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 John “Ryan” Mallari. 

Ryan truly cares about both the success and experience of the students. He consistently goes above and beyond what is asked of him, not because it is required, but because he genuinely wants to make things better.

One of the best examples was Ryan’s approach to scheduling. He reviewed feedback from the previous year and created a “mastermind” schedule for more than 200 students, incorporating individual student preferences while simultaneously making the scheduling process more efficient and significantly shortening the time needed to complete it. Managing the complexity of scheduling for such a large group while balancing numerous preferences required exceptional organization, attention to detail, and initiative. He took a process that could easily have been overwhelming and turned it into one that was thoughtful, organized and student-centered.

Ryan also brings an incredible balance of kindness, professionalism, and accountability to TTR. He is approachable and genuinely caring, while also setting clear expectations and a tone of promptness and professionalism that positively influences the entire month.

What stands out most, however, are the small things that demonstrate his character. As part of TTR, letters that students had written to themselves during their first year of medical school were returned to them. When Ryan noticed that some students did not have letters, he personally handwrote congratulations and Match letters for those students. No one asked him to do this. It was entirely his own idea, and it was a beautiful example of the thoughtfulness and heart he brings to his work.

Ryan also took photographs throughout the month and created a TTR slideshow for the students at the end of the course. He then shared it with the division chairs as a way of thanking them for the faculty members who volunteered their time. This was not something he was asked to do - it was simply another way he found to recognize the people who contributed to the students’ experience.

Ryan brings an exceptional level of preparation and organization to every meeting. he comes with a clear agenda, knows what needs to be accomplished, and is prepared to facilitate the meeting efficiently. his preparation makes everyone’s time more productive.

Ryan exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding medical education coordinator. His initiative, attention to detail, and genuine care for others make him exceptionally deserving of the TTR Coordinator of the Year award.

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