The idea of joining an honor society that focuses on compassion and empathy in medicine holds great meaning for Charity Evans, M.D., an assistant professor in the department of surgery in the UNMC College of Medicine.
So when the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) was brought to Dr. Evans’ attention during her first year of medical school at the Chicago Medical School, a seed was planted. She knew this was an organization she would strive to be a part of.
“It’s such a great honor for two distinct reasons. First, you are nominated by your peers. Second, this is the only organization that focuses on that aspect of a physician’s development as a compassionate, caring individual to their patients and to each other,” Dr. Evans said.
Dr. Evans was initiated into GHHS as a third-year medical student in 2006. Now Dr. Evans is bringing the Gold Humanism Honor Society to UNMC and is inviting students and faculty to be a part of it.
The Gold Humanism Honor Society was established in 2002 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which was established by Drs. Arnold and Sandra Gold at Columbia University.
Since 1988 the Gold Foundation has partnered with medical schools and teaching hospitals to infuse humanism into medical training. The honor society is one more way the foundation is working to achieve this goal.
Medical school chapters may induct up to:
- 10 to 15 percent of the third-year medical student class;
- Two faculty members selected by students in their core clinical year; and
- Six residents selected by students in their core clinical year.
The process for initiating student members includes peer nomination and a vetting process that reviews the candidates for academic success and professional behavior by a selection committee made up of the chapter advisor and co-advisors.
“The enthusiasm for bringing the Gold Humanism Honor Society is overwhelming,” Dr. Evans said. “There are already 13 college of medicine faculty interested in serving as chapter co-advisors.”
Dr. Evans said students would be evaluated and chosen in January and February with an induction ceremony in April.
“I think this is a great addition to UNMC,” she said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Gold Humanism Honor Society can click here.
Faculty interested in becoming a part of the honor society chapter at UNMC can contact Dr. Evans directly by email.
I would like to recognize Dr. Mohammad S (Salman) Khan, who is a Fellow in Pulmonary Division. He has been terrific with my husband Jerry in very difficult and extremely complicated medical situations. He is very compassionate and understanding of what the patient wants and we love it because he is very detailed. He makes sure that the patient understands everything – not just the family. I just think he needs to be honored and recognized for his great contribution to UNMC. LaDean Gibbs.