GRMC’s Dr. Shadia Constantine Named 2026 Preceptor of the Year

GRMC’s Dr. Shadia Constantine Named 2026 Preceptor of the Year for Dedication to Training Future Physicians

(Friday, October 30, 2026; Dededo, Guam) – Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is proud to celebrate another remarkable achievement for Shadia Constantine, MD, MPH, MSc, FACP, Internal Medicine Hospitalist and Director of Medical Education, who has been named the 2026 Preceptor of the Year – Guam by the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) at Arkansas State University. This latest honor follows her recognition as GRMC’s 2025 Physician of the Year, further highlighting her dedication to providing exceptional patient care and mentoring the next generation of physicians.

The recognition honors Dr. Constantine’s dedication to teaching, mentoring, and guiding medical students as they prepare to become future physicians, with a special emphasis on developing compassionate healthcare professionals who embody the principles of servant leadership.

The award was presented by Dr. Shane Speights, Dean of NYITCOM at Arkansas State University, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The ceremony was held during a special brunch welcoming NYITCOM’s newest group of student physicians to Guam and recognizing the island’s physicians who dedicate their time to medical education.

A preceptor is an experienced healthcare professional who teaches and mentors students in real clinical settings, helping them apply what they have learned in the classroom to caring for actual patients. Rather than learning solely through textbooks and lectures, students work alongside physicians like Dr. Constantine, gaining firsthand experience, developing their clinical skills, and learning what it truly means to care for others.

When asked about receiving the recognition, Dr. Constantine reflected on her journey as an educator and expressed her appreciation for the physicians across Guam who share her commitment to mentoring future generations.

“I was humbled, and honestly a little surprised. My first thought was of my colleagues. This recognition belongs to the whole team of physician preceptors at GRMC and across the island who open their practices to students every day. I was also reminded that my own path as a teacher was not a straight line. For much of my career, I was unsure of my clinical skills and even more unsure of my teaching. So, to be recognized by the students and by NYITCOM means a great deal,” Dr. Constantine shared.

Since joining GRMC in 2017, Dr. Constantine has been recognized for her commitment to patient care and medical education. She has taught more than 30 visiting medical students at GRMC since 2018, building on her experience in medical education dating back to 2008.

As GRMC’s Director of Medical Education, Dr. Constantine helps coordinate clinical training opportunities for medical students and works closely with fellow physician preceptors across Guam. Since GRMC began welcoming NYITCOM student physicians in August 2025, she has helped introduce students to the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by patients on Guam and throughout Micronesia.

During their rotations at GRMC, students work alongside Dr. Constantine in caring for hospitalized patients, learning how to evaluate medical conditions, discuss diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. Beyond medical knowledge, she emphasizes the importance of compassion, communication, cultural awareness, and treating each patient as an individual.

“I hope they learn to see the person behind every diagnosis. Our patients have families, cultures and life stories that shape their health and their choices, and good care starts with listening,” Dr. Constantine emphasized.

Providing medical students with opportunities to train on Guam also plays an important role in strengthening the island’s healthcare workforce. For an island where recruiting and retaining physicians remains important to the future of healthcare, these experiences can make a lasting difference. Students who build connections with Guam during their training may one day choose to return and practice here, helping strengthen access to medical care for future generations.

“Teaching keeps all of us sharp. When students ask questions, we review the evidence, stay current, and reflect on how we practice. That benefits every patient,” Dr. Constantine shared.

These efforts support GRMC’s broader commitment to expanding medical education, including plans to establish a three-year Internal Medicine Residency Program targeted to begin in Summer 2028. The planned program aims to create opportunities for physicians to complete their specialized training on Guam while helping address the island’s long-term healthcare needs.

For Dr. Constantine, receiving the Preceptor of the Year Award represents more than an individual achievement. It is an opportunity to highlight Guam’s growing role in medical education and the collective efforts of healthcare professionals investing in the next generation.

“It shows that Guam can offer meaningful, high-quality clinical education. I hope it helps more schools, students and physicians see Guam and the Pacific as a place to learn, teach and build their careers,” adds Dr. Constantine.

GRMC proudly congratulates Dr. Constantine on this well-deserved recognition and extends its appreciation to the physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals who continue to share their knowledge and expertise with future generations. Her achievement reflects GRMC’s continued commitment to advancing medical education and building a stronger future for healthcare on Guam and throughout Micronesia.

For more information, visit https://www.grmc.gu

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For more information, please contact:

Krystal ‘Krys’ Ramos
Marketing Communications & Analytics Specialist
Email: krystalmae.ramos@grmc.gu