The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to alumni whose lifelong pursuits have achieved the zenith of accomplishment and serve as an inspiration to others.
O.H. Frazier, M.D., is a professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He also is co-director of the Center for Preclinical Surgical & Interventional Research at the Texas Heart Institute (THI).
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to alumni who make outstanding contributions to biomedical and/or medical science through clinical service, research, education and/or administrative leadership.
Joseph F. Petrosino, Ph.D., is the chief scientific innovation officer (CSIO) at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also a professor, the Chair of the Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology and the director of the Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research (CMMR). He also holds appointments at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Department of Ophthalmology and the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor. Dr. Petrosino was a principal investigator for the National Institutes of Health Common Fund Human Microbiome Project.
Benjamin J. Frankfort, M.D. ’05, Ph.D. ’03, Fel. ’10, is the Clifton R. McMichael Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology and a professor in the departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. He is often described by colleagues and friends as the consummate physician, scientist and educator.
The Young Alumnus Award is presented to alumni who make outstanding contributions to biomedical and/or medical science through clinical service, research, education and/or administrative leadership and who, at the time the award will be presented, will not yet have reached their 46th birthday.
Jacques E. Zaneveld, Ph.D. ’15, and Smriti A. Agrawal, Ph.D. ’18, are pioneering scientists who began their careers at Baylor College of Medicine, where they made significant contributions to the study of congenital eye defects. Their passion for innovation led them to co-found Lazarus 3D, a company revolutionizing surgical preparation with Pre-Sure, the first FDA-cleared technology that allows surgeons to physically rehearse complex soft-tissue surgeries. Their work has not only advanced medical science but also played a critical role in safeguarding healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning as a master’s student and continuing through her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia, Dr. Langley’s time at Baylor has shaped her career and leadership in healthcare. Now serving as the associate director of the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, she remains deeply committed to the values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork that Baylor instilled in her.
Atul Maheshwari, M.D. ’06, Fel. ’12, is an associate professor in the departments of Neurology and Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine and sees patients at Baylor St. Lukes Medical Center, the Harris Health Smith Clinic and Ben Taub Hospital.
The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented to Baylor faculty who make outstanding contributions through clinical service, research, education and/or administrative leadership.
Mark M. Udden, M.D., Res. ’80, Fel. ’82, is a professor in the Section of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine and the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine.
The Humanitarian Award is presented to alumni for outstanding service to mankind including humanitarian, public and/or government service.
Kelli Cohen Fein is a third-generation Houstonian who worked her way through high school, college and medical school as a waitress at Chili’s restaurant. Professionally, she works as a diagnostic and pediatric radiologist, participates as academic adjunct faculty and advocates for strengthening humanities education within the practice of medicine.
After completing her medical education in Panama City and specialized training at Baylor College of Medicine, Gioconda Gaudiano, M.D., Res. ’78, Fel. ’79, has dedicated her career to serving patients both in private practice and through impactful community health initiatives. Her commitment to addressing the needs of individuals with albinism in Panama, alongside her work in dermatology and public health, has transformed lives through mobile clinics, scabies elimination programs, and skin cancer detection efforts. Dr. Gaudiano’s tireless advocacy and innovative programs have significantly improved healthcare access and awareness in Panama.
