Gold Humanism Honor Society
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers, and others for "demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service". Inspiration for this society began in the late 1990s as a way of recognizing and promoting humanistic attributes in medical students. Students are selected for this society by their peers for outstanding clinical and interpersonal skills and attitudes that are essential for excellent patient care.
More information about this initiative can be found at
Arnold
P. Gold Foundation: Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School established its chapter in 2003, and has worked to advance the reputation of this important society and its members through recognition of humanistic endeavors. Chapter projects have included a lecture series on Humanism in Medicine, campus beautification, and a website gallery on humanism in action.
The Chapter inducts students, residents, and faculty members annually into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Visit
the 2010
Gold Humanism Honor Society Project Page!
2010
Gold Humanism Honor Society
Who
is the Human in your Humanism ?
![](images/ALEXANDERJASON.jpg) |
Name: Jason Alexander
Undergrad/Major: Rutgers-New Brunswick/Biology
Prospective Field: Anesthesiology
"Humanism is dedicating yourself to the idea of service to others without any expectation of personal gain. While it is an idea, it means nothing without purposeful action. I have maintained it through the creation of many projects through The Healthcare Foundation Center for Humanism and Medicine. The main project I have pursued is All E.A.R.S. (Encouraging Active Reception and Self-Reflection) which is dedicated to medical students spending significant time with terminally ill patients in the hospital who otherwise would have no one else to accompany them in their last months." |
![](images/BANGURAMAFUDIA.JPG) |
Name: Mafudia Bangura
Undergrad/Major: George Mason University/Nursing
Prospective Field: Family Medicine
"Humanism to me means living a life of purpose and meaning. I am on earth for a reason and I am part of a greater community and plan. Humanism means not passing up opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I have held on to my spiritual beliefs and practiced my religious faith. I cannot be compassionate and humanistic if I am spiritually destitute. I remind myself to count my blessings and not just my woes. I practice trying to view the world through the eyes of the people I meet so I can better understand and respond to them."
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![](images/BHATECHINMOY3.jpg) |
Name: Chinmoy Bhate
Undergrad/Major: The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective Field: Dermatology
"In my mind, the word humanism reflects a perspective or state of mind which emphasizes an acknowledgment and, ultimately, an understanding of another individual's essence - his/her goals, fears, personal history, interests, obstacles, and motivations. In considering these, the humanist's aim is to serve his/her fellow persons as best as possible in relevant settings. As a soon-to-be physician, it is in the context of service to others that the word humanism has its most profound meaning for me. I have been extremely fortunate to have had several mentors throughout medical school, many of whom are not health professionals. These teachers, some of whom are peers, have kept me grounded in reality amid the science of medicine. As they have shown me, the reality is that everyone suffers, and one does not have to be a doctor to ease the burdens of another. One just has to listen, and then try. In addition to obvious means of service, including participation in our student-run health clinic, I feel I have tried my best to be available to classmates and friends who might need to vent. And in doing so, I have both learned about their experiences and shared my own."
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![](images/CHERATHLATA.jpg) |
Name: Lata Cherath
Undergrad/Major: Microbiology
Prospective Field: Psychiatry
"Emotional gratification in medicine does not come from using cutting edge technology, more advanced testing methods or even possessing superior diagnostic skills. It comes from one's interactions with patients, sitting at the bedside, a touch on the arm, an understanding glance, and treating the patients as a fellow human being and not as "that guy with MS". To recognize that the patients are at their most vulnerable when they present themselves to us and treat the patient with humility, gentleness and compassion is to be a truly humanistic physician. In every encounter I have with a patient, I try to talk to the patient and find out a little more about them besides the litany of symptoms/complaints that they present with. I try to cast aside all my biases and judgments, acknowledge the patient's vulnerability, and treat the patient with the same respect, kindness and consideration that I would like to experience in my time of ill health and/or injury."
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![](images/COUTINHOKARL.jpg) |
Name: Karl Coutinho
Undergrad/Major: New York University/Economics and Biology Double-Major
Prospective Field: Urology
"Humanism is the guiding principle behind how I approach every patient. I have maintained compassion and humanism by keeping a positive outlook and working to use my new skills to benefit those who are less fortunate."
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![](images/DOSHIANISH.jpg) |
Name:
Anish Doshi
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective
Field: Anesthesiology
"Humanism encompasses the art of compassion. It requires that
you do unto others as you would want done to yourself. I have dived into
my patients' lives, minds, and hearts. I lived in the slums Mumbai between
my first and second year of medical school, in which I learned the art
of compassion without the constant surroundings of materialism. Throughout
my life, I have envisioned the hardships of my patients, family, friends,
and classmates on a physical, mental and spiritual level and worked diligently
to uplift spirits through the pure essence of humanism."
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![](images/EARLEYMARISA.jpg) |
Name:
Marisa Earley
Undergrad/Major:
Gettysburg College/Biology
Prospective
Field: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
"To me, humanism is never looking at a patient as a "problem"
or a "complaint" but as a person. Remembering to treat everyone
with the compassion, empathy, integrity, and sensitivity that they deserve
is key; everyone has a story and you're only seeing a snapshot in their
life when you meet them. I have maintained humanism throughout medical
school by taking time to think about how I feel and why I feel that way
when I interact with a patient. When I reflect on my interactions, look
at the good and bad I've seen, it only reinforces the idea that everyone
needs and deserves to be treated with empathy and understanding."
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![](images/ELSHENAWYSUMMER.jpg) |
Name:
Summer Elshenawy
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective
Field: Pediatrics
"Humanism means considering every patient as an entire person;
taking time to understand them in the context of who they are and where
they come from. I have maintained humanism in medicine by working with
people outside of a clinical setting, taking the time to learn things
about patients beyond their medical conditions...and blowing bubbles."
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![](images/EXANTUSNADIN.jpg) |
Name:
Nadin Exantus
Undergrad/Major:
Fairleigh Dickinson/Biology
Prospective
Field: Anesthesiology
"To me, Humanism in Medicine means providing the appropriate
treatment to your patient while at the same time caring for them as you
would your closest family member. This is done by being empathetic, patient,
and compassionate, the very philosophy of the GHHS. As a member of the
GHHS, I will communicate, respect and strive for that emotional connection
with my patients. It makes a truly complete recovery - both emotional
and physical healing."
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![](images/FANEKATHLEEN.jpg) |
Name:
Kathleen Fane
Undergrad/Major:
University of Vermont/Biological Sciences
Prospective Field: Emergency
Medicine
"To me, humanism means never forgetting that the person you
are treating is someone's daughter, sister, mother, son, brother, etc...That
this person needs to be treated with as much respect and caring as I would
want my loved ones to be treated with. I think that for me I have always
reminded myself to take a step back, a deep breath and remember why I
wanted to be a doctor, because I like and care for people. By taking that
time and reminding myself of that fact I am able to walk into tough situations
and treat people with respect and caring even when they aren't respectful
to me."
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![](images/GILLENJENNIFER.jpg) |
Name:
Jennifer Gillen
Undergrad/Major:
St. Peter's College/Biology
Prospective
Field: Pediatrics
"Humanism is an ironic concept because usually being "human"
is seen as a weakness or flaw. In medicine, it is our greatest strength.
Being human is what allows us to connect to our patients and truly take
care of them as opposed to just treating them. Remembering that we are
trying to work on the same side, and for the same goals, as our patients
has helped me to stay connected to them as people."
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![](images/GROSSMARTIN.jpg) |
Name:
Martin Gross
Undergrad/Major:
Seton Hall University/Psychology
Prospective
Field: Urology
"Humanism means going above and beyond the oath that I swore
at the beginning of medical school. I have maintained compassion throughout
medical school by using humor to keep my patients and myself happy and
light-hearted."
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![](images/GUSTAVELUDMILLA.jpg) |
Name:
Ludmilla Gustave
Undergrad/Major:
New York University/Sociology Major/Africana
Studies Minor
Prospective
Field: Emergency Medicine
"To me, humanism is remembering to treat patients as whole
beings instead of symptoms or diseases. I've tried to maintain this by
treating people how I would want to be treated or how I would want a family
member to be treated. Also, by remembering that each patient comes to
us with fears and worries and it's our responsibility to address those
concerns as best as possible."
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![](images/HAANEDWARD.jpg) |
Name:
Edward
Hahn
Undergrad/Major:
St. Peter's College/Biochemistry & Chemistry
Double-Major
Prospective Field: Plastic
& Reconstructive Surgery
"In medicine, it is very easy to become immersed and mesmerized
by the beautifully complex science. However, as physicians, we must never
lose sight that our patients are people, and someone's precious mother,
father, child, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister. This is the humanism in
medicine that I vow to always uphold. I make a concerted effort to always
listen and respond to patient's concerns and needs. I convey these concerns
as an advocate for the patient in this complex and multifaceted healthcare
system."
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![](images/HONALICE.jpg) |
Name:
Alice Hon
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective
Field: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
"Humanism involves working with people to help improve lives,
leaving the world a better place. Throughout medical school, I have spent
time teaching and working with the local Newark community though the Student
Family Health Care Center, providing free medical services, and Students
Teaching Aids to Students, increasing knowledge and mentoring children
and adolescents affected by HIV/AIDs. I volunteer at local health fairs
and fundraising events."
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![](images/HUANGABIGAIL.jpg) |
Name:
Abigail Huang
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective
Field: Ophthalmology
"To me, humanism means treating others the way you would like
to be treated. It means taking the time to listen to a patient's concerns
and finding out what has meaning for him/her. Humanism in medicine is
having the desire to look beyond lab values and radiographs and to see
and talk to the patient as a person, the same way you would when meeting
people in any other context. I try to spend an extra few moments during
each patient encounter asking personalized questions like "How do
you like your job?" or "How is your family?". This way,
the name on the chart becomes an individual in my mind and I feel more
enthusiasm, compassion, and energy to help in any capacity the patient
may need."
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![](images/KELLEHERMARY.jpg) |
Name:
Mary Kelleher
Undergrad/Major:
Princeton/Comparative Literature
Prospective
Field: Psychiatry
"Humanism means kindness, with patients treated like family
members or friends. I have maintained humanism in medicine through the
example set by our doctors, patients, fellow students and my family."
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![](images/LOUISAMBERT.jpg) |
Name:
Ambert Louis
Undergrad/Major:
Georgetown University/Biology
Prospective
Field: Emergency Medicine
"Humanism is remembering that those individuals
of the communities we serve are more than patients; they are parents,
siblings, children, grandparents, cousins, and friends. Humanism is remembering
this, and treating them as we would our family and friends. I have maintained
compassion by keeping close family, friends, and colleagues who ground
me and teach me, and by drawing from my mentors and teachers who have
continually set the right example."
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![](images/MISKINDHANASHRI.jpg) |
Name:
Dhanashri Miskin
Undergrad/Major:
New York University/Psychology Major/Biology
& Chemistry Double-Minor
Prospective
Field: Neurology
"To me, humanism in medicine means putting the patient first
- studying each day, not for the purposes of attaining a better grade,
but with the hope that any knowledge gained will one day enable me to
better treat a patient or save a person's life. I've been able to maintain
a sense of compassion for others due to the unconditional love and support
of my family and friends who have helped keep me grounded and positive
at all times."
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![](images/PATELSHRIJI.jpg) |
Name:
Shriji Patel
Undergrad/Major:
Columbia University/Neuroscience & Behavior
Prospective Field: Ophthalmology
"Humanism is everything, and I have maintained it in medicine
by taking things one day at a time."
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![](images/RANAPARAGI.jpg) |
Name:
Paragi
Rana
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective
Field: Anesthesiology
"Humanism in medicine involves balancing the pursuit of medical
gain with the beliefs, goals, and conscience of the patient. I believe
that it speaks to the attitude that the primary concern of humanity is
humanity, and that it is our responsibility to make the lives of the people
we come in contact with better in the here and now. I have been involved
in outreach and education activities to maintain a connection with the
community at large, and I have been careful to maintain the attitude that
the patient's goals should be held in the highest regard."
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![](images/RAYKARNAKUL.JPG) |
Name:
Nakul
Raykar
Undergrad/Major:
Rutgers-New Brunswick/Materials Engineering
Prospective
Field: General Surgery
"To me, humanism means constantly assessing one's own lack
of perfect compassion and empathy and trying to change for the better.
I have maintained humanism by trying to surround myself with compassionate
and humanistic individuals."
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![](images/ROSSYWILLIAM.jpg) |
Name:
William
Rossy
Undergrad/Major:
Boston College/Biology
Prospective Field: Orthopedic Surgery
"Humanism is an outlook focused on fostering the human condition.
It is the idea that there is goodness in each individual and it is our
responsibility, as physicians, to seek this goodness out. Throughout medical
school, I have participated in health fairs aimed to serve the underprivileged
Hispanic population. Through my work at these health fairs and my involvement
in many student organizations, I have had the privilege of acting as an
advocate for a diverse patient population."
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![](images/SARAIYANIMIT.jpg) |
Name:
Nimit
Saraiya
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective Field: Internal Medicine
"To me, humanism is the act of doing something, anything,
to help another human being. It can be as simple as holding the door for
someone, or it can be as complex as organizing a charitable event to help
raise money for a good cause. There is such a wide range of things we
can do on a daily basis to help promote humanism, but I think at the end
of the day, as long as it is something that has brought a smile to another
person's face and it has made his/her life a little easier, then you have
truly done something humanistic. I have tried to maintain compassion and
humanism throughout medical school by being involved in a number of our
school organizations that help our fellow colleagues and the greater Newark
population. Working in health fairs, our SFHCC clinic, and at other on-campus
events, I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve our general community.
Also, being fortunate enough to initiate AMSA's Books to Albania project
last year with the help of fellow student, Karl Coutinho, I have been
involved with sending many of our medical school books abroad to physicians
who are especially in need for newer medical literature."
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![](images/SHARMASIDHARTH.jpg) |
Name:
Sidharth
Sharma
Undergrad/Major:
The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective
Field: Psychiatry
"Humanism means respecting the importance of human dignity,
concerns, and capabilities. I have maintained it by remembering that I
am a man; nothing more, nothing less; and, I treat others the way that
I would want to be treated."
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![](images/SULLIVANKATHLEEN.jpg) |
Name:
Kathleen
Sullivan
Undergrad/Major:
University of Pennsylvania/Biology
Prospective Field: Obstetrics &
Gynecology
"Humanism is the ability to build a trusting relationship
with another individual through compassion and empathy. It is recognizing
a person's emotions (fear, worry, happiness) and making it a priority
to address them. Humanism is always making the time to listen. I try to
treat everyone as I would treat a close friend or family member."
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![](images/WILMOTKOBINA.jpg) |
Name: Kobina Wilmot
Undergrad/Major: The College of New Jersey/Biology
Prospective Field: Internal Medicine-Cardiology
"Humanism is having empathy, compassion and understanding for all your fellow human beings, treating them with the proper respect and dignity they deserve; furthermore, treating each person as a unique individual, listening and caring about their unique story and concerns. Finally, having an altruistic attitude, giving of yourself without expecting anything in return. I have maintained compassion towards the patients I have encountered by giving each and every one of them my undivided attention and concern. Also, by being involved in organizations like PINACLE helping empower Newark residents to help educate them and their own community on health issues."
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![](images/ZUCKERJASON.jpg) |
Name: Jason Zucker
Undergrad/Major: Economics/Carnegie Mellon
Prospective Field: Combined Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
"Humanism is learning about people and their problems, trying to understand their issues, and offering them any help that you can. Throughout medical school, I feel I have maintained my humanism by always taking the extra time to get to know my patients, learning more about them beyond just their medical issues, and trying to help them in all aspects of their life in ways that I can."
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![](images/ZVITIRONALD.JPG) |
Name: Ronald Zviti
Undergrad/Major: Brandeis University/Biology
Prospective Field: Pediatrics
"For me, humanism represents all of the thoughts, emotions, and feelings we experience daily that are not included in the medical chart. I have maintained my humanistic spirit through self-reflection and sharing of experiences with amazing, supportive classmates."
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Kudirat
Adewunmi
Joyce
Alexander
Claudia
Anglade
Alexandria
Atuahene
Diane
Bangbade
Benjamin
Bly
Janice
Brown
Dorothy
Castro
Dana
Clark
Jordana
Cohen
Jessica
Cortazzo
David
Feldman
Jonathan
Flyer
Kimberly
Gardner
Karla
Gil
Dina
Gordon
Lisa
Hastie
Jennifer
Hughes
Joslyn
John
Amit
Kalia
Emily
Kott
Uzelia
Louis-Jacques
Stephen
Marshall
Marcos
Martinez
Auja
McDougale
Abimbola
Abafemi
Diego
Ortega
Gopal
Patel
Lissette
Pichardo
Sarah
Redding
Pascal
Scemama de Gialluly
David
Seto
Rachael
Springer
Susana
Tapia
Anita
Thurakal
Emily
Yee
2009
Resident Inductees:
Dr.
Michael Matsurra
Dr.
Anjali Rathnican
Dr.
Jason Rosenthal
Dr.
Maggie Senthil
Dr.
Tony Tarchichi
Dr.
Diana Wolfe
2009
Faculty Inductees:
Dr.
I. Thomas Cohen
Dr.
Kenneth G. Swan
Faculty
Advisor for the Chapter:
Dr. Susan Garstang
Every
year, the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award is presented to the faculty
member who best demonstrates the Arnold P. Gold Foundation's ideals of outstanding
compassion in the delivery of care, respect for patients, their families, and
healthcare colleagues; as well as demonstrated clinical excellence.
2008
Dr. Kenneth G. Swan, Department of Surgery
2007
Dr. Dorian Wilson, Department of Surgery
2006
Dr. Michael Schulder, Department of Neurological Surgery
2005
Dr. Lillian Pliner, Department of Medicine
2004
Dr. Peter McGovern, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
2003
Dr. Brian Greenwald, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2002
Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez, Department of Medicine
2001
Dr. James Oleske, Department of Pediatrics
2000
Dr. Diane Kaufman, Department of Psychiatry
Gold Humanism
Honor Society Oath:
As
a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, I pledge to:
- Model, encourage, and sustain the
values of humanism and professionalism.
- Enjoy a shared vision of a balance
between science and humanism.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire colleagues
to promote humanism at all levels of healthcare.
- Advocate for humanism in medicine
- on campus, in practice, personally, locally, and nationally.
- Nurture fellowship in membership.
- With humility, reach out to and support
those bowed down by barriers to humanism in medicine.
- Be a force for better healthcare
for all.