BUSM Class of 2020 Student Awards

Alumni Association Award: Chase Kahn and Nishant Garg

Awarded to students in the graduating class who are in good academic standing and who have contributed their time and effort to a variety of Alumni Association initiatives designed to benefit Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Award: Karan Sunil Hingorani

This award recognizes overall academic excellence and achievement in Neurology by a medical student who is planning a career in Neurology.

Michael L. J. Apuzzo Prize Fund for Creativity and Innovation: Kris Boelitz and Carolyn Kan

This award is presented on behalf of Dr. Apuzzo, BUSM 1965, to students who exemplify creativity and innovation in his/her schoolwork.

Henry J. Bakst Award in Community Medicine: Susan Jacob and Jaime Rosenthal

Dr. Henry J. Bakst, a long-time proponent of quality health care for the indigent and handicapped, was the Director of the Home Medical Service for an extended period of time. During his stewardship, the service flourished and provided a superb learning experience for the students who participated in the long-standing Home Medical Service program. This award is presented to a student who demonstrates the qualities that Dr. Bakst represented, including sensitivity to the needs of people, as well as an understanding of the disease process and an awareness of community resources.

Boston Medical Center Student Prize: Emily Erb

Student who excelled in all of the eight core clerkships of the third year (surgery, medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, selective and family medicine) and who demonstrated outstanding humanistic qualities exemplifying the ideals of excellence in clinical medicine.

Geoffrey Boughton Award: Derek J. Wolosyzn

Awarded to an outstanding student in pathology and presented in honor of Dr. Boughton, BUSM 1954.

The Richard J. Cavell, MD, (MED’61) Award: Kunal Shetty

The Richard J. Cavell, MD, (MED’61) Award shall be presented annually to a graduating Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine student or students matching into otolaryngology, who, in the opinion of department faculty, demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism.

Contribution to BUSM Community Award: Chase Kahn and Keerthi Vengatesan

The Contribution to BUSM Community Award is selected by the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Student Affairs Office. The award is given to fourth-year students whose willingness to offer their service to the school is significant and greatly benefits those around them.

Sidney Cooperband Award: Stephanie S. Pavlovich

The Sidney Cooperband Award was established in March 1979 by faculty, friends, and his family as a tribute to the late Dr. Sidney Cooperband. An effective administrator, accomplished scientist, and inspired teacher, Dr. Cooperband was the Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Research Center beginning with its inception at Boston University Medical Center in 1973. The memorial fund’s purpose is to honor a student who shows outstanding promise as a researcher in basic sciences, as this was an aspect of medicine in which Dr. Cooperband himself was brilliantly accomplished.

In his life, he was an energetic, compassionate man full of both integrity and determination and was enormously respected throughout the American scientific community. The Sidney Cooperband Award is given each year as a living tribute to the fourth-year student who, in addition to demonstrating excellence in the basic sciences, also displays Dr. Cooperband’s outstanding personal qualities.

Kenneth C. Edelin Prize in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Armide Story

This prize was established by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and its alumni. Dr. Edelin was Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1978-1989. The prize is awarded to the graduating student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated superior academic achievement in obstetrics and gynecology, compassion and understanding towards patients, and an interest in minority health care.

Richard J. Elkort Memorial Award: Andrew Hawkins

This award was established in July 1985 as a tribute to Dr. Richard J. Elkort by his family, faculty, and friends. Dr. Elkort was a surgeon-oncologist committed to cancer research and to better understanding the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of cancer. He was well known for his dedication to his patients and his love of people and life. This award is given to the fourth-year student who best exemplifies the man, Dr. Richard J. Elkort.

Excellence in Pediatrics Award: Lindsay Thomson

The Excellence in Pediatrics Award is granted to a student graduating from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine with the qualities of an extraordinary future pediatrician.

Family Medicine Leadership Award: Samuel Chang

The Family Medicine Leadership Award is presented to a fourth-year Boston University medical student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and a high level of commitment to promoting the ideals of family medicine.

Family Medicine Research Award: Elaina Ramos

The Family Medicine Research Award is presented to a fourth-year Boston University medical student planning a career in family medicine who demonstrates outstanding achievement in research and scholarship.

Robert G. Feldman, MD, Prize in Neurology: Will McKeen

The Robert G. Feldman, MD Prize in Neurology is given to the graduating medical student who has exhibited compassion, humanism, and excellence in the application of neuroscience to the care of patients with neurological diseases and who plans to pursue a career in neurology, neurosurgery, or the neurosciences.

Christopher G. Gaposchkin Prize Fund: Frederick Augustus Godley IV

The award was established in 2002 by the wife, family, and friends of Dr. Christopher G. Gaposchkin, BUSM 1994, to honor Gaposchkin, a promising neurosurgeon, whose contributions to medicine were never fully realized. Dr. Gaposchkin was known for his keen intelligence, palpable enthusiasm, and fierce dedication to his patients, residents, family, and friends. It is awarded to the graduating student who has excelled in his/her studies, exudes warmth and compassion for patients and colleagues, and who demonstrates a passion for teaching and advancing the field of medical science.

Thomas T. Gilbert, MD, Award for Excellence in Family Medicine: Simone Vais

This award is presented to a graduating student in recognition of academic excellence in the family medicine curriculum at BUSM and who is also entering a family medicine residency program. The award is in honor of Thomas Gilbert, M.D., MPH, a retired family physician who exemplifies the commitment to service and excellence of family physicians in this country.

Anthony L.F. Gorman Prize in Physiology: Sarah Nims

Colleagues, friends, and family of the late Dr. Anthony L.F. Gorman have established in his honor the Anthony L.F. Gorman Prize in Physiology. This annual award is made to an outstanding student in physiology graduating from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Dr. Gorman, an imaginative, productive, and internationally respected scientist, contributed much to the fundamental knowledge of the physiology of the nervous system and vision. As an effective teacher, he instilled in students an appreciation of the significance of basic physiological mechanisms underlying the complex function of the nervous system. This award to the best student in physiology is a fitting honor to a man whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.

Leonard and Julius Gottlieb Prize in Pathology Education: Luke Chmielecki

This prize was established by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Mallory Institute of Pathology to honor Dr. Gottlieb who served as Chairman of the Department from 1980-2003 and as the Mallory Director from 1972-2003. During his long tenure, the department and its faculty maintained a reputation for excellence in medical school education, research, and patient care. The prize is awarded annually to a member of the graduating class who has excelled in pathology and who has embodied many of Dr. Gottlieb’s singular qualities.

Internal Medicine Award: Emily Erb, Andrew James Jenkins, and Stephanie S. Pavlovich

Awarded annually by the faculty of the Department of Medicine to graduating medical students for excellence in internal medicine.

The Masakichi and Mitushuko Itabashi Award: Camilla Gomes

Awarded to a graduating student with outstanding interest in oncology and oncological research. This award is named in honor of the parents of 1954 BUSM graduate, Dr. Hideo Itabashi, both of whom fostered and encouraged education as the road to man’s fulfillment.

Dr. David R. Iverson Student Award: Courtney L. Kaiser

This student award was established in 1986 in memory of Dr. David R. Iverson, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Class of 1968, by his classmates, family, and friends. The award is made annually to the fourth-year student who has excelled in psychiatry and who has exhibited Dr. Iverson’s outstanding personal qualities: sensitivity, compassion, and devotion to the needs of others.

Ruth Hunter Johnson Prize: Yelu Zhang

This award is presented annually to a student who is training in the field of psychiatry.

Julie Prize Fund in Nutrition: Adam Hsieh

Presented to a student who has made an outstanding contribution in nutritional research, including genomics, metabolism, or epidemiology.

William E. Kahn and Albert B. Kahn, Jr. Award: Michael Joseph Gustin and Andrew James Jenkins

Awarded annually to top students or students enrolled at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

William Malamud Prize Fund: Alexander Powers

Awarded annually to the fourth-year student at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine who best grasps the basic science of psychiatry and demonstrates understanding and caring work with patients both within the Division of Psychiatry as well as in other clerkships.

William F. McNary, Jr. Award from the Class of 1991: Emily Regier

Established as a gift from the Class of 1991 in celebration of Dr. McNary’s 40 years of service to Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Dr. McNary received his Ph.D. in Anatomy from Boston University in 1954 and was an outstanding teacher of anatomy at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine until 1991. In 1970, he was appointed as the first Dean of Student Affairs and was devoted to forwarding the careers of medical students by recognizing their individual needs and strengths and addressing them in a sensitive and resourceful manner. He always encouraged students to strive for scholarship and professional excellence while maintaining a balance of outside interests. This award is presented to a member of the graduating class, nominated by peers, who is in good academic standing and who best exemplifies the spirit of leadership and service to the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. The recipient has earned the respect of peers through quiet acts of leadership and has fostered service, good will, and excellence among classmates.

Medical School Student Prize: Rachel L. Bocchino

The Medical Student Prize is given to a student who has exemplified professionalism, empathy, and compassion to patients and who has raised the standard of medical care that student provide to patients.

The Merck Manual Award: Maria D’Amico, Laurinda Jackson, and Joseph Phalen

Recognizes outstanding students in medical sciences.

Pauline Millstein Family Fund Award: Cara Scarlett Guenther

The Pauline Millstein Family Fund Award is granted annually to a student enrolled at BUSM who excels in pediatrics. This award was established by Arnold Baskies M.D. (BUSM 1975) in the memory of his grandmother Pauline Millstein, who dedicated her life to children. While practicing as a nurse for 30 years, Pauline Millstein’s warmth and friendly spirit made her popular with patients and professionals alike.

Anne and David Mishel Cancer Research Award: Lucero Paredes

Established to recognize the medical student who has most distinguished himself or herself in the area of cancer research or in unusually empathetic and compassionate care of cancer patients, this award is presented in memory of both Anne and David Mishel who were victims of cancer and succumbed to it. The student award recipient is selected from the fourth-year class by joint Oncology faculty representing the Medical and Surgical Oncology and Radiation Therapy Services (all Oncologic Services).

Peter J. Mozden, MD, Cancer Award: Andrea Alonso

This award was established in 1991 by the faculty of the Section of Surgical Oncology as a tribute to the work and vision of Dr. Peter Mozden, the section founder and member of the BUSM Class of 1953. This award is given annually to a student in the graduating class who has demonstrated special empathy and interest toward the patient with cancer, or who has performed exceptionally during a clinical or research elective in oncology.

John F. O’Connor, MD, Radiology Award: Matthew Hartman

Selected by the faculty and staff of the Department of Radiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine at the Boston Medical Center and presented to a student in recognition of outstanding performance in diagnostic radiology on behalf of Dr. O’Connor, BUSM 1957.

Richard J. Shemin, MD, and Saul Shemin, DVM, Academic Surgical Award: Rachel D. Rivero

This award is presented to a graduating student in recognition of academic excellence in surgery and great promise for an academic surgical career. Richard J. Shemin, M.D. ’74 was inspired to pursue a medical career by his father, Dr. Saul Shemin, who was a veterinarian. As a young boy, he worked with his father performing surgery, stimulating his ambitions to become an academic cardiac surgeon. Dr. Shemin established this award in memory of his father’s mentorship and the education he received at Boston University.

John M. Murray Prize: Kalyn Reddy

Awarded annually to the fourth-year student at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine for the best performance in psychiatry with special attention to clinical work and any elective work that the student may have undertaken.

New England Pediatric Society Award: Amanda Nelson

Awarded annually to the member of the graduating class entering pediatrics who, in the opinion of his/her peers and faculty, best exemplifies the qualities one looks for in a pediatrician: a competent, caring, good-humored person whom we would want to take care of our children.

Peter E. Pochi, MD, Award for Excellence in Dermatology: Sarah Nocco

The Peter E. Pochi, MD Award for Excellence in Dermatology is awarded to a fourth-year BUSM student. The student, with an interest in dermatology as a career, should exemplify the attributes and qualities as displayed by Dr. Pochi, BUSM 1955. Dr. Pochi has been a mentor and teacher to several generations of BUSM medical students. His contributions to dermatology have advanced the specialty to the preeminence it enjoys today. Moreover, his devotion to BUSM is exemplary for all BUSM alumni and students. Dr. Pochi has given a great deal over his career to his field of dermatology, to his patients, and to his School. With this award, we salute Dr. Pochi and the student, who has demonstrated excellence in dermatology.

Timothy J. Pollard Humanism Award in Family Medicine: Martine Nzungize Randolph

Presented to an outstanding fourth-year medical student who demonstrates the leadership, service, or humanistic attributes that embody the ideals of family medicine. The award is in memory of Timothy J. Pollard, MD, a dedicated physician and teacher who exemplified the breadth, excellence, and commitment to patient care and education of family medicine. Dr. Pollard died in 2008 at the age of 52.

Dr. Samuel and Helen Poplack Student Award: Jacqueline Truc-Thao Vuong

This award was established in memory of Dr. Samuel L. Poplack, the father of three graduates of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. It is designated for the student who demonstrates both superior clinical competence and excellence in patient care.

Stephen R. Preblud, MD, Memorial Award for Pediatrics: Ian Patrick Francis

Stephen R. Preblud, MD was an acknowledged international authority on rubella, varicella, and mumps and a leader in the field of childhood disease prevention. He was committed to improving the quality of life for people around the world, most of whom would never know his name. His research played a major role in the effort to vaccinate women and to prevent congenital rubella syndrome. The Department of Pediatrics established the Stephen Preblud Memorial Award for Pediatrics. The award is given to the student of the graduating class who exemplifies the competency and outstanding characteristics of Dr. Preblud.

Diana Radkowski Prize Fund: Mikayla Joy Huestis

Diana Radkowski, MD, BUSM 1987, was a gifted surgeon committed to taking care of children with otolaryngologic diseases. She died of cervical cancer in March of 1999 before she was able to have a full life and career. This award was established to honor her memory and encourage women in surgery, particularly in ENT, since Diana knew it was very important to support and mentor women in her field.

David Rothbaum, MD, Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Heather E. Sweeney

This prize is awarded to an outstanding graduating student who will specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, and has demonstrated superior academic achievement in field and shown compassion and understanding towards patients. It is presented in honor of Dr. Rothbaum, BUSM 1982.

Dora Savenor Memorial Prize for Excellence in Surgery: Javier Galindo

The Savenor Prize for Excellence in Surgery was established by the Savenor family in memory of Dora Savenor, who was a cancer patient at Boston Medical Center. It is awarded yearly to a student who is entering a residency in general surgery or a surgical subspecialty, and who achieved the best final score during the third-year surgical clerkship. The awarding of the prize is based both on clinical performance and on surgical knowledge as demonstrated on written and oral examinations.

Eli Shapiro Award, Department of Medicine: Kevin Michael Pearlman

The award is given to the graduating medical student who best exemplifies the qualities of the late Dr. Eli Shapiro: exceptional competence, medical curiosity, devotion to patients, continual education and extraordinary compassion.

Robert Slater, MD, Prize in Anesthesiology: Douglas Barnes

Awarded annually to a graduating fourth-year with honors in anesthesiology and pulmonary physiology.

Society of Academic Emergency Medicine’s Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award: Stuart Armstrong

The Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award is offered annually to each medical school in the United States. It is awarded to the fourth-year medical student at each school who best exemplifies the qualities of an excellent emergency physician, as manifested by excellent clinical, interpersonal, and manual skills, and a dedication to continued professional development leading to outstanding performance on emergency medicine rotations.

Jacob Swartz Award from the Class of 1981: Lucero Paredes and Martine Nzungize Randolph

Presented to graduating students who best exemplify the qualities of Dr. Jacob Swartz, a past associate dean of admissions, who sought to provide opportunities for underrepresented students.

Benjamin Tenney Prize in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Michelle Domini

This prize was established in 1980 by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, its alumni, and the family of Dr. Benjamin Tenney. Dr. Tenney was Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1949 to 1955. The prize is awarded to the graduating medical student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated both superior academic achievement in obstetrics and gynecology and has shown compassion and understanding toward patients.

The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Student Award, Arnold P. Gold Foundation: Nina Gummadi

The Gold Foundation sponsors the annual Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Awards for a graduating student and faculty member at more than 85 of the nation’s medical schools. This award is presented to the student and faculty member who best demonstrate the Foundation’s ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care and respect for patients, their families, and healthcare colleagues, as well as demonstrated clinical excellence. The Gold Foundation began this award in 1991 at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey began replicating these awards nationwide in 1998, with participation from The Gold Foundation. In 2003, with a generous donation from Leonard Tow, these awards became solely sponsored and administered by The Gold Foundation.

Dean Eleanor Tyler Memorial Award: Nishant Garg, Aneesh Patel, and Susruthi Rajanala

Awarded annually by the College of Liberal Arts to the outstanding fourth-year student at BUSM who fulfilled his/her premedical requirements through the Six-Year/Seven-Year Liberal Arts-Medical Education Program. This fund recognizes the contributions and pioneering efforts of the late Assistant Dean Eleanor Tyler of the College of Liberal Arts and her role as the first coordinator of the Six-Year Liberal Arts-Medical Education Program.

United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award: Nicholas Chiu

This award is presented on behalf of the Surgeon General of the United States and the Chief Medical Office of the U.S. Public Health Service. This award recognizes medical students for their hard work and dedication to public health. The Public Health Service Award was founded in 1978 to provide medical care to sailors and merchant seamen with yellow fever and malaria. Over the subsequent 218 years, its mission has broadened to deliver health promotion and disease prevention programs to all Americans.

The Wein Student Research Award: Camilla Gomes

Presented to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding contributions to cancer research.