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The Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Awards are presented to residents who both demonstrate sincere dedication to patients and their families and maintain exemplary professional and interpersonal interactions with colleagues, staff, patients and visitors. This year, five outstanding physicians were honored.


The Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Awards are presented to residents who both demonstrate sincere dedication to patients and their families and maintain exemplary professional and interpersonal interactions with colleagues, staff, patients and visitors. This year, five outstanding physicians were honored.

The awards are named in honor of Robert C. Cefalo, MD, who served with distinction over 25 years as the director of residency and fellowship programs at UNC Hospitals. Cefalo passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer.

A selection committee of physicians, nurses, and other clinical and administrative staff selected this year’s five honorees, who will each receive a monetary award of $1,000 to cover expenses associated with professional development.

This year’s winners:

Staci Aubry

Stacy Aubry, MD – General Surgery

Aubry was honored for her tremendous empathy and professionalism, which were evident in one story shared during the ceremony about a difficult patient. Aubry was the only provider on the unit who was able to provide comfort to this patient.

Kevin Pearlstein

Kevin Pearlstein, MD – Radiation Oncology

Pearlstein was described by his nominators as a “physician who has it all,” and celebrated as an outstanding communicator and team player always willing to go above and beyond for patients.

Katie Schott

Katie Schott, MD – Anesthesiology

Schott’s incredible empathy was represented in a story told by one of her nominators. When a young patient was particularly nervous before a procedure, Schott took the time to sit with the patient and answer all of their questions, helping to comfort them.

Kyle Tamminga

Kyle Tamminga, MD – Family Medicine

Tamminga’s nominators praised him for his ability to create “true partnerships” with his patients.

Hadley Wilson

Hadley Wilson, MD – Cardiothoracic Surgery

Wilson was recognized for his incredible work ethic and positive attitude.