Each year, Nevada Business Magazine recognizes Healthcare Heroes, individuals in the health care industry honored for their efforts and contributions. Since its first issue focused on health care in 1986, Nevada Business Magazine has published business news every month, from healthcare and education to sports and mining. Featuring executives and experts in their respective fields, the publication continues to celebrate leaders in the state.

This year, faculty member Gillian Moritz, Ph.D. was selected for the 2025 Educator Healthcare Hero Award. The recipient of the award is recognized as an excellent teacher of future health care professionals, and who is admired by students and peers. Moritz serves as associate professor in physiology and cell biology, teaching gross anatomy, neuroanatomy and embryology to students pursing medical education and physician assistant studies. She is recognized for her positive impact on students entering the medical field, and also serves as a course director, content director and curriculum leader for UNR Med.

“In our anatomy curriculum, we set a very high bar, and I think our students would attest to that,” said Moritz. “Ultimately, we believe that mastering this material will make them better clinicians. But beyond knowledge, anatomy also carries a hidden curriculum: every time students enter the lab, they are reminded of the generosity of those who donated their bodies. We hope this experience helps shape their ethos as future physicians, instilling humility, respect and a sense of responsibility toward their patients.”

Moritz was awarded the E.W. Richardson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023, the highest teaching honor awarded at UNR Med. In 2024, Moritz achieved tenure at the school along with her promotion to associate professor.

“Educators play a critical role in meeting Nevada’s health care workforce needs,” said Moritz. “Our responsibility is not only to train the next generation of providers but also to help young people across the state see themselves in these careers. For example, we host anatomy lab tours for high school and rural students – many with deep roots in Nevada. When they see a path for themselves in healthcare, they’re more likely to stay and serve their communities – something Nevada needs greatly.”

Before joining the faculty at UNR Med, Moritz taught at Duke University, Humboldt State University and Santa Clara University in a variety of subjects spanning from anthropology to anatomy.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Healthcare Hero,” said Moritz. “Personally, it makes me feel even more connected to the Northern Nevada community. Professionally, it’s humbling to join the company of mentors and colleagues I admire — many of whom have also received this award. To be counted among them is both meaningful and motivating.”

Other UNR Med honorees in 2025 include Michelle Chu, M.D., instructor and board-certified general surgeon at Renown Health, and Lacy Fettic, M.D., a UNR Med alumna who serves as medical director of rural health at Humboldt General Hospital in California.

Educators at UNR Med have a long history of being recognized as Healthcare Heroes, with awardees honored annually for nearly 20 years.

“I hope to make a difference by continuing to bring emerging technologies into our curriculum,” said Moritz. “For example, the advances in portable ultrasound devices have transformed bedside medicine, and I want our students to be comfortable and confident using this tool early in their training. Similarly, technologies like AR/VR and robotic-assisted surgery are becoming an important part of modern healthcare, and anatomy provides a natural lens through which to incorporate aspects of these innovations. Preparing students to engage with these tools ensures they are ready not just for today’s practice, but for tomorrow’s as well.”