Nominations are now open for the 2026 Department of Medicine Margaret Ragni Award for Advancement of Women in Medicine and Science, a faculty award in recognition of outstanding achievement in supporting and inspiring women in our department.
One of the first women to join the Department of Medicine as faculty, Margaret Ragni, MD, MPH, remained at the University of Pittsburgh throughout her long and illustrious career upon completing a hematology fellowship in 1982. A national leader in clinical translational research in congenital hemostasis and thrombosis disorders, Dr. Ragni directed one of the first multi-center NIH-funded investigator-initiated programs that focused on a broad array of hemophilia-related research including malignancy, inhibitor formation, HIV/HCV infection, AIDS therapy, and adult prophylaxis. Dr. Ragni also served as the Director of the Hemophilia Center of Western PA, leading a team that provides care to 500+ patients with congenital bleeding and clotting disorders, providing national and international consultation to many patients and caregivers. Dr. Ragni was devoted to training the next generation of hematology researchers and clinicians, serving not only as co-chair for the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Education program, but also Chair of the Curriculum Committee and Course Director of the Medicine, Ethics and Society Course in the SOM, and mentoring countless investigators, physicians, and leaders locally, nationally and internationally.
In honor of Dr. Ragni’s inspirational achievements and career, the Margaret Ragni Award for Advancement of Women in Medicine and Science honors faculty members who have a strong track record of:
- Inspiring women to be leaders through their own careers in medicine and/or science
- Enhancing and sponsoring the professional advancement of women trainees and faculty into positions of greater leadership
- Advocating for the promotion and development of academic women leaders at individual, institutional, and/or national levels
- Building and improving educational and professional environments that support and sustain women in leadership
DOM faculty of all ranks are eligible to be nominated for this award. Up to two individuals will be awarded.
To nominate a deserving faculty member, please send a brief letter outlining the nominee’s accomplishments and their CV to Matt Friedhoff (mjf49@pitt.edu) by 5 pm on Friday, April 3. Prior nominations may be resubmitted, with the addition of any relevant updates.
Previous Awardees
2023: Katie Berlacher, MD, MS, and Sarah Gaffen, PhD
2025: Sonya Borrero, MD, MS, and Carla Spagnoletti, MD, MS