Wake Forest University Health Sciences
06/24/2026 | Press release | Archived content
Wake Forest University School of Medicine Recognizes Distinguished Leaders at Alumni Weekend
Wake Forest University School of Medicine's Medical Alumni Association (MAA) honored five alumni and faculty members during its annual M.D. Alumni Weekend on May 1 at the Benton Convention Center.
Award recipients were selected for their impact across medicine, education, research and service. Honorees are chosen through a nomination process reviewed by the MAA Nominations and Awards Committee and approved by the MAA Board of Directors.
In addition to celebrating this year's award recipients, the event also recognized the M.D. Class of 1976, whose members were inducted into the Bowman Gray Society in recognition of their 50th reunion.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to these distinguished honorees for their steadfast commitment and extraordinary dedication," said Beth Alexander, director of alumni relations at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. "Their lasting contributions have strengthened our institution and helped ensure its continued success."
"These award recipients remind us that the foundation of academic medicine is built through vision, service, discovery and a deep commitment to educating those who will lead next," said Steven Barnes, vice president of philanthropy, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Wake Forest University School of Medicine and chief academic philanthropy officer, Advocate Health. "Their example helps set the course for the future to continue to strengthen our academic mission, expand opportunity and advance health for the communities we serve."
Distinguished Achievement Award
James "Jef" E. Ferguson II, M.D., of Charlottesville, Virginia, received the Distinguished Achievement Award, recognizing excellence in patient care, research and leadership.
Ferguson is professor and chair emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and an internationally recognized leader in maternal-fetal medicine, women's health and academic medicine. He has held national leadership roles, authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications and mentored generations of physicians. Read Ferguson's full biography.
Distinguished Faculty Award
David C. Pollock, M.D., of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award for his impact on Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist through teaching, research and academic leadership.
A professor emeritus of orthopaedic surgery, Pollock helped establish the Total Joint Replacement Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and advanced research, innovation and surgeon education throughout his career. Read Pollock's full biography.
Distinguished Service Award
Carroll Alexander Pinner III, M.D., of Peak, South Carolina, and Laura Pinner West, M.D., of Lakemont, Georgia, were honored with the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing individuals who have made a significant impact on the medical school, health system, community or profession.
Pinner has spent decades practicing family medicine in South Carolina, continuing a family legacy of care that spans more than a century. His career has been defined by a longstanding commitment to rural health and community-based care. Read Pinner's full biography.
West's career has spanned private practice, rural medicine and community-based care. She has remained committed to service through volunteer medical leadership and community engagement efforts supporting vulnerable populations. Read West's full biography.
Student Excellence Award
Sydney R. Karre, M.D., of Hickory, North Carolina, received the Student Excellence Award, recognizing a graduating student who exemplifies knowledge, compassion and dedication.
During medical school, Karre distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership and community service. She is a member of the Class of 2026 and will begin residency training in anesthesiology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Read Karre's full biography.
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