Nida Awadallah, MD, FAAFP, MACM, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Student Remediation at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, has been named Family Medicine Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP).
The CAFP Family Medicine Teacher of the Year Award honors a Family Medicine educator dedicated to preparing the next generation of physicians. Dr. Awadallah exemplifies exceptional leadership in Family Medicine through outstanding patient care, a strong commitment to teaching, and meaningful mentorship that supports learners and the broader community.
When asked about the value she most often returns to when working with residents and students, Dr. Awadallah emphasized the importance of fostering a safe space for learning.
“One value I come back to consistently when working with our students and residents is creating psychological safety. Learners do their best thinking, and ultimately show up as their best selves, when they feel safe to ask questions, acknowledge uncertainty, and grow from feedback,” said Dr. Awadallah. “Part of that is modeling it ourselves. Being willing to say, ‘I don't know,’ to reflect openly upon our own decisions, and to show a bit of our own vulnerability helps normalize growth and reinforces that medicine is a lifelong learning process. If we can build that kind of environment, everything else—like clinical reasoning, professionalism, and confidence—follows more naturally.”
Dr. Awadallah received her award at the CAFP Annual Summit in Colorado Springs, on April 10. The recognition was deeply meaningful to her and served as a moment to reflect on the responsibility of educators and the importance of teaching.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful, not just personally, but because it reflects the collective work of the learners and colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. Teaching in Family Medicine and at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine is unique. Our classrooms are exam rooms, hospital wards, and community spaces, and the impact of that learning extends far beyond any single encounter. To be recognized in this way is both humbling and a reminder of the responsibility we carry as educators.”
Congratulations, Dr. Awadallah, and thank you for all that you do to support the future of Family Medicine.