Mentoring Award

Dr. Jennifer Kawwass has shown unwavering dedication to mentoring learners at all levels, shaping future physicians through her clinical, academic, and leadership roles. Widely regarded as the go-to mentor for students pursuing obstetrics and gynecology, she served as an undergraduate Career Advisor from 2015–2022, often meeting individually with students who were told, “go meet with Dr. Kawwass!”

Her commitment extends to research, with nearly half of her 95 publications co-authored with trainees. She has mentored 25 medical students, 13 residents, 13 fellows, and 8 Discovery Phase students, and served as a small-group mentor for ob/gyn residents for five years.

As Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, she continues to mentor faculty—many of whom trained at Emory and returned to work with her—building a lasting legacy of support and excellence.

Nationally recognized for her impact, Dr. Kawwass received the ACOG District IV Mentor of the Year Award in 2020 and the American Medical Women’s Association Exceptional Mentor Award in 2024.

Dr. Vasiliki (Vas) Michopoulos is a dedicated and impactful mentor across multiple programs, spanning all career stages, from undergraduate students to junior faculty.

As MPI of the Georgia CTSA TL1 Training Program and Executive Committee member of the Emory BIRCWH Program, she provides outstanding leadership in career development. At the Grady Trauma Project, she mentors over 50 trainees annually, guiding research, publications, presentations, and grant applications, with a mentoring record of over 30 individuals.

Dr. Michopoulos also leads faculty development efforts in the department of psychiatry, directing its mentoring program, research consultation service, and R01 grant-writing course. She currently mentors six early-career faculty and actively supports career development awards.

Her mentorship style blends hands-on guidance with encouragement of independence, fostering collaboration, team science, and mutual learning. Dr. Michopoulos exemplifies inclusive, effective mentorship. Her leadership has shaped countless careers and enriched Emory’s academic culture. Her accessibility and commitment create a supportive, empowering environment where mentees thrive.

Dr. Jahanvi Srinivasan has made an extraordinary impact on resident education through both structured curricula and informal mentorship, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. As Associate Program Director of the Emory General Surgery Residency, she developed a cadaver-based dissection curriculum featuring resident-led instruction and video-based assessments—an innovative approach that enhances surgical skill development while empowering residents as educators.

Her mentorship extends well beyond the classroom. Dr. Srinivasan offers steady, compassionate guidance during pivotal career moments, from fellowship applications to balancing clinical and personal responsibilities. Known for her unmatched accessibility, she provides thoughtful counsel through late-night texts, weekend calls, and impromptu hallway conversations.

Now serving as Program Director, Dr. Srinivasan continues to shape a culture of excellence, compassion, and curiosity within the general surgery program. Her mentorship has left a lasting imprint on countless trainees and colleagues, making her a deeply deserving recipient of this recognition.