Leaders, scholars, changemakers: CoM students earn prestigious honors

David Warner, MD

David Warner, one of the College of Medicine's newest Doctor of Medicine graduates, is no stranger to hard work, perseverance and leadership. This spring, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence (PMGSE) - one of only two recipients university-wide this year.

The moment Warner learned about the award is one he won't soon forget. "I was completely taken by surprise," he said.

He was expecting a routine meeting with Dawn Bragg, PhD, associate dean of student affairs. Instead, he walked into a surprise celebration organized by the Student Affairs office.

"I was left speechless!" said Warner. "It's an incredible honor to represent the College of Medicine, and I hope it inspires other students to apply in the future."

Throughout his medical school journey, Warner fully embraced every opportunity to learn, lead and serve. His passion for medical education and nephrology was fueled through his work with the Curriculum Committee, Association of American Medical Colleges Organization of Student Representatives, the Nephrology Medical Student Scholars Program and leadership roles with the American Medical Association. He also found purpose in advocating for and mentoring his peers, always looking for ways to strengthen the student voice.

One of the defining experiences of his time at UC was serving on the Curriculum Committee for four years - a role he describes as one of the greatest privileges of his medical education.

"Collaborating with faculty, administrators and staff to continuously improve our curriculum showed me how much UC CoM truly values the student voice," he said.

Another highlight was co-delivering an opening plenary talk at the 2022 Association of American Medical Colleges Renew, Rebuild, Restore Conference, where he represented CoM on a national stage to address restoring humanity and trust in medicine.

During his acceptance speech for the presidential medal, Warner shared a message that has resonated throughout his time at UC: "The most powerful medicine we can offer is spending time at the bedside with our patients and their families." His words were even quoted by UC President Neville Pinto, PhD, during the College of Medicine's 2025 Honors Day ceremony, underscoring the profound impact of Warner's reflections on the broader medical community.

"This speaks volumes about the deeper calling your faculty have woven into your education," President Pinto told the Class of 2025. "You graduate not only with skill, but with humanity."

Warner's journey has also been marked by personal growth, including navigating imposter syndrome as a first-generation and non-traditional student. "I learned that when confronted with imposter syndrome, you can let it inhibit you - or let it fuel you," he reflected during his PMGSE acceptance speech. "I am standing here today because I chose the latter."

Looking ahead, Warner is excited to continue his training at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center as an internal medicine resident - a true full-circle moment. Before medical school, Warner worked as a laboratory technologist at Litholink, a company co-founded by John Asplin, who completed his residency at UC before becoming a leader in nephrology.

"I'm thrilled to be able to train with pioneers in medical education and nephrology at the institution that inspired me early on," said Warner.

When asked what advice he'd share with incoming students, Warner offered a simple but powerful reminder: "Be someone you would want to work with. Be curious, be humble, be willing to learn, be willing to help your team and most importantly - be kind. This will carry you far."

As he moves forward in his career, Warner is committed to carrying the lessons of UC CoM with him - continuing to lead with integrity, curiosity and compassion.

Mallika Desai, BS in Medical Sciences

Newly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in medical sciences, a minor in political science and certificates in biomedical informatics, innovation & design thinking and medical humanities, Mallika Desai has used her undergraduate years to weave together science, creativity and advocacy. This spring, she was honored with the Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence for embodying the ideals of character, service, leadership and academic excellence.

From launching a nonprofit, Parkinson's Together, that has served more than 300 older adults nationwide, to conducting interdisciplinary projects with law, design and engineering students, Desai's mission is rooted in empathy and systems change.

"My work is a mosaic of lessons I've learned from peers and faculty," said Desai. "UC has empowered me to chase my curiosities and think beyond disciplinary boundaries."

Through programs such as NEXT Innovation Scholars and the Portman Center's student fellows, Desai engaged in policy research and strategic foresight, consulting with organizations including Procter & Gamble and presenting ideas on artificial intelligence and innovation in New York and Washington, D.C. She also co-led the development of a Parkinson's Together symposium, which brought together patients, artists, scientists and fitness professionals to reimagine aging with dignity.

Desai's leadership has extended to creative endeavors as well. She published a poetry collection while working as a patient care assistant and completed piano and voice recitals through UC's College-Conservatory of Music.

Desai expressed deep gratitude to faculty mentors including Alberto Espay, MD, the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease Research Endowed Chair in UC's Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine; Jenny Hyest, director of the UC Office of Nationally Competitive Awards; Anil Menon, PhD, associate dean of undergraduate education and director of the undergraduate program in biomedical sciences; and others who challenged and supported her.

"This university is filled with people who saw more in me than I sometimes saw in myself," said Desai.

This summer, Desai will work at the Ohio Statehouse supporting state policymakers before beginning medical school at the UC College of Medicine in the fall. Her goal? "To become an empathetic, collaborative and future-focused physician - someone who lifts up the voices of others and builds systems that serve with dignity."

Anna Shepard, BS in Medical Sciences

Anna Shepard, newly graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine, is a visionary student leader whose undergraduate journey has been defined by service, scholarship and a deep commitment to global health equity. This spring, she was also honored with the Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence.

Shepard's reaction to the award announcement was as heartfelt as it was unexpected. "I was genuinely surprised," she said, describing how a seemingly routine meeting turned into a moment she'll never forget - a surprise video call from President Pinto delivered by a mentor and friend at the UC Learning Commons. "Being surrounded by the people who guided and believed in me made it incredibly meaningful."

A medical sciences major, Shepard's academic and service work spanned borders and disciplines. As a junior fellow with the American Slovenian Education Foundation, she conducted public health research at leading institutions in Slovenia, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. There, she studied COVID-19 prevalence through wastewater analysis and explored rural health disparities - experiences that sparked her passion for international and community health.

Back in Cincinnati, Shepard served as a peer leader at the UC Learning Commons, mentoring first-year students and guiding workshops on topics including mental health, academic growth and career development. Recognized as a top performer, she reflected on this role as one of her most meaningful: "I've had the immense pleasure to both mentor and be mentored. Watching my students grow was one of the most rewarding parts of my time here."

Shepard also held the role of education chair for Remote Area Medical UC, organizing and participating in free pop-up clinics for underserved populations across the U.S. Her dedication to accessible health care continued with her senior capstone project involving Cradle Cincinnati and the American Heart Association, where she led community health initiatives to address infant mortality and maternal health disparities in Hamilton County.

Through the University Honors Program, Shepard explored global health systems more deeply, participating in immersive courses and traveling to Germany to study maternal care under a universal health care model. These experiences affirmed her desire to work at the intersection of medicine and public health.

"I stopped waiting for permission and started designing opportunities that aligned with my values," she said. "The medical sciences program and UC empowered me to harness my agency, my ability to take what I've learned, pair it with what I care about most and transform it into real-world, positive change."

When asked what's next, Shepard shared that she has officially been selected for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program in the Czech Republic. She will spend the next year teaching English in a rural placement, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local community and culture. Long term, she plans to pursue a Master's in Public Health or international development and attend medical school - always with the goal of advancing health equity for historically marginalized communities, both at home and abroad.

Shepard credits mentors like Menon, who inspired her to "do what sets your soul on fire," and she leaves UC with a deep sense of purpose.

"These four years have transformed me," she said. "UC gave me the courage to lead with compassion, to empower others and to walk a path uniquely my own. I will carry that Bearcat boldness with me always."

These exceptional honors not only recognize the individual achievements of Warner, Desai and Shepard, but also reflect the spirit of excellence, compassion and leadership that define the UC College of Medicine community. As they take the next steps in their careers and continue to serve, advocate and lead in their respective fields, they carry forward the university's enduring commitment to advancing knowledge, improving lives and fostering a culture of integrity and service. The College of Medicine celebrates their accomplishments with pride and looks forward to the impact they will continue to make on the world.