The Department of Medicine appreciates the hard work and dedication of its outstanding faculty and their enduring commitment to the education of its fellows, residents, and students.
The annual Excellence in Education Award recognizes a faculty member in each division for excellent teaching and commitment to the education and professional development of Duke trainees.
Michelle Kelsey, MD
Associate Professor
Cardiology
On the cardiology consult service, Dr. Kelsey has built a reputation for turning everyday clinical moments into lasting lessons. Since joining the faculty in 2022, she has distinguished herself as a gifted bedside educator — guiding fellows, residents, and students through complex cases with clarity, precision, and purpose. Colleagues describe her as both an outstanding teacher and a deeply committed mentor, someone whose clinical excellence is matched by her dedication to shaping the next generation of cardiologists.
Wanda Lakey, MD, MHS
Associate Professor
Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition
Dr. Lakey’s impact on endocrine education is both practical and transformative. At the Durham VA, she has elevated fellowship training through high-quality teaching in metabolic bone disease and type 1 diabetes care. Her development of a formal curriculum on advanced insulin pump management has filled a critical gap — equipping fellows with essential, real-world skills. Consistently described as uniformly excellent, her teaching reflects a deep commitment to preparing trainees for the complexities of modern endocrine practice.
Richard K. Wood, Jr., MD
Associate Professor
Gastroenterology
Through steady leadership and focus on trainee development, Dr. Wood has strengthened one of the nation’s premier gastroenterology fellowship programs. By thoughtfully integrating milestone-based training, he has reshaped how fellows grow as both consultants and proceduralists. Just as importantly, he is a visible and constant advocate — offering guidance, support, and accessibility that fellows rely on daily. His influence is evident not only in program excellence but in the confidence and capability of the trainees he mentors.
Elizabeth Jane Malcolm, MD, MSHS
Associate Professor
General Internal Medicine
In the outpatient clinic, Dr. Malcolm transforms routine visits into rich learning experiences. Known for making clinical reasoning explicit, she helps learners connect patient care to the foundational principles of internal medicine. Her teaching style—supportive, collaborative, and deeply thoughtful—fosters curiosity and growth across all levels of training. Whether mentoring residents, nurse practitioners, or pharmacists, she creates an environment where every member of the care team can learn, contribute, and thrive.
Katja Elbert-Avila, MD
Associate Professor
Geriatrics and Palliative Care - Section of Geriatrics
Over the course of her career, Dr. Elbert-Avila has helped shape the future of geriatrics and palliative medicine through both leadership and example. At Duke and the Durham VA, she has played a central role in building a nationally recognized fellowship program while remaining steadfastly dedicated to veterans, trainees, and colleagues. Her work reflects a rare blend of vision and compassion—advancing the field while ensuring that education remains grounded in humanity and service.
Neha Kayastha, MD
Assistant Professor
Geriatrics and Palliative Care - Section of Palliative Care
Dr. Kayastha has redefined how fellows are taught the art and science of hospice and palliative medicine. As the architect of a comprehensive, year-long didactic program, she has created a curriculum that is as rigorous as it is humane—blending clinical knowledge with communication, ethics, and reflection. Her work ensures that trainees are not only skilled clinicians, but also thoughtful, compassionate leaders prepared to care for patients with serious illness.
Cristiana Costa-Chase, DO
Assistant Professor
Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy
Dr. Costa-Chase brings both expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every teaching role she takes. A dedicated educator in plasma cell disorders, she reaches learners at every stage — from medical students to fellows and practicing physicians — through lectures, courses, and national forums. Whether leading teaching rounds or directing curricula, she teaches with a sense of joy and purpose that resonates deeply with trainees. Her commitment, often behind the scenes, has made a lasting impact on hematologic education at Duke and beyond.
Ara Metjian, MD
Associate Professor
Hematology
For Dr. Metjian, teaching is woven into every aspect of his work. Known for his engaging and practical approach, he brings hematology to life through sessions like peripheral blood film review—turning complex diagnostics into accessible, memorable learning experiences. Whether working with students, residents, fellows, or faculty, his enthusiasm for education is evident, making him a trusted and valued teacher across the division.
Jenny Van Kirk, MD
Assistant Professor
Hospital Medicine
Dr. Van Kirk’s teaching excellence is as impactful as it is widely recognized. Consistently named among the best clinical educators by residents, she combines deep clinical insight with an intuitive understanding of learners’ needs. Her leadership in transforming inpatient education reflects a careful balance — supporting trainees, improving systems, and enhancing patient care simultaneously. With a positive, supportive presence, she fosters psychological safety and empowers learners to grow with confidence.
Nathan Thielman, MD, MPH
Professor
Infectious Diseases
Through his leadership of the Duke Global Health Pathway, Dr. Thielman has shaped the careers of countless trainees drawn to medicine’s global impact. His mentorship opens doors to clinical and research opportunities around the world, while grounding learners in a shared vision of service and discovery. Known for his humility and dedication, he has built a program whose influence extends far beyond Duke—enriching both the trainees it serves and the communities they go on to impact.
Daphne R. Friedman, MD
Professor
Medical Oncology
Dr. Friedman’s career reflects a deep and sustained commitment to medical education. As a clinical educator, research mentor, and program leader, she has guided generations of trainees with a steady emphasis on clinical excellence, evidence-based care, and compassion. Her influence spans Duke and the Durham VA, where she has helped shape not only skilled oncologists but thoughtful physicians grounded in the human side of medicine.
Matthew Sparks, MD
Associate Professor
Nephrology
Dr. Sparks has a rare gift: making the complexities of kidney physiology feel intuitive and immediately relevant to patient care. Across settings — from inpatient services to clinics and conference rooms — he meets learners where they are and elevates their understanding. His teaching is both practical and inspiring, rooted in a genuine investment in trainee growth. Through consistency, humility, and trust, he has become a cornerstone educator for learners at every stage.
Katie Young, MD
Assistant Professor
Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care
Dr. Young has emerged as a leader in medical education through her thoughtful approach to curriculum design and delivery. As clerkship director and division education lead, she has created structured, high-yield learning experiences that integrate physiology, clinical reasoning, and bedside care. Her teaching is consistently cited as a highlight by students, reflecting her ability to make complex critical care concepts both accessible and engaging.
Rex McCallum, MD
Professor
Rheumatology and Immunology
A nationally recognized expert in Cogan’s syndrome, Dr. McCallum pairs deep clinical knowledge with a passion for teaching that has influenced generations of rheumatology fellows. His work in advancing care for inflammatory eye disease is matched by his dedication to mentorship—guiding trainees with careful attention, clinical insight, and enthusiasm. In every interaction, he models the thoughtful, patient-centered approach that defines excellence in both medicine and education.