Shari was a consummate professional. She was a leader, she was inspiring, and she was a pleasure to be around. In 2008, Shari lost her more than two-decade-long fight with breast cancer. During those years, she inspired us all by turning the challenge of her diagnosis into a gift—the gift of her life. Shari faced her disease with such strength, determination, and courage that touched everyone she knew. She had an amazing passion for life and lived every moment to the fullest.

Shari began her career as a schoolteacher but found her true passion in the field of Interventional Radiology. She was a dedicated, compassionate, and caring technologist who always kept her patients and their needs at the center of everything she did. As many of us moved on to the next phases of our careers, Shari remained in the interventional suite, taking care of those who needed her personal touch. Some might say that the something special she gave her patients was because she had been a patient herself. Those of us who knew Shari know that the special, caring, personal touch was simply who she was.

To all the Board members, colleagues, and friends who knew her, Shari touched the lives of many with her spirit as a friend, a colleague, and a dedicated advocate for her profession. AVIR Leadership was fortunate to have her, and we would like to share her memory with you through this well-earned and well-deserved honor.

Professionally, Shari was a founding member of AVIR and played several key roles over many years. She served as Secretary/Treasurer for several years, Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President. Shari was dedicated, committed, spunky, and sassy, as well as unwavering in what she believed. She believed in her profession and in this organization. Those of us who spent many years on the Board with Shari often saw her spunky, unwavering convictions in action. Those of us in those Board meetings know Shari played the key role in ensuring that AVIR had a strong foundation and financial stability.

We spent many years writing bylaws, policy manuals, chapter manuals, and Standards of Practice. Shari never let us forget them. She could always be heard challenging a decision by quoting a bylaw or policy and making sure that what we did was right and sound for the organization and our membership. During her years as Secretary/Treasurer, things were much the same. As we branched out and grew, there were times when we needed to spend money. Shari was relentless in her role and made sure we had a 40-page business case before we spent a dime.

Shari continued her commitment to the organization as the External Liaison, working on the CARE Bill. She was instrumental in helping direct the content of that bill and lobbying in Washington, DC. She believed so strongly in the need for this bill that she never let up or gave up—much like she approached her own life.

When the Gold Medal Lecture was instituted, it was a way for AVIR to honor someone who made a significant contribution to the organization, and there was no one more deserving than Shari. Her dedication, commitment, and passion for our field and for AVIR cannot be matched. It is a fitting tribute to name the Gold Medal Award in her honor.

Several years ago, AVIR presented this honor to Shari, and she was deeply touched. In fact, to quote Shari, “This means the world to me.” The first annual Shari Ullman Gold Medal Award was presented at our 19th Annual Meeting in San Diego. Unfortunately, Shari passed away before she could present the first Gold Medal Award named in her honor. However, Shari’s family was able to attend the first presentation of the Shari Ullman Gold Medal Award, which was presented to Dr. John Aruny. A duplicate crystal was presented to her family that first year.

Prior Award Recipients

2026 — Dr. Aaron Fritts
2025 — Dr. Mark Lessne
2024 — Dr. Kumar Madassery
2023 — Dr. Bob Dixon
2022 — Dr. Ziv Haskal
2021 — Dr. Janice Newsome
2019 — Dr. Kieran Murphy
2018 — Dr. Wael Saad
2017 — Dr. John Fritz Angle
2016 — Dr. Michael Dake
2015 — Dr. Jafar Golzarian
2014 — Dr. Barry Katzen
2013 — Dr. Gary Siskin
2012 — Dr. Alan Matsumoto
2011 — Dr. Buddy Connors
2010 — Dr. Wayne Yakes
2009 — Dr. John Aruny
2008 — Dr. David Hunter
2008 — Mary Kaye O’Brien
2007 — Dr. Donald Denny
2006 — Carol Mascioli
2005 — Dr. Brian Stainken
2004 — Dr. Sehan Senler
2003 — Thomas Burke
2002 — Dr. Curtis Bakal

Each year at our Annual Meeting, we honor Shari Ullman and her contributions to our society by presenting this award to our keynote speaker. Shari’s dedication to our field continues to inspire all of us to be better.

AVIR Leadership agrees that a fitting way to honor Shari’s many contributions to AVIR is to establish a scholarship for a deserving active member to attend the Annual Meeting. Although much planning remains to be done, an initial approach has been suggested. Technologists wishing to participate would submit an essay based on specific criteria (topic to be determined), which would be reviewed by a committee. The selected technologist would have all expenses paid to attend the Annual Meeting. These expenses would include registration for the AVIR Annual Meeting, coach airfare, and four nights of hotel accommodations.

The Shari Ullman Scholarship Fund had its initial kickoff at the 20th Annual Meeting in San Diego. Many contributors have come forward, and we had hoped to begin awarding this scholarship last year; however, the funds in the Foundation were not sufficient to support it at that time. Please help us fulfill Shari’s vision by making a donation. With your support, we can award this scholarship and send deserving active members to future AVIR Annual Scientific Meetings.

Donations to the Shari Ullman Foundation can be made through the link below. Your support is greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any AVIR Board member.

Izzy Ramaswamy Professional Development Scholarship Application

Izzy Ramaswamy, MS, RT(R)(CV)
AVIR Past President

Thank you for your interest in the Izzy Ramaswamy Professional Development Scholarship.

The Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers has been a powerful advocate for the special interests and concerns of healthcare professionals working in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. The AVIR has recognized the financial need for our current members and non-members within our field.

The Izzy Ramaswamy Professional Development Scholarship is in honor of our colleague, AVIR member, past AVIR President and friend. Mr. Ramaswamy has dedicated his career and personal time to the Interventional Radiology profession for many years and for that AVIR would like to continue his legacy with offering a scholarship in his name.

The Award of Excellence is presented annually by the AVIR to one outstanding Interventional Radiographer each year at our annual meeting. The prestige of this award lies in the fact that the winner is nominated by his or her peers. This person represents the best of all we stand for as professionals, colleagues, and patient care advocates. If you know someone that stands out and should be recognized for going the extra mile each and every time please fill out the application on their behalf.The application does not have to be completed by an AVIR member, but by anyone who feels that the nominee goes above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrates a dedication to his or her job and profession.

The recipient of this award will be honored at our annual meeting each year and featured in our Annual Meeting Newsletter. Additionally, their registration fee for the conference and accommodations will be waived. The recipient of this award will be announced in February, and all submissions are due by January 1 each year.

Prior Years Award Winners

The Award of Excellence is presented annually by the AVIR to one outstanding Interventional Radiographer each year at our annual meeting. The prestige of this award lies in the fact that the winner is nominated by his or her peers. This person represents the best of all we stand for as professionals, colleagues, and patient care advocates. If you know someone that stands out and should be recognized for going the extra mile each and every time please fill out the application on their behalf. The application does not have to be completed by an AVIR member, but by anyone who feels that the nominee goes above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrates a dedication to his or her job and profession.

The recipient of this award will be honored at our annual meeting, and featured in our Annual Meeting Newsletter. Additionally, their registration fee for the conference and accommodations will be waived. The recipient of this award will be announced in February each year. All submissions are due by January 1 each year.