Dr. Smigel was honored to receive the 2026 Distinguished Educator Award at the Annual Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation (HHPF) Conference in recognition of her dedication to teaching, advancing prolotherapy, and supporting the global regenerative medicine community.
The award recognizes:
“In recognition of your extraordinary dedication to teaching and educational excellence in the field of prolotherapy. Your contributions have had a profound impact on your students, colleagues, the HHPF, and the prolotherapy community around the world.”
A Reflection on Teaching, Learning, and Gratitude
As I reflect on that evening and continue to bask in the pride of receiving this award, I feel deeply humbled and grateful. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation and the regenerative medicine community.
Throughout my journey, one of the greatest joys has been the opportunity to travel, teach, share what I have learned, and continue learning from others. Some of my most important teachers have been our patients—our silent teachers—who remind us every day of the importance of listening, compassion, and lifelong learning.
I hope to continue encouraging my colleagues and young physicians, especially women physicians, to believe that nothing can stop them when they are passionate about what they do. Teaching has given me the opportunity not only to share knowledge but also to learn from the experiences, questions, and perspectives of others. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that values collaboration, curiosity, and the advancement of patient care.
Honoring the Mentors Who Paved the Way
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the mentors who guided me throughout my career. Through their generosity, they taught me the importance of sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and approaching both ourselves and our patients with compassion.
Their example made it possible for me to continue a tradition of teaching and service exemplified by Dr. Jeff Patterson, Dr. Carl Osborn, Dr. John Lyftogt, Dr. Howie Rosen, Dr. Dean Reeves, and Dr. David Rabago. Their contributions to prolotherapy and the broader medical community have helped inspire generations of physicians to keep learning, teaching, and improving the care we provide.
I am equally grateful to the many colleagues and friends I have met along the way. Your encouragement, generosity, and support have lifted me throughout the years, and I would not be where I am today without the relationships and shared experiences that have shaped this journey.
Looking Ahead
Although receiving the 2026 Distinguished Educator Award is a milestone I will always treasure, I know this journey is far from over. I still have so much energy and enthusiasm to continue learning, teaching, and serving this remarkable community.
I look forward to continuing to share knowledge, support the next generation of physicians, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of prolotherapy and regenerative medicine.
Thank you to the Hackett Hemwall Patterson Foundation, my mentors, my colleagues, my friends, and my patients for being such an important part of this journey. I am truly honored and grateful.
