are accepted on a rolling basis. Every fall and spring, the Professionalism Committee reviews the nominations and makes final selections based on an established process. Student recipients are featured on Positive Professionalism Display Boards located across campus.
Submit a nomination.
Excellence in Professionalism - Spring 2025
Joseph Hemry, Class of 2026
Acting as a trusted resource and advocate for his fellow peers.
Catherine (Kasia) Kwitnieski, Class of 2026
Prioritizes patient comfort and emotional well-being, extending compassionate care beyond clinical duties.
Zachary Brandt, Class of 2026
Demonstrates impactful mentorship and a deep dedication to the growth and well-being of others.
Jordan Klaassen, Class of 2028
Leads with strong interpersonal skills, promoting effective communication, empathy, and teamwork in every setting.
Alexandra Tyler, Class of 2027
Demonstrates unwavering professionalism and dedication by fostering a collaborative learning environment and supporting peers with humility, generosity, and integrity.
Joelle Schauer, Class of 2026
Demonstrates an exemplary commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
Past Recipients
Winter 2024
Brandon Edelbach, Class of 2026
Consistently strives to be helpful, engaged and a positive influence to both patients and peers, and serving as a role model by exemplifying empathy and commitment to patient care.
ShengYing (Angela) Chen, Class of 2026
Demonstrates exceptional patient care by mastering self-directed learning and demonstrates leadership by fostering a positive environment on the healthcare team.
Samuel Lin, Class of 2027
Goes above and beyond in demonstrating integrity, kindness and dependability. She is dedicated to serving and supporting others.
Marina AlNaser, Class of 2025
Sets a higher standard in providing support to patients and by offering guidance and encouragement to classmates to help them excel in their clerkships.
Paul Cooper, Class of 2026
Exemplifies the character of positive role model by demonstrating kindness, empathy and maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.
Katya Hanessian, Class of 2026
Always striving for self-improvement, uplifting of peers and serves as a positive role model to colleagues by demonstrating empathy and kindness.
Spring 2024
Mark Quion, Class of 2025
Commitment to providing whole person care to a patient at the end of life.
Allison Simmons, Class of 2027
Displaying leadership, kindness and advocacy for patients in need.
Nicole Onciulescu, Class of 2026
Diligence in leadership, commitment to integrity and supporting fellow classmates.
Davis Carter, Class of 2026
Providing empathetic care to patients and thoughtfully considering patient needs.
Hyunsoo Park, Class of 2025
Excellence in providing whole person care to patients and her colleagues.
Laurenz Roehlig, Class of 2024
Recognized for his dedication to upholding standards for excellent patient care and supporting his colleagues.
Fall 2023
Devin Cummins, Class of 2024
Goes the extra mile in providing high quality care to patients and their families, even when it costs extra time.
Shelby Kenney, Class of 2024
Goes above and beyond in caring for her patients, takes ownership and advocates for them.
Siena Mirasol, Class of 2024
Works incredibly hard to benefit the team and selflessly gives of her time to benefit her colleagues.
Charis Courtney, Class of 2025
Maintains a positive attitude and exemplifies leadership even during times of stress and high pressure.
Adrienne Weiss, Class of 2025
Makes an effort to get to know patients and sees them as more than just their medical problems.
Emily Novak, Class of 2026
Manages conflict with tact and skill and listens to others with empathy, even in the community.