SOM Celebrates Gold Humanism Honor Society Class of 2023 Induction
The Inductees Affirmed Their Dedication to Going Above and Beyond for Their Patients
It was an emotional and celebratory evening for the newest members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) on April 28, when more than 30 students were inducted into the society for their humanistic approach to their clinical years, while faculty were recognized for their humanistic efforts. Families and friends joined the inductees at 19 Skyline Drive to celebrate the occasion.
Jerry L. Nadler, M.D., MACP, FAHA, FACE, dean of the School of Medicine (SOM) and professor of medicine and pharmacology, presented opening remarks, explaining the origin of the GHHS which was founded by Arnold P. Gold, M.D., who made it a focal point to treat patients with empathy and respect. Dr. Nadler told the story of his mentor, the late Rachmiel Levine, M.D., former chair of medicine, who despite his own hardships, prioritized humanism. “[Dr. Levine] inspired a whole generation of students, residents and even a dean, to continue in professing the excellence of caring physicians,” Dr. Nadler said.
Introductions by Amanda Scudder, Juliet Jacobson and Aitan Magence, members of the SOM Class of 2022, led the presentation of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation-sponsored Leonard Tow Award for Humanism in Medicine for faculty to Grace Pinto Britton, M.D., clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. The award is given to a graduate and a faculty member who best demonstrate the ideals of outstanding compassion, cultural sensitivity and respect for patients, along with clinical excellence. Dr. Pinto Britton spoke about her own challenges managing the hardships and anxiety of treating patients, confronting one’s own preconceptions and encouraged students to always find the energy to treat all patients with their emotions in mind. “I have no doubt that each and every field you choose will be rewarding, but always remember that no matter what field you go into, you have to be a human first,” Dr. Pinto Britton said.
The student Leonard Tow Award for Humanism in Medicine was presented to Saman Baban, SOM Class of 2022, after an emotional introduction by classmate Ojiugo Onwumere, who thanked Mr. Baban for being extremely supportive during their four years in the SOM. Mr. Baban spoke about how membership in the GHHS is meant guide students throughout their career as physicians. “It is important to remember that induction to the GHHS is a lifelong responsibility that requires upholding the values of this organization, which I am sure you all will,” Mr. Baban said.
Mr. Baban, along with members of the GHHS Class of 2022, called the names of the GHHS Class of 2023 as they were presented with certificates and pins by Jennifer L. Koestler, M.D., senior associate dean for medical education and associate professor of pediatrics and medicine.
All members of the GHHS then recited the GHHS oath, as inductees for the first time affirmed their commitment to humanism. Dr. Koestler closed the ceremony with an address to the inductees, establishing the responsibility they have to remain true to GHHS values. “It's your responsibility to take the lead of your predecessors and elevate all aspects of our learning environment with humanism, integrity, compassion, respect and inclusion,” Dr. Koestler said. “It is your responsibility to be exemplars of compassionate care and serve as role models mentors and leaders to all members of our community.”
GHHS Class of 2023 Inductees:
* Legacy Induction
Redab Alnifaidy
Joshua Buckley, SOM Class of 2022
Alexandrina Danilov, SOM Class of 2022
Deepika Dhawan, SOM Class of 2022
Tiffany Dial, SOM Class of 2022
Clara Dutton-Kneaves, SOM Class of 2022
Penelope Farris, SOM Class of 2022
Josselyn Galdamez, SOM Class of 2022
Holly Grace, SOM Class of 2022
Sarriyah Hanif, SOM Class of 2022
Samuel Honig, SOM Class of 2022* Brother of Jesse Honig, M.D. ’21, GHHS ‘21
Joshua Hsu, SOM Class of 2022
Eliana Jacobson, SOM Class of 2022* Sister of Juliet Jacobson, GHHS ‘22
Madison Kasoff, SOM Class of 2022
Victoria Levy, SOM Class of 2022
Hannah Litwa, SOM Class of 2022
Abigail Marriott, SOM Class of 2022
Ami Merker, SOM Class of 2022
Yazan Nagi, SOM Class of 2022
Anandhini Narayanan, SOM Class of 2022
Danielle Newbury, SOM Class of 2022
Carl Palad, SOM Class of 2022
Forouhideh Peyvandi, SOM Class of 2022
Brinda Raval, SOM Class of 2022
Parvathy Retnakumar, SOM Class of 2022
Bessie Roca, SOM Class of 2022
Alexandra Schulz, SOM Class of 2022
Jessica Sensbach, SOM Class of 2022
Zehavya Stadlan, SOM Class of 2022
Donique Thorpe, SOM Class of 2022
David Yacynych, SOM Class of 2022
Linda Ye, SOM Class of 2022
Ebtisam Zeynu, SOM Class of 2022
