Medical Student Awards
Each year the Department of Surgery presents awards to Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine medical students.
Peter J. Mozden Cancer Award
This award was established in 1991 by the faculty of the Section of Surgical Oncology as a tribute to the work and vision of Peter J. Mozden, MD (BUSM ’53), section founder. Dr. Mozden’s long and illustrious career at Boston University began in 1949 when he entered BUSM and culminated in 1989 when he became Professor Emeritus. This award is given annually to a student in the graduating class who has demonstrated special empathy and interest in patients with cancer, or who has performed exceptionally during a clinical or research elective in oncology.
Richard J. Elkort Memorial Award
Dr. Richard Elkort was a surgical oncologist committed to cancer research and to better understanding the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of cancer. Dr. Elkort was well known for his dedication to his patients, his love of people, and life. The Richard J. Elkort Memorial Award was established in 1985 as a tribute to Dr. Elkort by his family, faculty, and friends. This award is given to the fourth-year student who best exemplifies Dr. Elkort.
Dora Savenor Memorial Prize for Excellence in Surgery
The Dora 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 annually to a student who is entering a residency in general surgery or a surgical subspecialty, and who has demonstrated the best performance during the third-year surgical clerkship.
The Masakichi and Mitusuko Itabashi Award
This award is named in honor of the parents of BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine graduate Dr. Hideo Itabashi (MD ’54), both of whom fostered and encouraged education as the road to fulfillment. It is awarded to a graduating student with outstanding interest in oncology and oncological research.
The Anne and David Mishel Cancer Research Award
Established to recognize the medical student who has most distinguished himself/herself in the area of cancer research or in unusually empathetic and compassionate care of cancer patients, this award is presented in memory of Anne and David Mishel, both of whom succumbed to cancer. The 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).
Richard J. Shemin, MD, and Saul Shemin, DVM, Academic Surgical Award
The Shemin Award is presented to a graduating student(s) in recognition of academic excellence in surgery and great promise for an academic surgical career. Dr. Richard Shemin, a 1974 graduate of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, established this award in memory of his father’s mentorship and the education he received at BUSM.