American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
For Immediate Release Apr 26, 2025

2025 Award Winners Announced at 34th AMSSM Annual Meeting

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine presented the following awards during its Annual Meeting on April 26, 2025, in Kansas City, MO.

Best Overall Research Award – Anastasia Fischer, MD – The Effect of Timing of Physical Therapy on Bony Healing in Adolescent Lumbar Spondylosis

Harry Galanty Young Investigator Award – Katherine Wainwright, MD, MSc – Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Death in NCAA Athletes: A 9-Year Surveillance Survey

The Harry L. Galanty, MD Young Investigator's Award is presented at the Annual Meeting for the most outstanding research presentation by a member who is a sports medicine fellow or who has recently completed fellowship training. The award was established in 2003 to honor Harry Galanty, MD, a charter member of the AMSSM, who passed away in 1999 at the age 36. Dr. Galanty’s contributions to sports medicine combined service and a commitment to teaching and research.

NCAA Research Award – Lauren Paladino, DO – The Accuracy of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire Compared to Common Screening Tools for Mental Health Disorders

The NCAA Research Award for best research presentation addresses the health and safety issues of college athletes.

Community Advocacy Award – Calvin Spellmon, Jr., MD, for his efforts in his community go above and beyond to improve access to health care, foster future medical professionals, and promote wellness.

Orthopedic Surgeon Excellence Award – John Wilckens, MD

The Orthopedic Surgeon Excellence Award recognizes a surgeon who is collaborative and provides superb patient care, demonstrating mutual respect, camaraderie, and a passion for helping athletes and active people of all ages.

Athletic Trainer Excellence Award – Steven Cole, MEd, LAT, ATC

The Athletic Trainer Excellence Award recognizes an athletic trainer (AT) who goes above and beyond to provide care for athletes, exemplifying their collaboration, dedication, and camaraderie.

Best Overall Case Presentations

• A Fellow’s Role in Multi-Team Coordination for Severe Brain Injury Management in Football by Chris Grijalba, DO
• Don’t Jump to Conclusions – Neck Pain After a High Ropes Course Mishap by Brendon George, DO

Resident Scholarship Award Winners

• Rajit Banerjee, MD
• Kimberly Burbank, MD
• Hagar Elgendy-Peerman, MD, MS
• Joseph Elphingstone, MD, MS
• Ryunosuke Hisatomi, MD
• Sonal Singh, MD

South Bend/Notre Dame Resident Scholarship Winners

• Maranda Armstead, DO
• Urban Cornett, MD
• Ryan Lee, DO
• Andrew Nowak, MD, JD

Galen Medical Student Scholarship Award Winners

• Kaylee Blevins, BA
• Milan Oxspring
• Zachary Ryan

Jason Davenport Memorial Scholarship Award

• Maria Alejandra Bianchi, MD
• Mark Carrasco, MD, MPH
• Idy Udoeyop, MD
• David Phrathep, DO
• John Walton, MD

Agostini Medical Student Community Outreach Grant

• Julie Park, BS and Samuel Venker, BS
• Milan Patel, BS
• Kyla Baron, MPH
• Holly Williamson, OMS-II