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Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Alumni of the Year Awards
2026 Award Recipients
Honor Medallion – Richard M. Evans, DPM '71, and Katherine B. Evans
Alumni of the Year – Daniel J. Hatch, DPM '78
Daniel J. Hatch, DPM '78, FACFAS, is the 2026 Scholl College Alumni of the Year Award recipient. Dr. Hatch earned his bachelor of science in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before completing his doctor of podiatric medicine degree at Scholl College. He completed his residency training at Highlands Center Hospital in Denver, Colorado, which included specialized orthopedic rotations at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center.
Board certified by both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM), Dr. Hatch delivered over four decades of compassionate, expert patient care in private practice in Greeley, Colorado, prior to his retirement from clinical practice in January 2025.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hatch has remained deeply committed to training the next generation of surgeons. From 2007 through 2025, he served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Surgery at Scholl College. He founded the podiatric residency program at North Colorado Medical Center in 2001, serving as director of podiatric medical education and later as surgical director through 2025. In these roles, he helped train hundreds of Scholl College students and young alumni.
Dr. Hatch's leadership extends across state and national levels, including as current section editor of The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Adult Reconstruction Rearfoot and Ankle); former president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), 2007–2008; and former president of the International Foot and Ankle Foundation (IFAF), 2025–2027.
His global humanitarian work includes regular service as an attending surgeon for the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project, as well as formal certification in the Ponseti technique for non-surgical clubfoot management. A true visionary in surgical technology, Dr. Hatch holds nine U.S. patents for advanced orthopedic systems — including key patents driving modern triplanar correction techniques (Lapiplasty) — and designed the GaitWay subtalar arthroereisis system.
Over the course of his career, he has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, textbook chapters, and scientific studies in leading publications, such as The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Foot & Ankle International, and Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. A sought-after international lecturer, he has delivered hundreds of scientific presentations and hands-on surgical skills workshops worldwide. Dr. Hatch was the 2013 recipient of the International Foot and Ankle Foundation's Dr. G. Dock Dockery Special Achievement Award.
Early Career Achievement – Laura Shin, DPM '14, PhD, '12
Laura Shin, DPM '14, PhD '12, is the 2026 Scholl College Early Career Achievement Alumni Award recipient. Dr. Shin is a reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon specializing in limb salvage and amputation prevention, running an NIH-funded translational basic science laboratory focusing on Charcot neuroarthropathy at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. She also serves as associate professor of surgery in the Keck School’s department of vascular surgery and program director of education for the Limb Salvage Fellowship. She completed a dual DPM and PhD with a research focus on the endogenous stem cell niche and healing deficiencies in diabetic and aging populations at Scholl College, followed by a residency and fellowship in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and limb salvage at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Shin’s early doctoral work on autologous stem cell dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes earned prestigious recognition, including the American Diabetes Association Young Investigator Award and an F1000 Prime endorsement. She was the first DPM/PhD candidate to receive the ADA’s Clinician Scientist Training grant for her work with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in non-healing wounds, and she received the inaugural Young Investigator Award from the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine.
Other career highlights include serving as principal investigator on a landmark NIH/NIAMS R21 grant developing novel imaging probes for early detection of Charcot neuroarthropathy, alongside active participation in major NIDDK-funded clinical research networks; chairwoman of the ADA Foot Care Council and editorial board member for the ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes; and author of dozens of peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters in Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery and UpToDate. She also serves as course director for global clinical conferences, including DFCon and international cadaver labs.
Dr. Shin mentors dozens of undergraduate, medical, doctoral and postgraduate vascular fellows, helping shape the next generation of surgeons and researchers. She is also a recipient of the ADA Leadership Award, the Keck Medicine Etz Chaim Milgrom Tree of Life Award for Compassionate Care, and the Gold Star Clinician Award.
Today, Dr. Shin’s research focuses on stem cell regeneration, novel diagnostic biomarkers and surgical offloading techniques to prevent amputations and improve quality of life for vulnerable patient populations. Beyond the clinic and laboratory, she is an active community volunteer and advocate for local youth STEM programs.
2025 Award Recipients
Alumni of the Year - Alan Ng, DPM '98
Alan Ng, DPM, '98, FACFAS, is the 2025 Scholl College Alumni of the Year Award recipient. Dr. Ng completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder before earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency and a fellowship in foot/ankle surgery from the Harris County Podiatric Surgical Residency Program in Houston, Texas. Now a leading specialist at Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, Dr. Ng focuses on Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery and Trauma.
Dr. Ng's commitment to patient outcomes extends to his work as a consultant and designer of surgical equipment. Collaborating with multiple surgical companies, including Stryker Foot and Ankle/Sports Medicine, Restore 3D, and Paragon 28/Additive Orthopedics, he leverages new technology to refine surgical techniques and improve patient care.
Early Career Achievement - David M. Schweibish, DPM '15
David M. Schweibish, DPM '15, MBA, DABPM, is the 2025 Scholl College Early Career Achievement Award recipient. He is a podiatric physician, entrepreneur, and strategist recognized for driving innovation and advancing the specialty of podiatric medicine to new heights.
Demonstrating an early commitment to education, mentorship, and organized medicine at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, he was elected Student Dean and President of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Students’ Association — experiences that laid the foundation for a career defined by passionate trailblazing and professional engagement. While a Scholl College student, he also helped establish RFU's INSPIRE Program, an eight-week mentoring, research and academic preparation program designed to build the pathway for Lake County students pursuing higher education in the fields of science and biomedical research.
Dr. Schweibish combined his medical training with a business background to create Coast + Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists, a thriving multi-location practice in Florida built on innovation, hospitality, and patient-focused care.
2024 Award Recipients
Alumni of the Year - Dyane E. Tower, DPM '09
Dyane E. Tower, DPM '09, MPH, MS, CAE earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She went on to earn Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degrees from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her residency training in Greeley, Colorado at North Colorado Medical Center. After residency, Dr. Tower continued her education at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice as the APMA/TDI Public Health Fellow where she earned her Master of Public Health degree. After completing her education and training, Dr. Tower taught at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and practiced in northern Illinois, and then transitioned to a surgical podiatrist position at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire prior to taking on a full-time role with the American Podiatric Medical Association where she serves as Senior Medical Director and Director of Clinical Affairs. Her primary roles at APMA include collecting data, managing research, and cultivating relationships with other entities for the benefit of the podiatric profession.
Early Achievement Award - Rachel H. Albright, DPM '15
Rachel Albright, DPM '15, graduated from the William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 2015 and completed her residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center/Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago, IL. After residency, she pursued the APMA/TDI fellowship and earned a Master of Public Health from Dartmouth College and currently serves on the admissions committee for the program. She practices in Stamford, CT as a member of Stamford Health Medical group. She serves as the only Podiatrist on the Board of Directors for Stamford Health Medical Group which governs over 150 physicians of all specialties. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association. She currently holds a lecturer role at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and serves as a mentor to students in the NIH Summer Research Program. She serves as an instructor for the AO North America Surgical Skills Course for DPMs. She is a section editor for the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery and Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and serves on national committees for both the American Podiatric Medical Association and for the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
2023 Award Recipients
Honor Medallion - Bruce R. Lawrence, DPM '67
Dr. Bruce Lawrence is a renowned podiatric surgeon and inventor who helped pave the way for podiatry residency programs in California for more than half a century. He has been instrumental in advocating for the advancement of podiatrists and helping them team up with orthopedic surgeons to provide the highest quality care for patients.
Dr. Lawrence mentored thousands of podiatric medical students as the former co-director of the podiatric surgical residency program at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton as well as past attending physician at Hillside Hospital’s Podiatric Surgery Residency Program.
Dr. Lawrence invented seven implants and one device for surgery and rehab of the foot. He received an honorary doctor of science degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1989.
His many professional affiliations include Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Distinguished Practitioner Emeritus, National Academies of Practice, American Podiatric Medical Association and the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA). He is the past president of the San Diego Podiatric Medical Society.
He has received countless awards during his illustrious career, including the CPMA Distinguished Service Award; CPMA California Podiatric Physician of the Year; CPMA Legacy Award; and the Lifetime Achievement Award and Podiatrist of the Year from the San Diego Podiatric Medical Society.
Alumnus of the Year - Patrick R. Burns, DPM '00
Dr. Patrick Burns joined WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital in West Virginia in 2023. He spent most of his career at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he was an assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery. Previously, he was director of the UPMC Mercy Hospital podiatric medicine and surgery residency and foot and ankle trauma and reconstructive fellowship, graduating more than 100 physicians across the country.
He plans to continue fellowship training and start a new residency in his new role at WVU.
Dr. Burns earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with honors in biological sciences. He then graduated summa cum laude from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago in 2000. He returned to the University of Pittsburgh to complete his surgical residency, and in 2006, Dr. Burns joined the Foot and Ankle Division of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Burns spent years participating in local, state, and national committees and associations, including the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association Board of Directors, the American Podiatric Medical Association Education Committee and many others.
Dr. Burns is board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and a diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Burns is the associate editor of the surgical section of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and on the editorial board of several other publications. He has written articles and book chapters on foot and ankle surgery and lectures across the country. Dr. Burns has been named to the “Most Influential” doctors of podiatric medicine across the country twice and has been given the “Distinguished Service Award” by the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association for his work in education.
His interests include complex foot and ankle deformity and preservation techniques. He has extensive experience with complex foot and ankle surgery, revision surgery, fracture care, Charcot neuroarthropathy and limb preservation. He was recently trained and made a faculty member of AO North America, training others on proper use of internal fixation and has been on the forefront of emerging techniques and technology such as the use of external fixation, ankle joint replacement, and the use of patient specific custom 3D implants.
Early Achievement Award - Rebecca Sundling, DPM '13
Dr. Rebecca Sundling grew up in Plainwell, Michigan. After undergoing foot surgery in middle school, she decided to pursue podiatry as a career due to its combination of medical and surgical treatments and the variety of issues she could treat.
She attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, studying sociology, before coming to Scholl College in the fall of 2009. After graduating from Scholl College in 2013, Dr. Sundling completed residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, and then was awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association/Dartmouth Institute Public Health Fellowship. She finished her master’s degree in public health in 2017 and then returned home to Michigan to start practice.
In 2019, Dr. Sundling was appointed to the APMA Board of Trustees as the young physician Liaison and then was elected as the first ever Young Physician Trustee in 2020, a position she still holds. During her tenure on the board, Dr. Sundling has directed young physician programming for the organization, including the new Emerging Leaders Program. Dr. Sundling is board certified by both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and currently practices at Foot and Ankle Specialists of West Michigan, a division of Weil Foot and Ankle.
2022 Award Recipients
Alumnus of the Year - Gregory T. Amarantos, DPM '82
Dr. Greg Amarantos is a past president of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association, and a leader in podiatric medicine. A founding partner and member of the management team of Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, as well as a former director of the podiatric residency program at Swedish Covenant Hospital and a member of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Licensing Board, Dr. Amarantos has stayed closely involved with his alma mater. He has generously supported the mission of Scholl Collee and Rosalind Franklin University. Dr. Lowell Weil Jr., a past recipient of the Honor Medallion and Alumnus of Year awards, aptly characterized Dr. Amarantos’ contributions to the profession when he said, “Greg is what is right about Podiatry in so many ways. He is passionate about the profession and all that it entails. He is extremely dedicated to his patients and always looking for a better way to provide an exceptional patient experience. Without people like Greg, the profession would not have advanced the way it has. He is an incredibly worthy recipient of this honor.”
Early Achievement Award - Katherine Dux, DPM '07
Dr. Katherine Dux is the inaugural recipient of the Early Career Achievement Award for attaining early distinction that proudly reflects the power of a Scholl College education.
A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Dr. Dux graduated from Scholl College in 2007. She returned to Loyola University Medical Center to complete a podiatric surgical residency, where she served as chief resident. Today she serves as an associate professor in Loyola’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation and as the director of the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program. She is also a podiatric surgeon in the Department of Surgery, Division of Podiatry at Hines VA.
Along with many publications, manuscripts, lectures and poster presentations, Dr. Dux is a reviewer for The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery; a judge for the Annual AFCAS Poster Exhibit Competition; and an ambassador for the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.