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Bloomington Today
By the People, for the People
Indian American Surgeon Wins Top Teaching Award
Madhuri Nishtala recognized for exceptional mentorship and dedication to medical student education.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:20am
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A celebrated medical educator's passion for mentorship shines through in her innovative teaching style.Bloomington TodayDr. Madhuri Nishtala, a general surgery resident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was recently named the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA). The honor, voted on by students, highlights Nishtala's unique approach to clinical instruction defined by empathy and a commitment to supporting the next generation of doctors.
Why it matters
Nishtala's recognition underscores the importance of mentorship and advocacy in medical education, particularly for underrepresented minority students. Her background as an Indian American immigrant has shaped her perspective on healthcare equity, which she brings to both her teaching and research.
The details
Nishtala's students praise her teaching style for making them feel comfortable and supported from their first day, whether mastering procedures or navigating the residency application process. Currently, she is pursuing an NIH-funded fellowship exploring how financial hardships affect health outcomes for injured patients, mirroring her personal mission to support the vulnerable.
- Nishtala was recently named the 2026 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award recipient by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association.
The players
Madhuri Nishtala
A general surgery resident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who was recognized for her exceptional mentorship and dedication to medical student education.
Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA)
An organization established in 1956 that serves a network of over 8,000 alumni and students, and selected Nishtala for the Outstanding Resident Teaching Award.
Dr. Ben Zarzaur
Nishtala's mentor, with whom she is pursuing an NIH-funded fellowship exploring how financial hardships affect health outcomes for injured patients.
The takeaway
Nishtala's recognition highlights the importance of empathetic mentorship and a commitment to healthcare equity in medical education, particularly for underrepresented minority students. Her background and interdisciplinary pursuits have shaped her unique approach to supporting the next generation of doctors.
