The BH-UAMS Family Medicine Residency Program celebrated the graduating class of 2025 on Saturday, June 21st. Family medicine residents, faculty, staff, and friends and family gathered together in Little Rock to share the joy of this momentous occasion, and wish each graduate well in their future journey as physicians.
Dr. Julia Garner, Family Medicine Program Director, began the evening with a short speech, welcoming all those in attendance, and expressing her gratitude for the graduating class. Following, Caleb Lewis, Baptist Health’s Senior Chaplain, recognized each graduate, identifying their best attribute, and encouraging them to utilize these skills in their careers to be successful physicians.
An array of awards were presented, starting with faculty awards. Presented by 2 graduating chief residents, Dr. Matthew Savage and Dr. Erica Dewey, Dr. Karen Burks was the first to be honored, earning the Core Faculty Teaching Award. The Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award was later presented to Dr. Shelly Gibbs.
Residents were the next to receive awards, presented by faculty members. Dr. Elton Cleveland, Family Medicine Associate Program Director, recognized Dr. John Mitchell with the AR Academy of Family Physicians Service Award for his service on the AR AFP board as both a medical student and resident physician.
Dr. Julea Garner continued the awards, giving the Society of Teacher of Family Medicine (STFM) Teaching Award to 3 graduating residents: Dr. Jacquelyn Clark, Dr. Brigette Mocan, and Dr. Matthew Savage. For her outstanding scholarly contributions to the Family Medicine program, Dr. Folawiyo Olanrewaju was presented with the Resident Scholarly Activity Award. Following, Dr. Kollin Waters was recognized for earning the highest score on the American Board of Family Medicine In-Training Exam for 2024-25, receiving the Resident Medical Knowledge Award. Finally, Dr. Garner presented Dr. Matthew Savage with the Overall Resident Award, for demonstrating exceptional qualities in areas of professionalism, academic excellence, leadership, patient care, and medical knowledge.
The celebratory evening came to a close with the recognition of all 12 graduating residents, signifying the end of their academic journey with BH-UAMS. Over half of the graduating class have made plans to remain in Arkansas, with 4 graduates remaining within the Baptist Health system.
On behalf of the entire GME program at Baptist Health-NLR, we wish all graduates the best in their careers, and look forward to seeing their growth as practicing Family Medicine physicians!
