WashU Medicine’s John F. Hardesty Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences proudly celebrated the achievements of its outstanding students, residents, fellows, and faculty during the 2025 Graduation Awards Ceremony, held on Saturday, June 21.
Hosted by Department Chair Todd Margolis, MD, PhD, the ceremony highlighted the academic and clinical accomplishments of the Class of 2025, alongside distinguished teaching and research contributions across all levels of the department.
Honoring Excellence in Teaching & Research
The ceremony began with recognition of faculty members who made a profound impact through teaching and mentorship:
- Academic Teacher of the Year: Jessica Yang Walia, MD
- Clinical Teacher of the Year: Kevin Greuloch, MD
- Research Teacher of the Year: Todd Margolis, MD, PhD
Celebrating Resident & Fellow Achievements
Residents and fellows were honored for their clinical skill, research excellence, and peer mentorship.
Fellow Awards:
- Golden Apple Award: Aaditya Shah, MD
Resident Awards:
- PGY3 Clinical Service Award: Sowmya Yennam, MD
- Dr. James Song and Linda Duan-Song Award for Clinical and Surgical Excellence: Eli Pratte, MD
- Ron Burde “Good Egg” Award: Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA
- Rosenbaum Research Award: Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA
- Mat Guirgis Award: Steven Obiefuna, MD
- Morton E. Smith Excellence in Medical Student Education: Steven Obiefuna, MD
“It’s exciting to see how much talent and dedication our students and residents have for research, teaching, and clinical care.” said Andrew Lee, MD, who presented the medical student awards. “I’m glad we can recognize their hard work with these awards.”
Medical Student Awards
- Max & Evelyn Grand Prize: Wilson Wang, MD
- Doctor William Ellis Research Prize in Ophthalmology: Joseph Lin, MD
Clinical Fellowship Graduates (2025)
Cornea, External Disease, & Refractive Surgery
Presented by Praneetha Thulasi, MD
- Deena S. Shaath, MD – Ocala Eye, Ocala, FL
- Barbara Dunn Smith, MD – Marietta Eye Clinic, Atlanta, GA
Anterior Segment & Glaucoma Surgery
Presented by Erin Sieck, MD
- Siddharth Bhargava, MD – Pacific Eye, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Ameay Naravane, MD – Kaiser Permanente, Denver, CO
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Presented by Gregory Van Stavern, MD
- Sara Krachmalnick, MD – University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Vitreoretinal Disease & Surgery
Presented by Kisha Piggott, MD, PhD
- Aaditya Shah, MD – Northwest Indiana Retina, Merrillville, IN
Chiefs of Ophthalmic Trauma
Presented by Kisha Piggott, MD, PhD
- Matthew Elitt, MD, PhD – Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Yi-Hsien Yeh, MD, MS – Glaucoma Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA
Optometry Residency Graduate
Presented by Jordan Jones, OD, FAAO
- Eryka Uehling, OD – UW Health, Madison, WI
Ophthalmology Residency Graduates
Presented by Arsham Sheybani, MD and Kisha Piggott, MD, PhD
- Gregory Bligard, MD, PhD – Chief of Ophthalmic Trauma, WashU Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Howard Chen, MD – Baton Rouge, LA – Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery Fellowship
- Natalia Morales, MD – Vance Thompson Vision, Sioux Falls, SD – Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery
- Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA – Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic – Retina Fellowship
- Sharon Sabapathypillai, MD, MS – Glaucoma Fellowship, WashU Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Looking Ahead
As a new academic year begins, Gregory Bligard, MD, PhD was announced as the incoming Chief of Ophthalmic Trauma for 2025–2026.
“I first chose WashU for residency because of the supportive and collaborative culture,” said Dr. Bligard. “I’m very honored to now be stepping into this leadership role.”
Congratulations to All!
The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025 and expresses gratitude to all faculty, staff, families, and mentors who supported them on their journey.