The Gold Medal Award and Scholarship Foundation In Honor of Shari Ullman

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 old fight with breast cancer. In 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 school teacher but found her true passion in the field of Interventional Radiology. She was a dedicated compassionate and caring technologist who always kept her patient’s and their needs at the focus of everything she did. As many of us moved onto 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 that knew her, she touched the lives of many with her spirit, as a friend, a colleague, and a dedicated advocate of her profession. AVIR leadership was lucky to have her and we would like share her memory with you through this well earned and deserved honor.

Professionally, Shari was a founding member of the AVIR and played several key roles over many years. She held positions of Sec / 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 in. She believed in her profession and this organization. Those of us who spent many years on the Board with Shari often saw her spunky, unwavering beliefs in action. Those of us in that Board Meeting know Shari played the key role in ensuring the AVIR with had a strong foundation and financial stability. We spent many years writing By-Laws, Policy and Chapter manuals as well as Standards of Practice. Shari never let us forget them she could always be heard challenging a decision by quoting a by-law or policy and making sure that what we did was right and sound for the organization and our membership. During her years as Sec / treasurer things were much the same …as we branch out and grew there were times when we needed to spend money. Shari was relentless in her job 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 to direct the content of that bill and lobbying in Washington DC. She believed so strongly in the need for this bill she never let up or gave up…much like her own life.

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

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

Prior Years Award Winners

AVIR Leadership agrees that a fitting way to honor Shari’s many contributions to the AVIR would be to set-up a scholarship to be given to a deserving active member to attend the Annual Meeting. Although there is much planning to be done, an initial approach has been suggested. Technologists wanting to participate would submit an essay with specific criteria (topic to be determined) which would be reviewed by a committee. The technologist chosen would have all expenses paid to attend the Annual Meeting. The expenses would include registration to the AVIR Annual meeting, coach airfare and hotel for four nights. Shari Ullman Scholarship Fund had its initial kick-off at the 20th Annual Meeting in San Diego. Many contributors have come forward and we were  hoping to be able to start this last year to award this; however the funds in the Foundation would not support that at this time. Please help us fulfill this Scholarship by making your donation. With your donations we can award this scholarship and send deserving active members off to our next AVIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

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

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.

The AVIR Fellowship recognizes Interventional Radiographers who demonstrate a continuing pursuit of excellence in the IR profession. The commitment begins at the hospital level, moves on to the local AVIR chapter and escalates to your commitment at the national level. The application employs a point system to evaluate the contributions of the candidate in three areas: Personal qualifications (education, experience), contributions to the AVIR (national and local chapters), and contributions to the profession (other than AVIR). Once the minimum amount of points is reached, an application may be submitted to the Fellowship Committee for review.

Prior Year Award Winners

• 2018 Kristen Welch, RT, R, VI - MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
• 2014 Robert Sheridan
• 2012 Izzy Ramaswamy
• 2010 John Mancera
• 2009 Diane Koenigshofer
• 2009 Melissa Post
• 2008 Viki Allenbach
• 2007 Darlene Crocket
• 2006 Joni Schott
• 2005 Deborah Sepinski
• 2005 Bill Greear
• 2004 Leona Benson
• 2003 Sharon Misler
• 2003 Anita Bell
• 2002 Betty Ashdown
• 2001 James Matthews
• 2001 Karen Finnegan
• 2000 Michael Tom
• 1999 Sue Smith
• 1997 Kathi Clark
• 1997 Joyce Moses
• 1997 Meredith Gaiter Brown
• 1996 Shari Ullman
• 1996 Sherry Stefina
• 1996 Mary Kay O’Brien
• 1996 Carol Mascioli
• 1996 Tom Burke
• 1996 Dennis Bair