2026 Stritch Medalist

Ronald K. Potkul, MD, is a visionary leader and renowned expert in gynecologic oncology. He is known for an unwavering commitment to excellence and for grounding his clinical practice in integrity, compassion, and humility. Through his work in ovarian cancer research, he has advanced knowledge and treatment strategies that will improve and save lives for years to come. He leads by example and has been a mentor to generations of medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty members.  

For exemplifying Stritch’s mission, embodying Loyola’s commitment to service, and being a person for others in the Jesuit tradition, Dr. Potkul has been awarded the 2026 Stritch Medal. It is the school’s highest honor and is bestowed annually to an alumnus or faculty member who has made significant and meaningful contributions to the school and educating future physicians.

"Dr. Potkul is an outstanding surgeon, clinician, researcher, and educator, and is very deserving of the Stritch Medal thanks to his tireless dedication to academic medicine and surgery at Loyola,” said Stritch Dean Sam J. Marzo (MD ’91). 

Dr. Potkul said, "Receiving the Stritch Medal is truly humbling, especially when I reflect on the giants who have preceded me. Their achievements have always inspired me, and I am very proud to be part of this legacy."

Leading with purpose  

Dr. Potkul received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and also completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology there. He then completed a gynecologic oncology fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center. In 1992, Dr. Potkul joined Loyola where he built a career around clinical service, research, and education in gynecologic oncology.  

Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology Paula White, MD, FACOG, said “Dr. Potkul has devoted over 30 years of service to Loyola and Stritch. He has served as an advocate, mentor, and teacher for countless students, residents, fellows, and faculty. His unwavering commitment to the highest standards makes him a role model for excellence in surgical education. He is the standard by which all surgical educators in our department are measured, and we are all grateful to him for his decades of dedication.” 

During his 15 years as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Potkul led the department through a period of extraordinary growth and transformation, as well as during challenging times in the COVID-19 pandemic. He grew the department to more than 30 faculty members, significantly expanding the department’s clinical and academic reach. Under his steadfast leadership, the department became a nationally recognized academic enterprise, securing funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and dramatically increasing its annual scholarly publications.  

A person for others  

Dr. Potkul is an exceptionally skilled surgeon, compassionate clinician, and researcher who is a staunch advocate for excellence in patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. His contributions to clinical trials and cancer research have advanced knowledge and treatment strategies to help improve outcomes and advance treatment options. He has not only been committed to serving communities locally, but has also taken surgical mission trips to Guyana to help the underserved abroad. Throughout his career, he has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to medical education, faculty development, and mentorship. 

Margaret Liotta, DO, associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said, “Dr. Potkul exemplifies the Jesuit tradition through his dedication to service, compassionate care, and commitment to educating others. He lives the values of cura personalis and uses his skills to serve both his local community and those in need abroad.” 

Lauren Westbay (MD ’15), assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, added, “Dr. Potkul has been a guiding presence throughout my own journey from medical student to faculty, and I consider him one of the most formative influences of my career. He sets high standards but leads with trust, allowing his trainees the space to grow into confident, capable clinicians.” 

Additional accomplishments 

Dr. Potkul has authored more than 70 publications and secured multiple research grants, including funding from the NIH. He was fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was a recipient of the ACOG National Faculty Award and the Outstanding Faculty Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Potkul was named to America’s Top Doctors every year from 1997 to 2025.  

By Denise Jones
October 23, 2026