Dr. Nabeel Zafar, assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, was awarded the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Medical Student Research Mentorship at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Medical Education Day on May 28.
The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Medical Student Research Mentorship was established in 2011 to recognize an individual whose sustained and exemplary effort as a research mentor has developed medical student researchers outside of the classroom. Only one awardee is honored each year.
Dr. Zafar joined the Department of Surgery in 2020 from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where he completed his fellowship in Surgical Oncology. Dr. Zafar has consistently showcased clinical and research excellence by providing exemplary care to complex cancer patients, publishing high impact manuscripts and developing innovative programs. He has positively contributed to the career and lives of dozens of medical students both at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and other medical schools.
Dr. Zafar has mentored over 23 medical students, guiding them not only in research but also in professional and career development in the past six years. His commitment to student success is best exemplified by the achievements of his mentees: seven of his medical students have delivered their first ever oral presentations at national meetings and 10 have secured their first first-author publications.