Arika Hoffman, MD, associate professor in the UNMC Division of Transplant Surgery, and Grace Kelly, a graduating medical student, have received the 2025 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award.
The award, presented by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, recognizes faculty members and medical students who are exemplars of humanism in the care of patients. The award is considered the society’s highest honor.
Dr. Hoffman said winning the award validates how she approaches her interactions with patients and trainees.
“I try every day to treat patients with respect, kindness and compassion. I listen to their stories, hold their hands, cry and laugh with them, ease their fears and respect their choices,” Dr. Hoffman said. “I am honored to win this award being the person I have always been, showing students, residents and fellows that surgeons can be soft spoken and kind, lead by example, strive for perfection and love their patients like family.”
Dr. Hoffman and Kelly were chosen by members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter at UNMC. Both have been inducted as lifelong members of the GHHS.
Trek Langenhan, MD, associate professor in the UNMC Division of Hospital Medicine and GHHS faculty co-advisor, said Dr. Hoffman was recognized because nominees praised her “emotional intelligence, grit and relentless dedication to not only her patients but also her students.” One nominee said, “She is the epitome of a mentor we all hope to find, and one we should all strive to emulate.”
Kelly, who hopes to go on to an internal medicine or pediatrics residency, was credited for consistently demonstrating compassion and empathy in patient care and treating all with kindness and respect. One nominee said she “embodies the qualities of an outstanding and humanistic physician.”
In addition to being an advocate for her patients, another nominee pointed out that Kelly also is a supportive colleague and friend: “Whether it’s helping a classmate, volunteering in the community, or simply brightening the day with her humor and positivity, she embodies the very best of what GHHS stands for.”
Kelly said she was honored to have been nominated for this award by her Gold Humanism Honor Society peers.
“My classmates are some of the best people I have ever met, and they have truly changed me and my life for the better,” she said. “The Leonard Tow Award means that I have been recognized for who I am as a person and how I hope to be as a physician.”
Kelly applied to residencies around the country and will learn her destination during Match Day on March 21, but she said she will always be an advocate and an educator.
“I hope that through residency, when times get tough, I will remember all the things GHHS, this award and UNMC taught me about compassionate and extraordinary care.”