2024 Alumni Awards - BCM

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2024 Alumni Awards

Ten honorees will be recognized at the 2024 Alumni Awards ceremony, Thursday, October 17, at Texas Medical Center Helix Park. Presented annually to Baylor alumni and faculty, the awards recognize career accomplishments in the areas of innovative research, outstanding patient care and excellence in teaching. Learn about the recipients below.

Lifetime Achievement Award

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. “Bud” Frazier, M.D. ’67, Res. ’74

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).

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

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.

Young Alumnus Awards

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.

Smriti A. Agrawal, Ph.D. ’18

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Smriti A. Agrawal, Ph.D. ’18, began her career at Baylor College of Medicine, where her research on neurodegenerative disorders led to advancements in gene therapy treatments. She later co-founded Lazarus 3D, developing FDA-cleared Pre-Sure technology for pre-surgical planning, and played a pivotal role in supplying PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect healthcare workers.

Aimee Langley, M.S. ’11, D.N.P. ’13, CRNA, CHSE

School of Health Professions

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

School of Medicine

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.

Jacques E. Zaneveld, Ph.D. ’15

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Jacques E. Zaneveld, Ph.D. ’15, began his career at Baylor College of Medicine, researching the genetic causes of congenital eye defects through genome sequencing. After co-founding Lazarus 3D, he helped develop FDA-cleared Pre-Sure technology for pre-surgical planning and contributed to providing PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect healthcare workers.

Distinguished Faculty Award

The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented to Baylor faculty who make outstanding contributions through clinical service, research, education and/or administrative leadership.

Humanitarian Awards

The Humanitarian Award is presented to alumni for outstanding service to mankind including humanitarian, public and/or government service.

Kelli Cohen Fein, M.A., M.D., Fel. ’96, Fel. ’98, Fel. ’03, Ed.D.

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 general and pediatric radiologist, participates as academic adjunct faculty and advocates for strengthening humanities education within the practice of medicine.

Gioconda Gaudiano, M.D., Res. ’78, Fel. ’79

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.

Make a Gift in Honor of an Awardee

Lifetime Achievement

O.H “Bud” Frazier, M.D. ’67

Distinguished Alumnus

Benjamin Frankfort, M.D. Ph.D. ’05
School of Medicine

Joseph Petrosino, Ph.D. ’98
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Young Alumnus

Atul Maheshwari, M.D. ’06
School of Medicine

Aimee Langley, DNP ’11
School of Health Professions

Jacques E. Zaneveld Ph.D. ’15
Smriti Agrawal, Ph.D. ’18
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences