Congratulations to our 2026 alumni awards recipients. These honors celebrate excellence in the profession, remarkable early‑career impact, and extraordinary dedication to service and support for others.
Dr. Ruth Etzel is an internationally recognized pediatrician, environmental epidemiologist and champion for children’s health. Her pioneering research on secondhand smoke, lead exposure and mold-related illness has transformed public health policy and saved countless lives.
Through leadership roles at the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, she has advanced science-based protections for children worldwide.
Her lifelong commitment to prevention and advocacy exemplifies the highest ideals of public health.
Dr. Jonathan Temte is a nationally recognized family physician, public health leader and vaccine policy expert. He made history as the first family physician to chair the U.S. advisory committee on immunization practices, shaping vaccine recommendations that protect millions.
His research includes the ORCHARDS study, which uses school absenteeism data to track influenza outbreaks and improve community health surveillance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a critical role in guiding university and state response efforts.
Temte’s work reflects a deep commitment to integrating clinical care, public health, and community impact.
Dr. Rebecca Sippel is a professor of surgery and chief of the UW surgery department’s division of endocrine surgery. A graduate of the UW surgery residency program, she has built one of the nation’s most respected endocrine surgery programs.
She founded and directs UW’s highly competitive fellowship in endocrine surgery and has mentored generations of surgeons. With more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, her research has helped define best practices in her field.
Dr. Sippel’s impact spans clinical care, research and education at the highest levels.
Dr. Jeffrey Pothof is a professor of emergency medicine and chief quality officer for UW Health, where he leads system-wide efforts to improve care, safety, and patient outcomes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as UW Health’s inaugural medical branch officer, guiding clinical operations and communicating critical public health information to the public. His leadership helped communities navigate one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Through his work, Pothof continues to shape the future of health care delivery.
Dr. Daniel Sklansky is an associate professor of pediatrics and a nationally recognized leader in medical education. Known for his enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring, he has influenced the training of countless medical students and residents.
As pediatric residency program director, he has led innovative work in curriculum design, learner assessment, and recruitment — contributions that have shaped training programs locally and nationally.
His dedication to education and mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of physicians.
Dr. Patrick Remington, professor emeritus in the school’s Department of Population Health Sciences, has helped shape the field of public health at UW–Madison and beyond. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) into the nation’s first integrated School of Medicine and Public Health.
He co-founded the UW Population Health Institute, led the development of the County Health Rankings, and established both the Master of Public Health program and the preventive medicine residency. His work has consistently bridged research, education and policy to improve population health.
Remington’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership and enduring impact.
Dr. Anthony D’Alessandro, professor emeritus in the division of transplantation within the school’s Department of Surgery, has played a pivotal role in building one of the nation’s leading transplant programs. Over more than three decades, he helped advance surgical innovation, particularly in expanding donation after circulatory death, dramatically increasing access to life-saving transplants.
As medical director of the UW Organ and Tissue Donation program, he set national standards while mentoring generations of surgeons who now lead programs around the world.
His commitment to excellence, curiosity and lifelong learning defines his lasting impact on the field.
Dr. Kyla Lee is an internal medicine physician at Emplify Health by Gundersen in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she is director of student programs and plays an essential role in advancing the school’s statewide campus. A dedicated educator and mentor, she has helped shape the innovative ForWard Curriculum and remains deeply committed to supporting students throughout their training.
As immediate past president of the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association, Lee strengthened alumni engagement in countless ways, consistently showing up for students and colleagues alike.
Her steady leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to the University of Wisconsin (SMPH) community embody the spirit of the WMAA Service Award.
Dr. Nicholas Haun is an associate clinical professor in the school’s Department of Medicine and a tireless advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness. In 2017, he co-founded Madison Street Medicine, bringing health care directly to patients through outreach in shelters, encampments and on the streets.
His work reflects a deep commitment to meeting patients where they are and addressing the complex social factors that influence health. By strengthening partnerships across disciplines, including social work, Haun has helped improve continuity of care and long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations.
His compassion and action exemplify the true meaning of community service.
Dr. Paul Hunter is associate director of the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine and an associate professor in the school’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. He has dedicated his career to improving access to care in rural communities across Wisconsin, preparing physicians to serve where they are most needed.
He has enhanced cultural awareness and community engagement among students training in rural settings. In addition, his decade of service with the Milwaukee Health Department reflects a deep commitment to public health.
Hunter’s work advances the Wisconsin Idea by bringing care, education and opportunity to communities across the state.
Dr. Rebecca Radue is a clinical adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry in the school’s Department of Psychiatry and a staff psychiatrist with the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. Her commitment to service began as a medical student volunteer with MEDiC, a student-led organization within the school that runs four free health clinics and partners with three other free clinics throughout the Madison area. Nearly two decades later, she continues to play a central role in its success.
Her contributions have spanned every stage of her training as she helped expand access to compassionate mental health care for underserved populations. She also serves rural Wisconsin communities as a geriatric and community psychiatrist.
Radue’s enduring dedication reflects a lifelong commitment to service and mentorship.
Kaine Korzekwa serves as associate director of executive and internal communications for SMPH and as speechwriter for Dean Nita Ahuja. In this role, he helps shape how the school communicates its mission, values, and impact to internal and external audiences alike.
Joining the strategic communications team in March 2020, Korzekwa quickly became a vital voice during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. His work helped guide the school through uncertainty, crafting messages that informed, reassured and connected a community navigating unprecedented challenges.
Through his clarity, creativity and thoughtful approach to communication, Korzekwa has made a lasting contribution to the SMPH community.
