Being recognized by your peers is quite an accomplishment, and an honor that two members of the Department of Medicine were recently garnered.

Jesse Roman, M.D., FACP, FACCP, and Lisa Hatter, RN, were recognized by University of Louisville President Dr. James Ramsey at the university's annual Outstanding Performance Awards held at the University Club.

Jesse Roman, M.D.

Roman, Chairman of the UofL Department of Medicine, was awarded the first-ever Supervisor of the Year award given by the university.

"It is great that you have created this award because it gives me the opportunity to show my appreciation for people like Dr. Roman," Ramsey said."

Ramsey also noted that since arriving at UofL in 2009, Dr. Roman has established a thriving mentor program, advanced women and minorities and recruited faculty who have established new initiatives in lung health, congestive heart failure and gastrointestinal motility.

His department totals the largest amount of research dollars at UofL ($33 million) and his own laboratory is one of the most well-funded.

He frequently refers to the department as "family," and makes it a point to get to know everyone as an individual. His door is always open for students, visitors, faculty and others despite a chaotic schedule that includes overseeing 10 division chiefs and up to 30 direct reports.

He also makes time to provide health care to patients with lung disease at the Health Care Outpatient center and at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Dr. Roman encourages his employees to support their families first and work second. He never promises what he cannot deliver, said one nominator, who added, "I always feel that we are headed in the right direction."

Lisa Hatter, RN

Hatter, a senior nurse coordinator for liver research, was honored with an Outstanding Performance Award.

In recognizing Hatter, Ramsey noted she has worked for more than 10 years in the office Liver Research Center/Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

She helps launch studies and performs the necessary follow-up with sponsors, contractors, regulatory personnel and the UofL institutional review board.

Hatter also founded an annual community event for the public on treatments for hepatitis C and other liver diseases.

Lisa's outstanding patient care has endeared her to patients, who inquire about her years after a trial has concluded.