Dr. Kathleen Cooney, chair for the Department of Medicine, presented her annual Chair's Commitment to Excellence Award and Chair's Award to faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate excellence in their responsibilities to the Department of Medicine.
Chair's Commitment to Excellence Award
The Chair's Commitment to Excellence Award is in recognition of faculty or staff who consistently demonstrates excellence in their job responsibilities, exhibits an outstanding and ongoing high level of service to the Department of Medicine (DOM) community, and exemplifies the Duke values of respect, trust, inclusion, and excellence.
Christopher Weymouth
Finance Director
Chris Weymouth is recognized for his reliability, financial management skills and intelligence, and the high level of efficiency that he brings to his work. He has been instrumental in engaging with institutional leaders during recent financial challenges to help guide the department’s future.
Ellen Steinour
Associate Chief Executive Officer
Ellen Steinour brings her extensive experience from other organizations and from the Duke School of Medicine to the department. A CPA by training, she is doggedly attentive to details and uses her positive relationships with so many people across the school to help us navigate the complex environment. Additionally, Ellen is always kind and gracious, interfacing with many leaders and faculty members who are always appreciative of her warm interpersonal style.
Chair's Award
The Chair’s Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and made unparalleled contributions to the department. Honorees of this award have sustained legacies that will shape the department now and into the future.
Dr. Scott Palmer
Donald F. Fortin, M.D. Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Vice Chair, Research
In addition to leading his own research program, Dr. Palmer has led a research strategic plan engaging a large number of faculty, helped guide the creation of dashboards and the department’s quarterly portfolio review, and created a significant departmental commitment to early career research faculty. Under his direction, the department has hired a grant writer, offered statistical support, and created a data science committee which has morphed into an AI committee. The department has also had steady increase in its early career awards and maintained top 10 NIH rankings over the last seven years under his direction.
Amy Porter-Tacoronte
Chief Administrative Officer
Amy Porter-Tacoronte is a “big thinker with great ideas but is also never afraid to get in the weeds,” said Dr. Cooney. Amy is the driving force behind the strong policies that drive operations, provide consistency and ensure equity for the department. Amy can be counted on for her wisdom and experience in handling administrative issues fairly and kindly. She has been recognized for ensuring members of the department feel heard and understood.