September 2026 Experts Highlights & Announcements

Harper selected as the 2026 Michigan Family Physician of the Year 

Diane Harper, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., professor of family medicine, has been selected as the Michigan Family Physician of the Year 2026 by the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP). The award honors physicians who exemplify the tradition and contributions of the family physician to the continuing health of Michigan residents. Recipients are selected annually from nominations submitted by MAFP members and the public. Harper has also been honored as the inaugural 2026 Kansas University School of Medicine (KUSOM) Distinguished Alumni Award winner. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alum who has made a significant impact in their field through dedicated patient care, research, and/or teaching. 

Mathis receives award from American Society of Anesthesiologists 

Michael Mathis, M.D., is the recipient of the 2026 American Society of Anesthesiologists James E. Cottrell, M.D., Presidential Scholar Award. Mathis’ research aims to advance perioperative outcomes, translating electronic health record data into actionable insights that improve care for patients undergoing major surgery. Mathis joins other IHPI members who received this award, including Mark Bicket, M.D., Ph.D. (2025), Karsten Bartels, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. (2023), Chad Brummett, M.D. (2017), and Sachin Kheterpal, M.D., M.B.A. (2013).

Reeves receives award from the American Society of Hematology

Sarah L. Reeves, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics, was selected by the American Society of Hematology to receive the ASH Award for Research Careers in Hematology. This award provides $150,000 in funding to independent investigators conducting hematology-focused research.