As the end of June marks the close of another academic year, the UNC Department of Neurology reflects on a particularly successful year for Neurology Education. Highlights include the launch of the new Medical Student Clerkship and seamless leadership transitions within both the Adult and Child Neurology programs—milestones that strengthen the department’s commitment to training the next generation of neurologists.
The department gathered on June 12 for the Annual Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of graduating trainees alongside the dedication of faculty and staff who play a vital role in education, mentorship, and patient-centered care. The event underscored the collaborative spirit that drives excellence across all levels of training.
Recognizing Outstanding Educators
Faculty educators were honored for their exceptional commitment to teaching, mentorship, and clinical excellence:
Adult Neurology Faculty Teaching Award:
Dr. Deanna Saylor
Recognized for integrating bedside teaching into clinical care while fostering critical thinking, compassion, and growth among trainees.
Child Neurology Faculty Teaching Award:
Dr. Jamie Palaganos
Celebrated for a collaborative, learner-centered approach that supports students, residents, and interdisciplinary team members.
Celebrating Resident Achievement
Several residents were recognized for outstanding contributions in research, patient care, and education:
Kevin Robertson Clinical Research Award:
Dr. Fatemeh Sadeghifar, MD (Adult Neurology ’26)
Awarded for her study on “Assessing the relationship between autonomic symptom burden and autonomic failure in Parkinson’s disease.”
This award recognizes the resident who undertook the best clinical research project over the preceding year.
Peter Lars Jacobson Award:
Dr. Sergey Antipenko, MD, PhD (Adult Neurology ’26)
Awarded in recognition of excellence in patient care and outstanding rapport with patients, families, and the entire healthcare team.
Resident Teaching Award:
Dr. Sean Hamill, MD (Adult Neurology ’26)
Recognized for his highest level of creative and devoted learning, of inspiration of residents, love of scholarship and service to the department.
A Collective Impact
While individual award recipients were recognized, the department emphasizes that every educator contributes meaningfully to the success of its programs. From bedside teaching to mentorship and scholarly engagement, each interaction helps shape the future of neurology.
The UNC Department of Neurology extends sincere gratitude to all faculty, staff, and trainees for their continued dedication to excellence in education and patient care.