At the 2026 Department of Medicine Awards Ceremony, two faculty members from the Division of General Internal Medicine received awards for their effort and impact at the medical school.
Several others were nominated for awards, and GIM faculty served as committee members leading the awards program.
Baumann receives Unsung Hero Award
Natalie Baumann, MD, an assistant professor in the Section of Ambulatory Medicine, received the Unsung Hero Award, recognizing her consistent efforts to go above and beyond without seeking or expecting recognition.
Her nomination stated:
“She has taken particular ownership of teaching quality improvement and has created meaningful educational opportunities for trainees, including developing a Women’s Health rotation. She makes our patients better cared for, our trainees better physicians, our educational programs stronger, and our department better. She simply sees what needs to be done and does it and then moves on to the next thing. That humility is part of what makes her an unsung hero, but it is also why she deserves to be recognized.”
Baumann, who completed internal medicine residency at WashU Medicine, serves as an associate program director for the residency and as patient safety officer for the Division of General Internal Medicine.
“Dr. Baumann is a beloved primary care doctor and educator. She is committed to the ambulatory education of the Department of Medicine residents. She is dedicated to teaching in the primary care clinic and demonstrates empathetic care and continuity of care to patients,” said Margaret (Molly) McNairy, MD, MSc, who is the David C. and Betty Farrell Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine. “Additionally, Dr. Baumann leads ambulatory education efforts for the residency program and is a devoted mentor to residents.”
Forget receives Leadership Award
Nickole Forget, MD, FACP, an associate professor in the Section of Ambulatory Medicine, received the Leadership Award, recognizing her significant impact through vision, innovations, and inspiration of others.
Her nomination stated:
“Through her leadership, she has strengthened resident education, expanded patient services, and created a clinic experience that residents value and enjoy. She identified gaps, implemented changes, and strengthened the connection between resident education and patient care. I have witnessed the meaningful difference she has made for our residents, faculty, staff, and the patients we serve.”
Forget serves as medical director of the Primary Care Medicine Clinic, which provides outpatient care for the underserved and clinical training for internal medicine residents. In 2024, Forget received the Laureate Award from the Missouri chapter of the American College of Physicians, honoring her commitment to excellence in medical care, education, research and service to her community, her chapter, and the college.
“Dr. Forget is an exceptional primary care physician and master educator,” McNairy said. “She is the Director of the PCMC—a huge undertaking of providing internal medicine education training to residents—and is a beloved colleague, teacher, and physician. Her leadership has transformed the PCMC program into a well-run clinic with huge improvements in education and clinical care.”
Award nominees
In addition to Baumann and Forget receiving awards, several members of the Division of General Internal Medicine were nominated for awards, including:
- Rob Andersson
- Adam Littich
- Adnan Al Najada
- Emma Ludwig
- Katy Filson
- Nickole Forget
- Adam Kneepkens
- Peter McDonnell
- Anupam Pande
- Alex Thomas
- Bryce Montane
- Kirtan Patolia
- Scott Starenchak
About the Department of Medicine Awards
The awards were presented by the Department of Medicine Wellness Program at a ceremony on Oct. 27.
The mission of the wellness program is to enhance well-being across the Department by fostering community, recognizing contributions, supporting faculty, and identifying processes to improve workplace efficiency and professional improvement.
Members of the Division of General Internal Medicine involved in the program include:
- Alison Antes (Awards Team)
- Natalie Baumann (Well-Being Council)
- Rakhee Bhayani (Vice Chair for Wellness & Engagement, Department of Medicine)
- Margo Girardi (Well-Being Council & Awards Team)
- Megan Rau (Well-Being Council)