Drs. Arbaugh, Hameed and Sheckter Recognized at Stanford Medicine Teaching Excellence Awards ceremony

Drs. Carlie Arbaugh, Morad Hameed, and Clifford Sheckter all received awards at the 2025 Stanford Medicine Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony. The awards were presented on Wednesday, May 28 in Berg Hall, Li-Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge.

Arbaugh, a General Surgery Resident about to enter her chief year, received both the Kelley M Skeff Professionalism Award and the Arnold P. Gold Award for Humanism and Excellence in Training. The Kelley M. Skeff GME Professionalism Award honors outstanding residents and fellows who exemplify the qualities of respect, collegiality, compassion, and collaboration in their work with all members of the health care team.

One nominator wrote: “What truly sets Dr. Arbaugh apart is her commitment to shared decision-making. She actively involves all team members in discussions, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in treatment planning. This approach empowers her colleagues and cultivates a sense of ownership that is essential in a high-stakes environment.”

The Arnold P. Gold Award for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching recognize residents for their humanism and for exemplary teaching of medical students. Only clinical medical students from Stanford may participate in the annual selection of the six residents for this honor.

“To the Stanford School of Medicine leadership and faculty - Thank you for taking a chance on me 10 years ago. My life is forever changed because of the education and opportunities I have received here,” said Arbaugh. “To the Stanford Medical Students - Working with you is one of my favorite parts of being a resident and the highlight of many long and challenging days. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better physician, educator, and mentor. Seeing you learn, grow, and navigate your own unique paths is a true privilege.”

Hameed, a Professor in the Division of General Surgery and Chief of the Acute Care Surgery Section, received the 2025 Arthur L. Bloomfield Award. This award is given for excellence in clinical teaching.

“I am deeply grateful to be part of a team that is so deeply dedicated to education, and that we have the privilege of working with extraordinarily talented and world-changing medical students and residents,” he said.

Sheckter, an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Community Clinic Preceptor, Pre-Clinical Instruction. Sheckter is recognized for creating the elective "SURG 211A: Early Clinical Experience and Mentorship at the Regional Burn Center," which offers first- and second-year medical students early exposure to burn care at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and meaningful opportunities for direct patient interaction.

From the nomination: “A warm and thoughtful educator, Dr. Sheckter’s collaborative and inclusive approach—especially his emphasis on health equity—left a lasting impact on learners. His mentorship encouraged students to think critically and continuously ask, “What are we missing?”—a mindset that fosters better care and lifelong growth.”

“The students have taken such interest in the Burn Center,” said Sheckter “…and I’m grateful for the support of Dr. Nguyen at SCVMC to allow me to create preclinical experiences for them.”

Media Contact

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research, 
• developing the next generation of leaders, and 
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion. 

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu