Georgetown School of Health Faculty Member Receives National Teaching Excellence Award

(March 12, 2026) — Dae Hyun (Daniel) Kim, PhD, assistant professor of health management and policy in the Georgetown University School of Health, has received the Teaching Excellence Award for Health Policy from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). The award is sponsored by the American Hospital Association and recognizes faculty from AUPHA member programs who demonstrate exceptional teaching and engagement with the field of healthcare management education.

Established in 2021, AUPHA’s Teaching Excellence Awards honor faculty whose accomplishments at the undergraduate, master’s or doctoral level inspire students and advance teaching across the discipline.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and grateful to be part of a community that places such a strong emphasis on student learning and development,” Kim said. “At Georgetown, the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or care of the whole person, reminds us that teaching is not only about sharing knowledge, but about supporting students as they grow into thoughtful and compassionate leaders. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside dedicated colleagues and to learn from students whose curiosity and commitment to improving healthcare systems inspire me every day.”

Kim’s research focuses on healthcare quality improvement, with particular attention to health literacy, care delivery innovation, and leadership in healthcare organizations. His work has appeared in leading journals, including the Journal of Healthcare Management, JAMIA, and Annals of Surgery. He earned his PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a BA from the University of Michigan.

“As determined by his peers at the national level, this esteemed recognition reflects Dr. Kim’s extraordinary commitment to students, intellectual curiosity in the classroom, and dedication to preparing the next generation of health leaders,” said Christopher King, PhD, dean of Georgetown’s School of Health. “Through innovative teaching and mentorship, Dr. Kim exemplifies the very best of our academic community.”

Nominators for the award highlighted Kim’s student-centered teaching approach and his ability to connect classroom learning with real-world healthcare challenges. They noted that he incorporates experiential learning, case studies and simulation exercises that enable students to apply health policy and management concepts in practical settings, while also providing extensive mentorship to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Kim is also deeply engaged with AUPHA, contributing to the organization through conference presentations, committee service, and scholarship focused on health administration education.