Dr. Ankit Chalia named 2024-2025 Eastern Campus Educator of the Year by students

Ankit Chalia, M.D., has been voted the 2024-2025 Eastern Campus Educator of the Year by students on the West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Eastern Campus.

At the conclusion of each academic year, third-year medical students vote for a faculty member whom they believe exemplifies the ideal teaching physician, possessing all of the qualities of an outstanding educator in a clinical setting.

Dr. Chalia, who joined WVU in 2021, is an assistant professor for the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry on the eastern campus.

In their nominations, students cited Chalia’s approachability and the open and warm learning environment he cultivates during his psychiatry rotations. Several students noted his willingness to help them learn by being available for questions and support both inside and outside of clinical hours.

Chalia expressed his gratitude to students for honoring him with this award, saying their engagement and growth continue to be one of the most meaningful aspects of his role as a teaching physician.

"Being recognized by the students I serve is truly humbling,” Chalia said. “It reminds me of Gandhi’s words: 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.' In teaching, I’ve found that service flows both ways—our students inspire, challenge and teach us in return."

Prior to joining WVU, Chalia completed the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is a 2019 graduate of the Psychiatry Residency Program at Texas Tech University.

Other Eastern Campus faculty members nominated by students included Frank Collins, M.D., Kevin Hurtt, M.D., Jan Kletter, M.D., and Ryan Miller, D.O.

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