The Sarver Heart Center proudly participated in the Department of Medicine’s Education Awards Ceremony, held on April 29, 2025, at the Arizona Inn. Cardiology awards were presented by Hesham Sadek, MD, PhD, Professor and Division Chief of Cardiology, Director of the Sarver Heart Center, and the Allan C. Hudson & Helen Lovaas Endowed Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine.
Zenas B. Noon, MD, Award of Excellence in Cardiology
This distinguished award honors the legacy of Dr. Zenas Noon, a University of Arizona alumnus and devoted physician who practiced medicine and general surgery in Nogales, Arizona, for nearly 50 years. Trained at Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Noon returned to serve his hometown with remarkable dedication - even continuing to care for patients after a heart attack in 1971 until his passing in 1981. His family established this award to recognize exceptional individuals in cardiology who reflect Dr. Noon’s lifelong service to medicine and community.
2025 Award Recipient: Jacob Ref
Jacob earned his undergraduate degree in Physiology with Honors from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He continued his medical training at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson through the Honors Early Admission Program. He recently matched at UC Irvine for internal medicine and plans to pursue a career in cardiology.
“Jacob, congratulations. Your achievements, dedication, and future goals truly reflect the values of this award.” – Dr. Hesham Sadek
Charles W. Hall Jr. & Virginia C. Hall Memorial Award
Established in memory of Charles W. Hall Jr., a passionate supporter of medical education and advocate for the University of Arizona College of Medicine, this award honors house officers in the Coronary Care Unit who exemplify clinical excellence, thoughtful decision-making, and compassionate patient care. Recipients are selected by cardiology faculty and fellows.
This year, we are proud to recognize not one, but three outstanding residents with this prestigious award:
2025 Award Recipients:
Dr. Ikeotunye (Ike) Chinyere
Dr. Chinyere earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He recently matched in cardiovascular disease fellowship at the University of Arizona.
“Being selected as a Hall awardee is a great honor, and I am grateful for the Hall family's commitment to Sarver Heart Center and to the training of future cardiovascular health leaders. Prior awardees are all high-achievers, and I am thankful to be counted among them.”
— Dr. Ike Chinyere
Dr. Hoang Nhat “Nelson” Pham
Dr. Pham completed medical school at the Università degli Studi di Milano in Italy and is currently a PGY-2 preparing to apply for fellowship programs.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Hall Memorial Award. My journey across countries and clinical settings has strengthened my commitment to cardiology. The mentorship and support I’ve received at the University of Arizona have profoundly shaped me, and this recognition inspires me to strive for excellence in patient care and cardiovascular research.”
— Dr. Nelson Pham
Dr. Mateo “Matthew” Arnel Ibarrola Mendoza
Dr. Mendoza completed his undergraduate studies at Vassar College and received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He recently matched in Pulmonary Critical Care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
“Each of you has demonstrated extraordinary skill, compassion, and professionalism in the Coronary Care Unit. You represent the very best of our training programs, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish. Congratulations to each of our awardees!” – Dr. Hesham Sadek
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients. Your dedication, compassion, and excellence embody the spirit and mission of the Sarver Heart Center.