Gold Humanism Honor Society
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) honors students who have demonstrated humanistic values in their clinical training. The Arnold P. Gold Foundation defines humanism as:
“Humanism encompasses those attributes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Further, humanism is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons while recognizing each one’s needs and autonomy.”
Students are nominated throughout the third-year by their peers at the conclusion of each clerkship block. The three nominating questions are:
- Please choose a classmate who best personifies the quote, “the secret of good patient care is in caring for the patient.”
- Please choose a classmate you would want as the doctor for yourself or a loved one.
- Please choose a classmate who motivates you and your peers to make our healthcare environment more caring and equitable for patients and healthcare providers.
The GHHS selection committee, which is comprised of GHHS’ faculty and residents, reviews the nominations and determines the final list of students to be inducted. Per GHHS guidelines, this will not be more than 15 percent of the class. GHHS inductees are honored in the Gold Humanism Award Ceremony held in the fourth year and at graduation. GHHS students may mark the designation on ERAS.
Distinction in Medical Education
Distinction in Medical Education (DIME) recognizes those students who have taken leadership roles in medical education and have developed and implemented a scholarly project related to the field of medical education. DIME is not for all students who teach, but rather it is awarded to those unique students who have dedicated significant time to and demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or curriculum development and who have taken a scholarly approach to their work in education. Students primarily engaged in teaching are required to produce scholarly work, evaluate their teaching/education interventions, and describe how they used results to improve their teaching/intervention. Education products for teachers may include the development of concept maps, slide sets, resource materials, web-based cases, etc. Learner evaluations will provide important evidence of quality if a project is primarily related to teaching. Students apply for DIME in their fourth year of medical school.
Applications are reviewed by a committee within the Institute of Medical Education. There are no limits on how many students can be awarded DIME: each application is reviewed on its own merits. Students who are awarded DIME will receive diplomas at Commencement stating that they have graduated with "Distinction in Medical Education" and they will be recognized at the Graduation Achievement Ceremony. Program guidelines and a link to the application form are available on the Distinction in Medical Education web page.
Distinction in Research
This award is for students who carry out an original research project, rather than participating in a technical capacity on an ongoing project. Graduation with Distinction in Research is awarded to students who publish a peer-reviewed manuscript in a journal with an impact factor score of greater than or equal to 2 in which they are the first author. Students will receive diplomas at Commencement stating that they have graduated with "Distinction in Research" and they will be recognized at the Icahn School of Medicine Achievement Ceremony. This is an exciting opportunity for students to receive recognition for creativity and originality. It is a valuable educational component for those interested in a career in either academic or clinical medicine. Program guidelines and a link to the application form are available on the Distinction in Research web page.
Distinction in Global Health
Graduating medical students are welcome to apply for the Distinction in Global Health (DIGH). DIGH recognizes students who have shown significant dedication to global health during their time at ISMMS through scholarly work, education, leadership, and/or service. We define Global Health work broadly as "the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide". This typically involves work with underserved populations, and can be performed either abroad or in the United States. Graduating MD students in good academic standing are eligible to apply during the open call period in early spring. We are looking for those students with a longitudinal engagement in Global Health throughout their time at ISMMS.
More information and the application can be found on the Global Health Blackboard page.
Achievement Ceremony Awards
We give out a number of student awards at the Graduation Achievement Ceremony, which takes place the day before Commencement. A clinical or research department, or the Department of Medical Education gives out these awards. An awards selection committee determines who will receive the Medical Education awards, based on a nomination and an essay. Individual departments select their department and the Medical Student Research Office chooses recipients of the research awards. We also present awards selected by the Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs, the Gold Humanism Honor Society Selection Committee, and the Alumni Office.
Awards determined by the Department of Medical Education
- Dr. David K. McDonogh Award for Diversity in Medical Education: Awarded to a graduating medical student who has worked diligently to increase diversity in medicine and on our campus and has acted to create and support an environment where diversity and inclusion are valued.
- James Felt Award for the Promotion of Social and Racial Justice: Given to a graduating medical student who exemplifies the view of medicine as a socially responsible human service profession and has demonstrated engagement in and commitment to deconstructing and mitigating racism and bias in our school, community, and health care system.
- Pat Levinson Award for the Advancement and Inclusion of Women in Medicine: Presented to a graduating medical student who has contributed significantly to the advancement of women leaders in medicine and science and has worked toward gender equity in academic medicine. The awardee has track record of advocating for the development of women leaders as well as enhancing the professional environment for women in medicine.
- Judith and Nathan Kase Humanities in Medicine Prize: Granted to a graduating student who was accepted via the Humanities and Medicine Program and who exemplifies the principles of the program. The award recognizes outstanding performance in clinical studies and diverse interests that impact the study and practice of medicine.
- Barry Stimmel Award for Medical Education: Given to a graduating medical student who has contributed to the education and advancement of their fellow students and exemplifies a commitment to and leadership in teaching and advancing medical education. This student has made lasting changes to the curriculum or learning environment.
- Harold Elster Memorial Prize for Clinical Acumen: Awarded to a graduating medical student for clinical excellence, including patient communication skills, reasoning ability, teamwork, and medical knowledge.
Awards determined by Clinical Departments
- Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine: Milton C. Engel, MD, Award in Geriatric Medicine
- Surgery: Mrs. David A. Dreiling Surgery Prize
- Internal Medicine: the Barry Coller Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine
- Pediatrics: Dr. Howard Rappaport Pediatric Award
- Neurology: Dr. Morris B. Bender Award in Clinical Neurology
- Anesthesiology: Dr. Joseph R. Jagust Anesthesiology Award
- Psychiatry: Dr. M. Ralph Kaufman Psychiatry Prize
- Family Medicine: Steven B. Tamarin, MD, Memorial Award for Excellence in Family Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Dr. Alan F. Guttmacher Obstetrics and Gynecology Prize
Awards selected by the Medical Student Research Office
- Dr. Harold Lamport Biomedical Research Prize
Award selected by Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs
- Irwin Gelernt, MD, Award for Service to the Community
Award selected by the Gold Humanism Honor Society Selection Committee
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The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Student Award
Award selected by the Alumni Office
- Mount Sinai Alumni Student Leadership Award