Dr. Darshana T. Shah, an esteemed Indian-American academic and a trailblazer in faculty advancement, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Carole J. Bland Phronesis Award by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA).
The award was presented during the AAMC GFA Professional Development Conference held on July 10 in Portland, Oregon.
This annual honor recognizes individuals in academic medicine who embody the philosophical principle of phronesis, practical wisdom applied selflessly to support the growth and success of others.
Dr. Shah’s decades-long career exemplifies this ideal through her unwavering dedication to mentorship, institutional development, and national leadership in faculty affairs.
A Champion for Faculty Development
Dr. Shah currently serves as professor of pathology and senior associate dean for faculty advancement at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
She is the founding director of the school’s Office of Faculty Advancement and also established the Marshall Journal of Medicine, West Virginia’s first peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal.
These initiatives have significantly shaped the academic environment at Marshall, promoting excellence, scholarship, and sustained professional growth among faculty.
Through her work, Dr. Shah has implemented a range of transformative programs including personalized career mentoring, leadership training, and faculty enrichment workshops.
These efforts have helped faculty at various career stages build essential skills, confidence, and networks, empowering them to succeed not just professionally, but personally as well.
A Lasting Impact on Academic Medicine
Speaking on Shah’s recognition, Dr. David Gozal, vice president for health affairs at Marshall University and dean of the School of Medicine, stated:
“Dr. Shah’s leadership is defined by compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the success of others. She has fostered a culture of support and excellence that continues to shape the future of academic medicine. Her recognition with the Carole J. Bland Phronesis Award is a powerful testament to her lasting impact, both at Marshall and medical schools across the nation.
National Influence and Professional Service
Dr. Shah’s contributions extend far beyond her home institution. She has served in multiple national leadership roles, including:
- Nationally elected Chair of the AAMC Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA)
- Board member of the International Network for the Science of Team Science
- President of the Group for Research in Pathology Education
Her scholarship and service have significantly contributed to the broader field of faculty development in medicine, making her a recognized thought leader in advancing academic leadership nationwide.
About the Carole J. Bland Phronesis Award
Named in honor of the late Dr. Carole J. Bland, a revered pioneer in faculty affairs, the Phronesis Award celebrates individuals whose actions exemplify selfless dedication to advancing others.
Recipients are chosen for their demonstrated wisdom, mentorship, and ability to uplift entire academic communities through innovative and inclusive leadership.
