WashU Medicine students recently awarded Nigar Kirmani, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, a 2025-2026 Distinguished Service Teaching Award. The annual awards honor WashU Medicine educators who have made the most significant contributions to the training of future physicians.
Dr. Kirmani was named the Phase One recipient of the Thread Leader of the Year for by medical students learning Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. This honor recognizes an individual for exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership in building community, mentorship, and service. Thread leaders consistently foster meaningful relationships, support and uplift colleagues, and drive impactful, positive change within their organizations and local communities.
This award is especially meaningful because it is chosen by students. It is rewarding to see that they appreciate the teaching, as it will be an important part of their clinical practice.
– Nigar Kirmani, MD
This year’s Distinguished Service Teaching Awards ceremony was held on March 30, 2026. Established by students and supported by the Office of Medical Student Education, the Distinguished Service Teaching Awards highlight those educators whose efforts, commitment and patience have had the greatest impact on the medical student experience at WashU Medicine. Learn more about the 2025-2026 Distinguished Service Teaching Awards recipients.
We celebrate the educators who distinguished themselves during the 2025-2026 Distinguished Teaching Awardees academic year. In addition to this year’s awardees, we extend our gratitude to everyone involved in medical education for their continued commitment to excellence throughout the Gateway Curriculum.
Your efforts are recognized and deeply appreciated by all.