At Reunion and Alumni Weekend each year, the recognition of our Medical Alumni Association (MAA) Awards honorees highlights the multiple ways that our Katz alumni continue to shape the future of medicine and create positive impact in the communities and fields that they serve.
During this year’s Dean’s Brunch on Saturday, April 18, the awards honored a distinguished group of graduates whose careers reflect the breadth and impact of a Katz education:
Susan J. Kressly, MD ’86
Page M. and Henry P. Laughlin Alumna of the Year Award
Lynne Holden, MD ’91 and Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., MD ’81
Medical Alumni Achievement Award
Lawrence I. Kaplan, MD ’86
Medical Alumni Service Award
Jennifer Caruso, PA-C ’21
Emerging Leader Award
the first Katz PA graduate to be honored with an Alumni Award
Shannon Wong, MD, RES ’97
Distinguished Resident Alumni Award
Hannah Ravreby, MD ’10
Honored Professor Award
Awards Class of 2026: A Q&A about our Honorees
Alumna of the Year
Susan J. Kressly, MD ’86
As Alumna of the Year, Dr. Kressly addressed the audience at the brunch, reflecting on how her time at Katz shaped both her career and her approach to care. As leader in the pediatric field, she spoke about the importance of advocacy, the responsibility physicians carry and the lessons learned early in her training.
“It is entirely because of my education and experiences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine that I grew to incorporate the importance of human connection, compassion and establishing trust into my practice,” she said.
She also underscored the purpose that has guided her career in pediatrics and national leadership. “Standing up for children—all children—became my life’s work.”
Across the full group of honorees, that same mindset is clear. Some have led national organizations or transformed their fields through innovation. Others have dedicated their careers to education, mentorship and expanding access to care. All reflect a shared commitment to improving health, and to carrying forward Temple Made values.
What kind of leadership defines an Alumna of the Year?
The Alumna of the Year award recognizes a graduate whose career reflects sustained leadership, national impact and a deep commitment to advancing care.
How has Dr. Kressly influenced pediatric care beyond her own practice?
Dr. Kressly has built a career that bridges clinical care and national advocacy. A board-certified pediatrician and founder of Kressly Pediatrics, she has championed family-centered, preventive care models that strengthen the relationship between physicians and patients.
Her leadership at the national level, including serving as President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has helped shape policy and elevate critical issues affecting children, including mental health, access to care and vaccine confidence.
Alumni Achievement Award
Lynne Holden, MD ’91
How do you create pathways into medicine for the next generation?
Dr. Holden’s career reflects a commitment not only to practicing medicine, but to expanding who has access to it.
What makes Dr. Holden’s impact on mentorship so significant?
As Co-founder and President of Mentoring in Medicine, Inc., Dr. Holden has helped thousands of students pursue careers in healthcare, with more than 600 program participants becoming physicians.
A practicing emergency medicine physician and Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she also serves as Senior Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Outreach, shaping institutional efforts to build a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
Alumni Achievement Award
Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., MD ’81
What does it mean to shape not just a specialty, but how care is delivered?
Dr. Lombardi’s career reflects a combination of surgical excellence, innovation and system-building.
How has Dr. Lombardi advanced orthopedic surgery at scale?
A specialist in adult hip and knee reconstruction, Dr. Lombardi helped build JIS Orthopedics into a leading practice and led the development of surgical centers that have transformed access to joint replacement procedures .
His work includes hundreds of scholarly publications, multiple patents and global education efforts. In addition, his commitment to service is reflected in founding Operation Walk USA, expanding access to care for underserved populations.
Dr. Lombardi was unable to attend Reunion and Alumni Weekend, and we acknowledge and celebrate his ongoing contributions to the field.
Medical Alumni Service Award
Lawrence I. Kaplan, MD ’86
What does it look like to dedicate a career to teaching and mentorship?
Dr. Kaplan’s work reflects a long-standing commitment to shaping how medicine is taught and practiced.
How has Dr. Kaplan influenced generations of healthcare professionals?
As Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Interprofessional Education at Katz, Dr. Kaplan has played a central role in advancing collaborative, community-based medical education .
His national contributions span curriculum development, accreditation and assessment through organizations including the American Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Medical Examiners. His impact is felt both at Katz and across the broader medical education landscape.
Emerging Leader Award
Jennifer Caruso, PA-C ’21
What does early-career impact look like in action?
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes alumni across all our programs who are already making meaningful contributions to patient care and community impact. Caruso is the first PA to be honored with an Alumni Award.
How is Jennifer Caruso combining clinical work with advocacy?
As a physician assistant in pediatric hematology and oncology, Caruso provides care to patients undergoing complex treatments at Boston Children’s Hospital .
She is also the Co-Founder and President of the Swirls Around the World Foundation, supporting children and families affected by cancer, and has contributed to research in pediatric oncology—demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond clinical care.
Distinguished Resident Alumni Award
Shannon Wong, MD, RES ’97
How do you pair clinical excellence with long-term impact in education and innovation?
Dr. Shannon Wong’s career reflects both technical expertise and a sustained investment in the future of his field.
What defines Dr. Wong’s contributions to ophthalmology and Katz?
As CEO of Austin Eye, Dr. Wong has performed thousands of vision correction procedures and built a leading practice in ophthalmology .
He has also remained closely connected to Katz, establishing the Business of Ophthalmology Endowed Lectureship to support education at the intersection of clinical practice and healthcare leadership.
Dr. Wong was unable to attend Reunion and Alumni Weekend but was recognized with the Distinguished Resident Alumni Award at the inaugural lecture the following week, where he served as the keynote speaker.
Honored Professor Award
Hannah Ravreby, MD ’10
What makes an educator’s impact last beyond the classroom?
The Honored Professor Award recognizes faculty who have made a lasting difference in student learning and development.
How has Dr. Hannah Ravreby shaped the Katz student experience?
A Professor of Clinical Medicine and Assistant Dean of Academic Coaching, Dr. Ravreby has played a key role in guiding students through their medical education.
Her leadership in curriculum, coaching and mentorship, along with her commitment to compassionate patient care, has earned her multiple teaching awards and the respect of students and colleagues alike.