University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Congratulations to Dr. Raymond Davis, a clinical associate professor in the UICOMR Department of Pediatrics, on being honored in the Rockford Chamber of Commerce's 40 over 40. Dr. Davis is medical director of UICOMR's Medical Evaluation Response Initiative (MERIT) that provides expert medical examinations for children suspected of being abused or neglected.

Ray Davis trained as a pediatrician, but his career took a turn in the early 1990s when he began seeing children who were victims of abuse. He realized the problem was far larger than his practice alone.

He helped found the Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team (MERIT) at UICOM-R, joined the UIC-Rockford faculty as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and became medical director for six county advocacy centers across northern Illinois.

A triple-major graduate of Illinois Wesleyan and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, Ray has spent decades training investigators, attorneys, and physicians across 15 counties. His honors include the CASA Excellence in Child Welfare Award, Rockford's "20 People You Should Know" in 2019, and a 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Illinois Wesleyan.

We'll honor Dr. Davis and 39 others during the 40 over 40 reception!

In observance of Juneteenth, UIC Rockford offices will be closed, but the campus will be accessible for students, staff and faculty. Enter the campus by swiping an iCard or temporary ID at the main entrance doors and sign the after-hours log.

The Crawford Library of the Health Sciences-Rockford will also be closed.

Normal operations will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Seven first-year University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford students were selected for the Walter Rice Craig Scholars Program.

Administered by the UICOMR Office of Research, this scholars program allows selected medical students to engage in research under the guidance of a faculty member during the summer between their first and second years of medical school, with priority given to students whose research is conducted at UICOMR.

Students receive $3,000, which can be applied toward any fees or tuition charges, and they are expected to work on their project during the summer months.

Not pictured: Ramsha Akram

Dr. Claire Sagartz (left) was recognized for receiving the Otto Saphir Memorial Scholarship during the recent Senior Night Awards Presentation. Friends of the late Dr. Otto Saphir, Clinical Professor of Pathology, established this award to recognize a junior student who has shown outstanding interest and excellence in pathology.

Here she is with Jeffrey R. Smith, MD, FACC, chair of the Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties (right).

Dr. Tiayrra Kirkwood (left) was recognized for receiving the Dr. Errol and Rosemary Baptist Award for Excellence in Pediatrics during the recent Senior Night Awards Presentation. It’s awarded to a fourth-year medical student going into pediatrics in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the field of pediatrics.

Here she is with David E. Deutsch, MD, (right) Chair of the Department of Pediatrics.

Looking to advance your career in the rapidly evolving world of biotechnology? Attend upcoming virtual information sessions on the Master of Science in Medical Biotechnology Program on Monday, June 22, or Monday, June 29, 2026, at 9 a.m.

These sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear directly from program leadership and distinguished faculty:

•Dr. Khalifah Sidik, program director
•Dr. Mathew Thoppil, professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences
•Dr. Gnanasekar Munirathinam, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences

Gain first-hand insights into the curriculum, research opportunities and how the MBT program prepares graduates for success in both industry and academia.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

June 22 Registration Link: https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/CL3K0_oxSXKqLQk1fRyFRQ

June 29 Registration Link: https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/TPSGlr95R_az3UmN9zlrkQ

Shannon LaFond (left) received the David Mortimer Olkon Award – Department of Neurology Award during the Senior Night and Awards Presentation. Awarded by the department of neurology in memory of Dr. David Mortimer Olkon, this scholarship honors a senior student for excellence in neurology.

She’s standing alongside Fazlur R. Zahurullah, MD, MBA, FACS, (right) chair of the Department of Surgery and Surgical Specialties.

Megan Saltsgaver (left) received the UICOMR Lillie and Seymour Green Distinguished Graduate Award during the Senior Night and Awards Presentation. This award is given to fourth-year medical students who have been elected as members of both Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

She’s standing alongside Fazlur R. Zahurullah, MD, MBA, FACS, (right) chair of the Department of Surgery and Surgical Specialties.

Haripriya Koritala (left) received the Dr. Arthur Rettig Award for Excellence, Surgery during the Senior Night and Awards Presentation. This award is given to a fourth-year medical student in memory of Dr Arthur Rettig, who left an indelible mark on the world, providing care, hope and life itself to countless children in need of medical and surgical care.

The award recipient is a student who demonstrated excellence in the curriculum, embodies the attributes of Dr. Arthur Rettig and matched in either pediatrics or surgery.

She’s standing alongside Fazlur R. Zahurullah, MD, MBA, FACS, (right) chair of the Department of Surgery and Surgical Specialties.

Dr. Teighan Thompson (left) received the David Mortimer Olkon Award-Department of Medicine Award during the Senior Night and Awards Presentation. Here she is with Jeffrey R. Smith, MD, FACC, chair of the Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties (right).

Awarded by the Department of Medicine in memory of Dr. David Mortimer Olkon, this scholarship honors a senior student for excellence in medicine.