The 2026 Hooding Ceremony at the UNC School of Medicine Hooding Ceremony was a moment of celebration and recognition, honoring the graduating Class of 2026 and highlighting faculty![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/psych\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/839\/2026\/05\/Hooding-ceremony-300x200.jpg\")
members whose dedication to teaching, mentorship, and compassionate care profoundly shaped the medical education experience. The event, held May 8, 2026, at Carmichael Arena, provided an opportunity for students to recognize outstanding educators and leaders as they prepared to begin the next chapter of their medical careers.<\/p>\n
Dr. Ted Zarzar<\/strong> received the award for \u201cOutstanding Acute Care\/Inpatient Educator \u2013 Central Campus,\u201d<\/strong> as selected by the fourth-year medical student class. This honor reflects Dr. Zarzar\u2019s exceptional ability to guide learners through the complexities of inpatient medicine and acute care settings. Students highlighted his clear teaching style, supportive mentorship at the bedside, and commitment to clinical excellence, all of which helped prepare them for residency and clinical practice.<\/p>\n Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas<\/strong> was one of three individuals selected to serve as a hooder<\/strong> during the Hooding Ceremony\u2014a significant role in which faculty or students officially confer the hood on graduating medical students. Being chosen as a hooder is a meaningful recognition of one\u2019s influence on the student community and the trust students place in those who have guided their professional development.<\/p>\n Dr. Kenan Penaskovic<\/strong> received multiple distinguished recognitions from the Class of 2026:<\/p>\n Inaugural Kenan Penaskovic Award:<\/strong> Created to acknowledge a member of the Office of Medical Student Education whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the graduating class. This inaugural honor reflects Dr. Penaskovic\u2019s dedication to supporting students throughout their medical education.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award:<\/strong> Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and voted on by students, this award celebrates a faculty member who exemplifies humanism in clinical care. Recipients demonstrate compassionate communication, deep respect for patients and families, cultural sensitivity, and a steadfast commitment to professional and ethical excellence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\nDr. Michael Baca-Atlas \u2014 Graduation Hooder<\/h4>\n
Dr. Kenan Penaskovic \u2014 Multiple Honors<\/h4>\n
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