Gold Humanism Honor Society Ceremony

The purpose of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is to promote a culture of humanism in the practice of medicine by publicly recognizing students, residents and faculty whose clinical competence and professionalism include exceptional humanistic behavior and commitment to service.

Third-year medical students are nominated and those chosen are inducted into GHHS at the annual Recognition and Induction Ceremony and dinner. GHHS members design and implement a service project during the fourth year.

One GHHS member is selected as the student recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. The faculty recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine award and the resident winners of the Humanism and Excellence in Teaching award are also inducted into GHHS. All recipients of the Gold Foundation Humanism awards are selected based on “demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service.”

A selection committee reviews all of the nominations and selects the winners with the exception of the Humanism and Excellence in Teaching awardees, who are selected by popular vote from the third-year medical students. The assistant dean for academic support serves as the chapter advisor for GHHS.

Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Awards recognize graduating students and faculty members who demonstrate both clinical excellence and outstanding compassion in the delivery of care and who show respect for patients, their families, and healthcare colleagues.