The criteria for this award focus on the coordinator’s ability to design and implement innovations that significantly impact the health and well-being of our student community. This year’s award recipient is Michelle Kosso. 

When her institution relaunched its post-pandemic Transition to Residency course, Michelle brought both structure and soul to a challenging moment. Students were weary, faculty hesitant - yet Michelle turned uncertainty into innovation.

She reimagined the course with a truly learner- and patient-centered approach, introducing specialty weeks across eleven disciplines, complete with OSCEs, team-based simulations, and specialty-specific objectives that made every session meaningful and relevant.

Michelle also transformed the learner experience - securing funding for an orientation breakfast, creating resident advising booths for informal mentoring and connection, and developing clear guides that kept faculty and students aligned on shared goals. Her attention to detail made the complex feel seamless.

From her pre-course communication to working with a local vendor to arrange an end-of-course gift - a gold and green stethoscope holder in the school’s colors - Michelle ensured the TTR experience was special, just like Michelle herself. As one student put it, “Thank you, Michelle, for putting a great deal of energy into the course; we appreciate you.”

She also fostered community and gratitude through electronic thank-you cards for standardized patients and faculty, reminding everyone involved that appreciation is a powerful part of learning.

Michelle Kosso exemplifies everything this award celebrates - innovation grounded in compassion, excellence anchored in purpose, and a steadfast commitment to helping every learner feel prepared, supported, and valued. The Transition to Residency program - and the students - are better because of her.

Please join us in congratulating Michelle on this well-deserved recognition!