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UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville Celebrates Excellence at 2026 Welcome Dinner and Faculty Awards

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Medicine, Knoxville (UTHSC COM-Knoxville) hosted its 2026 Welcome Dinner and Faculty Awards on June 25 at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville. The annual event welcomed the institution's newest residents and fellows while recognizing faculty members whose contributions to education, research, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the campus and community.

The evening carried special significance as it marked the first Welcome Dinner and Faculty Awards held under the UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville name following the campus transition from the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine. Faculty, residents, fellows, and institutional leaders gathered to celebrate both the future of the institution and the individuals whose dedication continues to advance its mission.

"This event is a special time to welcome each of the incoming residents and fellows, offer uplifting words about their journey as physicians, honor exceptional people for their achievements in education and research, and promote the culture of excellence and collaboration at the College of Medicine, Knoxville," said Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean.

Five faculty members were recognized during the awards ceremony.

COM Spirit Award - Robert M. Craft, MD - Immediate Past Dean, Professor Emeritus

From left to right: Robert M. Craft, MD and Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean.

The COM Spirit Award recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies the mission, values, and culture of UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville through service, mentorship, leadership, and dedication to the institution.

This year's recipient, Dr. Robert M. Craft, has devoted nearly four decades to the institution, beginning as a medical student in 1987 before returning as a faculty member in 1994 following residency training in Knoxville and fellowship training at Mayo Clinic. Over the course of his career, Dr. Craft served as residency program director, vice chair, chair of anesthesiology, interim dean, and dean.

As Chair of Anesthesiology, he oversaw significant growth in clinical care, education, and research, including the development of new fellowship programs and a nationally recognized research enterprise. As dean, he guided the campus through a period of academic growth, graduate medical education expansion, and the transition to the UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the institution have left a lasting impact on faculty, residents, students, staff and the future of the COM-Knoxville.

Excellence and Leadership in Clinical Research Award - Emily Martin-Shuler, PhD - Department of Medicine

From left to right: Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean and Emily Martin-Shuler, PhD

Dr. Emily Martin-Shuler received the Excellence and Leadership in Clinical Research Award for her outstanding contributions to translational and clinical research in systemic amyloidosis.

A nationally recognized investigator, Dr. Martin's work focuses on advancing diagnostic and imaging approaches for patients with systemic amyloid diseases. She has played a central role in multiple clinical trials evaluating novel PET/CT and SPECT/CT imaging agents and currently serves as principal investigator on studies examining cardiac amyloidosis in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Known for her scientific rigor, ethical leadership, and commitment to patient safety, Dr. Martin-Shuler has helped strengthen the institution's clinical research enterprise while advancing the field of amyloidosis through publications, patents, and collaborative clinical investigations. Her work continues to bridge laboratory discovery and patient care, improving diagnostic capabilities for individuals affected by amyloid diseases.

Excellence and Leadership in Basic Science Research Award - Thomas Masi, PhD - Department of Surgery

From left to right: Thomas Masi, PhD and Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean

The Excellence and Leadership in Basic Science Research Award recognizes faculty members whose work advances scientific discovery and strengthens the institution's research mission.

This year's recipient, Dr. Thomas Masi, has built a distinguished research career focused on stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and virology. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, he has led and collaborated on numerous research initiatives exploring adipose-derived stem cells, tissue regeneration, cancer biology, and viral pathogenesis.

Dr. Masi has secured funding through institutional and external sources including a recent NIH award for a collaborative project with UT Knoxville, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and served as a mentor to students, residents, and early-career investigators. His collaborative approach and commitment to translational research have helped expand scientific opportunities across the campus and contributed significantly to the institution's growing research profile.

Excellence in Teaching Award - Joshua Arnold, MD - Department of Surgery

From left to right: Joshua Arnold, MD and Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean

The Excellence in Teaching Award honors a faculty member who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to educating the next generation of physicians while serving as a role model to students, residents, and colleagues.

Dr. Joshua Arnold has distinguished himself as an outstanding educator, mentor, and leader within the Department of Surgery. A highly respected vascular surgeon, he has devoted countless hours to resident and medical student education through clinical instruction, mentorship, curriculum development, and scholarly activity.

As Director of M4 Surgery Students and a longtime member of numerous educational committees, Dr. Arnold has played a vital role in shaping surgical education at UTHSC COM-Knoxville. Colleagues and trainees praise his ability to combine technical excellence with thoughtful mentorship, helping learners develop not only surgical skills but also professionalism, clinical judgment, and confidence.

Excellence in Teaching for Volunteer Faculty Award - Kenneth Rule, MD - Department of Radiology

From left to right: Kenneth Rule, MD and Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean

The Excellence in Teaching for Volunteer Faculty Award recognizes physicians who generously dedicate their time and expertise to enhance the educational experiences of residents, fellows, and students without compensation.

Dr. Kenneth Rule has spent decades serving as a dedicated educator and mentor within the Department of Radiology. A Clinical Professor of Radiology, he has been recognized repeatedly by residents for his teaching excellence and commitment to trainee development.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rule has provided extensive instruction in ultrasound, pediatric imaging, and body imaging while helping develop educational programs, resident conferences, and mentorship opportunities. His willingness to share his knowledge, support learners, and contribute to resident education exemplifies the spirit of volunteer teaching and service.

The Welcome Dinner and Faculty Awards remain one of the institution's most meaningful traditions, providing an opportunity to welcome new trainees while recognizing faculty members whose dedication advances the missions of education, research, clinical care, and service.

As UTHSC College of Medicine, Knoxville continues to grow and evolve, the accomplishments of this year's award recipients serve as a reminder that the institution's greatest strength remains its people and their commitment to excellence.

Posted July 13, 2026