Fostering Excellence: Schmidt College of Medicine’s Commitment to Academic Growth
Akshay Tangutur, a Class of 2027 M.D. candidate at the Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, has made history as the first FAU student to receive the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Carolyn L. Kuckein Fellowship Award. This national recognition highlights both his commitment to advancing medical research and the college’s ongoing dedication to fostering academic excellence.
The AΩA Carolyn L. Kuckein Fellowship, awarded annually to a select group of medical students nationwide, recognizes excellence in scholarship, leadership, and research. In the summer of 2024, Akshay completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania under the mentorship of Dr. Raj Dedhia, Associate Professor and Director of Sleep Surgery in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. His research focused on the relationship between respiratory effort and nocturnal blood pressure patterns in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), offering potential clinical insights for managing cardiovascular risks associated with OSA.
Reflecting on his journey, Akshay expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he received at Florida Atlantic. “Dr. Martinez and Dr. Rubin were both instrumental in my journey, offering guidance and support throughout my time at FAU,” he shared. Dr. Lisa Martinez, Associate Professor of Medicine and FAU’s Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Chapter Councilor, and Dr. Stacy Rubin, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Foundations of Medicine Course Director, played pivotal roles, particularly during the early stages of his research proposal. “Their mentorship helped me navigate the complexities of both research and clinical education,” Akshay added.
Dr. Martinez, proud of Akshay’s accomplishment, emphasized the importance of mentorship in cultivating academic growth. “Akshay’s achievement showcases the potential of our students to make meaningful contributions to medicine,” she said. “His dedication to advancing our understanding of obstructive sleep apnea and blood pressure is commendable. At Schmidt College of Medicine, we foster academic growth through mentorship and support, and mentoring students like Akshay is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.”
Similarly, Dr. Rubin highlighted the college’s commitment to nurturing talent: “Watching Akshay grow as a researcher and scholar has been incredibly rewarding. His dedication to improving patient care through research reflects the values we instill in all our students.”
This focus on mentorship, academic service, and research opportunities provides students with the tools they need to excel both in research and patient care. By integrating these elements into its curriculum, Schmidt College of Medicine creates an academic environment that nurtures growth and inspires its students to reach new heights.
Akshay’s research, which examined the relationship between respiratory effort during sleep and nocturnal blood pressure patterns in patients with OSA, is a testament to the kind of impactful, patient-centered research that the college encourages all its students to undertake. His findings could contribute to the development of new strategies for managing cardiovascular risks in OSA patients.
Looking ahead, Akshay hopes his story will inspire fellow students to pursue their passions with confidence. “With the right mentorship and dedication, we all have the potential to make meaningful contributions to medicine, even as medical students,” he said. “The opportunities I’ve had at Schmidt College of Medicine have been invaluable, and I’m excited to see where they lead.”
This accomplishment is just one example of the many ways Schmidt College of Medicine is committed to supporting its students. As the college continues to grow, achievements like Akshay’s are a testament to the strength of its academic and research programs, as well as its commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in medicine. By fostering mentorship, promoting research innovation, and cultivating a collaborative academic environment, Schmidt College of Medicine is shaping the future of healthcare - one student at a time.
