Nichole G. Zehnder, MD

2024 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient

Since joining the faculty in 2020, Nichole G. Zehnder, MD, has built impactful programs that support the mentorship and sponsorship of medical students through her roles in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Internal Medicine, and within WashU Medicine’s Office of Education. She has spearheaded the Gateway Curriculum’s coaching program and longitudinal faculty development programs, which include ongoing mentorship and coaching support. Students and faculty alike have expressed their love of this cycle of support as it provides critical infrastructure and flexibility, necessary as the curriculum evolves and as the instability of our world continues. Zehnder also leads the Student Success Team, a group of individuals highly trained in support for learners who are struggling in their academic or personal lives. She has given selflessly of her time to support struggling residents and faculty as well. As noted in her nomination, “We all need someone to lend a hand when we are down, and Nichole exemplifies this in all she does. Moreover, through her work, she has fostered a culture of mentorship, sponsorship and support within the School of Medicine.” Zehnder is committed to training the next generation of leaders in biomedicine and creating environments where learning occurs deliberately and experientially.