Dr. Madhuri Nishtala, a general surgery resident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been honored with the 2026 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award from the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association for her exceptional mentorship.
In the demanding atmosphere of a surgical ward, the gap between a seasoned resident and a medical student can often seem vast. However, for Dr. Madhuri Nishtala, a general surgery resident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this gap represents an opportunity for her most impactful work.
Nishtala has recently been awarded the 2026 Outstanding Resident Teaching Award by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA). This prestigious honor, determined by student votes, recognizes a clinician who transcends the operating room to cultivate the next generation of physicians.
The award highlights Nishtala’s distinctive approach to clinical education, characterized by her empathetic teaching style. One student remarked, “Dr. Nishtala made me feel comfortable from my first day,” emphasizing how she prioritizes student well-being alongside their clinical training. Whether guiding students through the intricacies of a basic procedural stitch or supporting them during the challenging residency application process, Nishtala meets each student at their individual level of need.
Her identity as an Indian American immigrant has significantly shaped her perspective on medicine and advocacy. Nishtala, who moved to the United States and grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, has candidly discussed the contradictions of witnessing healthcare professionals celebrated while systemic inequities persist.
“As an immigrant, most of my family is back in India,” she has shared, noting that her cultural heritage fuels her commitment to social justice within the medical field.
This dedication extends to her academic pursuits. Currently, under the mentorship of Dr. Ben Zarzaur, Nishtala is engaged in an NIH-funded fellowship that investigates how financial hardships impact health outcomes for injured patients. This focus on health equity resonates with her personal mission to advocate for vulnerable populations.
Nishtala’s journey to the University of Wisconsin is marked by academic excellence, including an undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, which she obtained in 2018.
Apart from her medical career, Nishtala is a multifaceted artist, participating in slam poetry, pottery, and painting. These creative outlets provide a necessary balance to the demands of surgical training.
The Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association, established in 1956, supports a network of over 8,000 alumni and students. By honoring Nishtala, the association has recognized a physician who perceives teaching not merely as an ancillary duty but as an essential aspect of healing. As one student aptly noted, wherever Nishtala’s career takes her next, that institution will be “lucky to have her.”
According to The American Bazaar, Nishtala’s recognition reflects her profound impact on medical education and her unwavering commitment to her students and the community.