Left to right: Drs. Kathryn Berlacher, Margaret Ragni, and Sarah Gaffen
The Department of Medicine’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion has led to the creation of an annual award to honor the leadership of women faculty within its ranks. Named after Margaret Ragni, MD, MPH, Professor Emeritus in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and a world-renowned physician scientist, the Magaret Ragni Award for Advancement of Women in Medicine and Science recognizes faculty who have shown a commitment to research, inclusivity, and mentorship as women leaders in the Department of Medicine. The Department of Medicine is excited to bestow the inaugural awards to Kathryn Berlacher, MD, MS, and Sarah Gaffen, PhD.
An alumna of Ohio State University Medical School, Dr. Berlacher completed her residency and cardiology fellowship at UPMC. Dr. Berlacher is devoted to training the next generation of clinicians as the director of the cardiology fellowship program and has developed programs to encourage girls to envision a future as a cardiologist in a field still dominated by men. Dr. Gaffen, who received her doctorate from UC-Berkeley, is a world-renowned expert in cytokine immunology, specifically the role of IL-17. She is a role model for bench scientists, as she is not only a prolific researcher, but also an engaged mentor to budding scientists at all stages.
The awards were presented to Drs. Berlacher and Gaffen by Drs. Ora Weisz and Maggie Ragni and at the DOM Women’s Networking Reception in November.
