The 2015 ceremony marked the eighth year that the award has been named in honor of Robert Cefalo, MD, PhD, who passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer. Cefalo served with distinction for 25 years as director of the residency and fellowship programs at UNC Hospitals. He served as a model for the American Council on Graduate Medical Education in defining the position of Designated Institutional Official. Under Cefalo’s leadership, UNC earned national recognition for the development of best practices in residency and fellowship programs. Congratulations to Michael Phillips, whose profile is below:
Phillips is currently in his fourth clinical year of General Surgery training. He became widely known for his efforts during his two research years to help prepare for the Epic@UNC go-live. While his information technology savvy is noteworthy, many other qualities distinguish Phillips as well. He is known to faculty and colleagues as the ultimate team player with a can-do attitude that junior residents and medical students alike appreciate immensely. He cares deeply about promoting the autonomy of other healthcare providers under his supervision all the while insisting that his patients get safe and optimal care. In the words of one of his nominators: “I have been a nurse in various areas at UNC Healthcare for the past 24 years and have not worked with a physician more worthy of this award.”