University of Louisville Presidential Awards recognizes pediatrics faculty and staff

Five members of the Department of Pediatrics were honored with an University of Louisville (UofL) Presidential Excellence Awards. Recipients include a staff member from the pediatric office of medical education and four faculty. The annual awards honor UofL faculty and staff that exceed expectations. 

The 2026 Presidential Award winners include: 

Distinguished Faculty Awards

The University of Louisville recognizes faculty members who bring distinction to the institution through exceptional contributions in teaching, research, creative work and service. The Distinguished Faculty Awards honor individuals whose work reflects the university’s mission and Cardinal Principles, advancing student success, scholarship and impact across the university and broader community.

• Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity, Basic and Applied Sciences - Dr. Gregory Barnes, Director, University of Louisville Autism Research Center
• Distinguished Service, Service to the Profession - Dr. Kupper Wintergerst, Division Chief, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology
• Distinguished Service, Career of Service - Dr. Gerard Rabalais, Associate Vice President for the HSC Office of Educational and Professional Development
• Distinguished Service, National/International Service – Dr. Mirzada Kurbasic, Professor, Department of Pediatrics

Outstanding Performance Awards

The Outstanding Performance Awards celebrate UofL staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, service and dedication. These awards highlight contributions that make a meaningful impact across the university.

• Outstanding Performance Award – David Fichuo, Department Coordinator, Office of Pediatric Medical Education 

About the University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics: The University of Louisville (UofL) Department of Pediatrics, part of UofL’s School of Medicine, aims to provide inclusive excellence in clinical care, medical education, pediatric research and community advocacy to meet the health-related needs of children. The faculty are researchers who explore innovation in pediatric medicine, serve on local, regional and national committees and organizations while helping set standards of care and formulate new models of treatment. They are educators, focused on training the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. In addition, our faculty serves as pediatricians who provide services of Kentucky and the region through our affiliation with Norton Children's Hospital. For more information, visit the department website.