The UMass Chan Medical School Women’s Faculty Committee formally recognized two standout Indian American faculty members for their exceptional contributions to medical education, clinical leadership, and professional development during its 26th annual awards ceremony at the Albert Sherman Center.
The May 21 event, hosted in collaboration with the Office of Faculty Affairs, highlighted outstanding female leaders who advance the core institutional missions of education, scientific research, and community health.
Dr. Pranoti Mandrekar, PhD, a professor of medicine, received the Outstanding Mentoring Award. Mandrekar is widely recognized across the Worcester campus for her sustained commitment to guiding the next generation of scientific researchers, medical professionals, and graduate students.
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Beyond her direct laboratory guidance, she helps lead the Research, Community, and Curriculum Exploration program at the medical school. In this capacity, she actively shapes the academic pipeline, supporting student research projects, structuring scholarly development, and ensuring that early-career scientists receive the institutional support necessary to thrive in complex biomedical fields.
Dr. Anindita Deb, MD, an associate professor of neurology, was awarded the Sarah Stone Excellence in Education Award. Deb serves as a co-chief of the Movement Disorders Division within the department of neurology and holds a key leadership role as a director for the Population, Community, and Global Health Pathway. This specialized educational track is designed to immerse medical students deeply in community health systems, public policy, and international clinical care models.
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Through her extensive leadership in global health initiatives, Deb serves as a primary faculty advisor for international medical education programs. These initiatives connect UMass Chan students directly to global health partner sites across the world.
Her work includes facilitating academic collaborations, supervising international student project placements, and fostering educational exchanges in India with prominent partner institutions, including Bhaikaka University and Shree Krishna Hospital in Anand, Gujarat.
The annual honors underscore the critical role these educators play in strengthening the medical school’s academic foundation, expanding global health pathways, and building sustainable mentorship networks that impact healthcare both locally and internationally.