Medical Student Honors and Awards Ceremony

Abdel-Morrey Orthopedic Surgery Award 

This award recognizes a fourth-year student pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery who demonstrates academic competence, a strong work ethic, leadership qualities and who has participated in orthopedic research and volunteered for humanitarian efforts and/or other philanthropic organizations.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society 

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Election to Alpha Omega Alpha is an honor signifying a lasting commitment to professionalism, leadership, scholarship, research, and community service. A lifelong honor, membership in the society confers recognition for a physician’s dedication to the profession and art of healing.

American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology

This award is presented to a graduating student who has been selected by the Department of Neurology clerkship directors, faculty and residents for their dedication to excellence in clinical neurology.

American College of Emergency Physicians Medical Student Professionalism and Service Award

This award is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), a national specialty society to recognize students who excel in compassionate care of patients, professional behavior and service to the community and/or specialty.

American College of Emergency Physicians National Outstanding Medical Student Award

The award will recognize students that have shown evidence of a high level of humanism, professionalism, and clinical judgment. Students should be involved with community service and research that supports the values of emergency medicine. Students should show commitment to service in medical organizations.

Bernard and Margaret Haza Medical Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established by Mrs. Margaret Haza in honor of her late husband, Dr. Bernard Haza, Class of 1950. This Scholarship is awarded to a third-year student interested in internal medicine who has demonstrated a dedication to community and a high level of academic achievement.

Betty J. Bamforth Award 

The Betty J. Bamforth Award is presented annually to a fourth-year medical student with demonstrated interest and excellence in anesthesiology and preoperative medicine, honoring Dr. Bamforth’s legacy as a distinguished educator and practitioner in the field for 38 years.

Bruce C. Wilson, MD Memorial Award

This scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Bruce Wilson (’80) by Drs. Steven and Ann Merkow and supported by friends, classmates, and family to assist medical students with the cost of their education and training.

Charles Russell Bardeen, Founding Dean Fourth-Year Student Award 

This award is given by medical alumni in honor of Dr. Bardeen, Professor of Anatomy and first Dean of the UW Medical School. The chosen recipients display a combination of academic achievement, dedication to the profession, high ethical standards, and commitment to the best interests of their patients.

Cora M. & Dr. Edward J. Van Liere Award

Dr. Van Liere was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Medical Sciences in 1918 and served for a number of years as Dean of West Virginia Medical School. This award is presented in his memory to a senior student who achieved high scholastic standing during their four years of medical school.

Distinguished Medical Student Award from the College of American Pathologists

This award is given to a medical student, in any year of training, for outstanding achievement, aptitude, or interest in pathology. The CAP’s Distinguished Medical Student Award honors the student’s initiative in learning about pathology and participating in pathology-related activities. 

Donald J. Worden Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Class of 1980 to honor the memory of their classmate, Dr. Donald J. Worden. It is given to fourth-year students in recognition of demonstrated devotion to the care and comfort of fellow human beings, both in patient care and other activities.

Dr. B.K. & Tomina Lovell Memorial Scholarship 

Dr. Lovell was a member of the Class of 1936. This scholarship is awarded to recognize worthy and deserving students interested in the field of radiology.

Dr. Charles Bardeen Student Award for Excellence in Anatomy

This award is given by medical alumni in honor of Dr. Bardeen, Professor of Anatomy and first Dean of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. It is presented to an outstanding medical student in anatomy.

Dr. Darren Bean Scholarship for the Advancement of Emergency Medicine

The Dr. Darren Bean scholarship is provided to a fourth-year student going into emergency medicine who combines the attributes of Dr. Bean: commitment to excellence, collegiality, education, research and patient care.

Dr. Everett Carl Burgess Award

Dr. Burgess was a member of the Class of 1937. This award was established in Dr. Burgess’ memory by his family. It is presented to a senior student in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the field of surgery.

Dr. Frances M. Forster Award

The Forster Award was established by the Department of Neurology in recognition of Dr. Forster’s outstanding service to the medical school as Chairman of Neurology from 1958 to 1978. This award honors a graduating medical student for excellence in neurology.

Dr. Gibbs Zauft Award

This award was established by the late Dr. C.E. Schorer, Class of 1955, to commemorate Gibbs Zauft, MD, Class of 1950, a general practitioner who gave an exceptional amount of personal time and care to Dr. Schorer’s parents. It is given to graduating seniors who have displayed an exceptional concern for the comfort and welfare of their patients.

Dr. Harry A. Waisman Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Waisman was a member of the Class of 1947, and Professor of Pediatrics from 1958 to 1971. This award was established by family and friends in his memory and is given to the medical student who has demonstrated the greatest talent in the study of health problems of children.

Dr. Isadore Cash Scholarship

This scholarship is given in honor of the late Dr. Cash to recognize a student who has achieved academic excellence.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Davis Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a fourth-year student pursuing a career combining medicine and public health who combines the attributes of Dr. Davis: a keen intellect, curiosity in medical investigation, mentorship and a dedication to public health, especially the health of the people of Wisconsin.

Dr. John K. Harting 3 Shields Award

This award was established through gifts from Scott Bassuener, Robert Behm, and George Gendy to honor their former professor. This award recognizes third-year students who have worked to enhance the learning and social environment of SMPH via their enthusiasm, teamwork and dependability.

Dr. John Kimberly Curtis Award

The John Kimberly Curtis Award is given to assist the education of fourth-year medical students interested in treating pulmonary disease.

Dr. Larry Tempelis Peer Mentoring in Professionalism Award

This award, created in memory of Dr. Tempelis, recognizes a senior medical student each year who has been most successful in efforts to mentor junior colleagues in professionalism, echoing Dr. Tempelis’s commitment as a clinician, teacher, and research scientist.

Dr. Lester Brillman Leadership and Advocacy Award

Dr. Brillman, Class of 1938, practiced family medicine in the Beloit area for more than 60 years, working out of an office, not a clinic. His great wish was to excite and empower medical students to take up the specialty that gave him so much satisfaction. This Scholarship is presented in his memory to fourth-year students pursuing a career in family medicine.

Dr. Lester Brillman Scholarship Awards

Dr. Brillman, Class of 1938, practiced family medicine in the Beloit area for more than 60 years, working out of an office, not a clinic. His great wish was to excite and empower medical students to take up the specialty that gave him so much satisfaction

Dr. Lynn Eggman Memorial Award

Honoring Dr. Eggman’s legacy in pediatric care and education, this award is presented in his memory to a fourth-year medical student who has generated excellence in interpersonal skills and communication with children and their families.

Dr. Marcia J.S. Richards Classical Musician Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Marcia J.S. Richards Classical Musician Scholarship Fund was established with a gift from Marcia J.S. Richards MD ’70 to assist medical students who have a passion for participation in classical music while pursuing their education and training.

Dr. Michael & Peggy Pollay Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dr. Michael (MD ’55) and Peggy Pollay and is awarded to an academically outstanding medical student planning to pursue a career in academic medicine.

Dr. Patrick Remington, MD, MPH Most Promise in Preventive Medicine Award

This award is given to a graduating MD student with the most promise in preventive medicine. Recipients of this award have proven competence in their field experience and Capstone Project and fostered critical connections with community partners. Recipients have gone above and beyond to achieve not only their educational goals but also to address population health needs.

Dr. Paul R. and Alice P. Bishop Memorial Award

The Dr. Paul R. and Alice P. Bishop Memorial Award, established in memory of Dr. Bishop and his devoted wife Alice, honors their legacy and is bestowed upon a compassionate third-year student in the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) program, emphasizing dedication to patient care and a strong work ethic.

Dr. Philip R. Hamilton III Scholarship

This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Hamilton, Class of 1973 and Professor of Ob/Gyn at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. This Scholarship is given in recognition of superior dedication and service to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and the community.

Dr. Ralph M. Waters Medical Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by the Class of 1945 in honor of Dr. Ralph M. Waters, a pioneer in anesthesiology education. Awarded to a student in clinical years, it recognizes merit, ability, and scholarly achievement.

Dr. Roger and Caroline Laubenheimer Award

This award is given by Mrs. Caroline Laubenheimer in memory of her husband Dr. Roger Laubenheimer, Class of 1950. It is given to a third- or fourth-year medical student from the state of Wisconsin students from rural Wisconsin communities who have an interest in practicing medicine in an underserved area.

Dr. Samuel G. Perlson Scholarship 

The Scholarship is awarded to fourth-year medical students planning to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology who have demonstrated outstanding abilities as a scholar, and who have also exhibited commensurate outstanding humanistic qualities.

Dr. William S. Middleton Award

Given to recognize superior academic achievement, including excellent performance on clinical rotations, this award memorializes Emeritus Dean Middleton whose medical school career spanned over 60 years and epitomized dedication to teaching at the bedside.

Drs. John H. and William J. Houghton Award

This award, presented by the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, recognizes an outstanding student who, through extracurricular achievement and interest in the activities of medical organizations, shows high promise of becoming a “complete physician.” 

Drs. Joseph, Joseph C. & Frank Dean Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Dean family in memory of Joseph Dean and his sons, Joseph C. and Frank, distinguished physicians in the Madison community and clinical teachers at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. It is given to assist the education of an outstanding medical student.

Edward, Dolores, and Rosemary Schultz Scholarship

This award was created by Rosemary Schultz (‘MD 85). This award recognizes a graduating medical student who has exhibited strong academic achievement. Preference is given to a student pursuing a career in orthopedics, but women pursuing other surgical fields can be considered.

Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award

This annual awards program honor physicians who represent the highest values of altruism, compassion and dedication to patient care.

Excellence in Public Health Award

This award is given by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Physician Professional Advisory Committee, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to recognize medical students who are involved in public health issues in their community as well as to increase awareness of the USPHS and its mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation. This award recognizes outstanding students committed to strong work in public health.

Fannie P. Lewis Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Fannie P. Lewis and is awarded to two academically outstanding medical students.

The Flanum Family Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Dr. Mark Flanum, Class of 2002, and his wife Christine. It will be presented to a fourth-year medical student who demonstrates scholastic achievement, outstanding humanistic qualities, and is pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.

Gary E. Lyons Scholarship 

This fund was established by Jayne Squirrell to honor the memory of her late husband, Gary Edward Lyons, by providing scholarships to students enrolled in the University’s School of Medicine and Public Health. The Fund shall provide one or more annual scholarships to students enrolled in the School, with a preference for students who have overcome or face personal obstacles in their path toward a degree. This may include, but is not limited to, students with disabilities and “nontraditional and returning adult students,” as that term is defined by the University.

George & Laura Maki Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes a fourth-year medical student planning to pursue a career in internal medicine who has demonstrated outstanding abilities as a scholar, and who has also exhibited commensurate outstanding humanistic qualities.

Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement

The Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement is presented by the American Medical Women’s Association to recognize women students who graduate in the top 10% of their class. 

Gold Humanism Honor Society

The Gold Humanism Honor Society exists to elevate the values of humanism and professionalism within the field of medicine. Students are nominated to the society by their peers based on their demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service.

Gustafson Family Scholarship

Dr. Raymond Gustafson, MD, Class of 1955, and the Gustafson Family created this scholarship to encourage medical students to go into family practice and return to smaller rural communities. This scholarship recognizes a senior student of the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine (WARM) who has demonstrated strong humanitarian instincts and evidence of public spirited leadership.

James J. Magnino, MD Scholarship

This scholarship was established through the estate of the late Dr. James Magnino, Class of 1975, to recognize students who clinically have displayed an exceptional understanding in medical ethics.

Joyce F. Jeardeau Family Medicine Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by David Jeardeau in memory of his wife, Joyce. This scholarship is awarded to one or more fourth year medical student(s) with financial need planning to pursue a career in Family Medicine.

Kae I. Walker, MD, ’68 and Richard T. DeWitt, MD, ’68 Scholarship

The Donors wish to assist medical students enrolled in the University’s School of Medicine and Public Health with the cost of their education and training.

Laura Zakowski, MD General Internal Medicine Outstanding Medical Student Award

Presented to one or two fourth-year students who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the fundamental principles of general internal medicine. The students are recognized for their notable contributions, which encompass clinical skill, compassionate care, and a commitment to advocacy or community engagement.

Laurel Clark Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Class of 1987 in memory of their classmate, Captain Laurel Clark. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding fourth-year medical student with strong leadership skills and a dedication to cutting-edge science.

Lewis E. and Edith Phillips Scholarship

Phillips scholarships are provided to help support the continuing education of

students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Mr. Phillips was a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and a generous benefactor of the University and Medical School.

Lora L. Marshall Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to deserving students on the basis of academic achievement.

Mark Gichert Memorial Award in the Neurosciences

The Department of Neurological Surgery established and selects the Mark Gichert Memorial Award in memory of Dr. Mark Gichert, Class of 1978, a brilliant resident in neurosurgery who died in 1987. It is presented to an outstanding senior medical student interested in the neurosciences.

Medical Student Achievement in Orthopedics Award

The Medical Student Achievement in Orthopedics Award is presented to a deserving student by the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation to recognize excellence, citizenship, and research in orthopedics.

Medical Student Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award

The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine presents this award to recognize interest and excellence in the field of emergency medicine.

Mini Med School Scholarship 

The purpose of this fund is to provide support for the three missions of the School of Medicine and Public Health: research, programs, and education.

Native American Center for Health Professions Scholarship for Advancing Health Equity

This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to address health disparities that impact Native American populations.

N.B Bunin Scholarship

The N.B. Bunin scholarship recognizes a student doing research in the fields of cancer or heart disease.

Nicholas and Leila Schmitz Medical Scholarship Fund 

This scholarship was created with a gift from the estate of Leila Schmitz. Per her will, this gift is to be used to establish an endowment fund for the purpose of assisting worthy students in the University of Wisconsin Medical School.

Otto Villwock Medical Education Fund

The Otto Villwock Medical Scholarship Fund was created to support future doctors interested in practicing medicine in either the state of Ohio or the State of Wisconsin.  

Path of Distinction in Bioethics

The Path of Distinction in Bioethics program provides students with opportunities for focused electives, clinical ethics observation, bioethics scholarship, and participation in a vibrant bioethics learning community. It serves as a foundation for service and research in ethics in one’s medical career.

Path of Distinction in Interprofessional Practice & Education 

This Path of Distinction is awarded to students who complete a two-year longitudinal IPE program to gain knowledge and skills in interprofessional competencies, and to become interprofessional practitioners as future healthcare team members and leaders.

Path of Distinction in Medical Education

This Path of Distinction prepares tomorrow’s leaders in medical education. It provides medical students with exposure to core principles of education and enables them to apply that knowledge through experiences in teaching and scholarship.

Path of Distinction in Public Health

The program provides medical students with a formal option to merge medical training with the principles and practice of public health by organizing existing and new programs, courses and service-learning experiences.

Path of Distinction in Research 

The Path of Distinction in Research grants graduation distinction to select students who conduct a minimum of 16 weeks of mentored research during medical school; contribute significantly to at least one manuscript or thesis based on original research; complete research- related learning and leadership activities; present scholarly work; and are in good academic standing.

Pathology Honor Society

This award is given by the Association of Pathology Chairs in recognition of

academic achievement.

Philip M. Abdel Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Matthew Abdel, MD and Mark Morrey, MD in memory of Philip M. Abdel. It is given to recognize fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated one or more of the following attributes: exceptional moral characteristics, dedication to pursuing a surgical specialty or subspecialty, superb academic competence, a resolute work ethic, notable leadership qualities, and active participation in research.

Robert F. and Irma K. Korbitz Endowed Scholarship in Family Medicine

This scholarship was created by Mrs. Irma Korbitz in memory of her husband, Dr. Robert Korbitz, Class of 1962. Dr. Korbitz served as an adjunct professor of medicine while focusing on family practice as a partner in the Monona Grove Clinic. This Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a career in family medicine.

Rupp Sell Memorial Award Advancement of Infant Care

This endowed scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Matt Sell, a beloved infant care specialist. This award is given to a fourth-year medical student planning to pursue a career in pediatrics with an interest in neonatology and infant care who combines the attributes of Dr. Sell: a caring and kind attitude, good work ethic, dedication to gentle care of patients and a penchant towards cutting-edge ideas.

T.A. Leonard Award

Named in honor of the late Dr. T.A. Leonard, Class of 1931, this award is given in recognition of exemplary performance in obstetrics and gynecology.

Tom Genda Family Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Tom Genda by his family. Mr. Genda

played for the UW Badgers (1959 Big Ten Champions) and in the 1960 Rose Bowl.

This Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more fourth-year medical student(s) planning to pursue a career in internal medicine, with a preference for those interested in cardiovascular medicine.

Tow Award for Humanism in Medicine

This award is presented to the student and faculty member who best demonstrate the Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care; respect for patients, their families, and healthcare colleagues; in addition to demonstrated clinical excellence.

William J. Bleckwenn Jr. Award

This award is given by the late Dr. William J. Bleckwenn, Sr. and Mrs. Bleckwenn in memory of their son who died during his third year in medical school. The award is based on clinical promise and is presented to a senior student in recognition of qualities of character, heart, and mind that combine to make a true physician.

Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association Samuel G. Perlson Medical Scholarship Fund

This fund was set up by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association in conjunction with Sam Perlson in early 1991. It is awarded to students who maintain consistency with Dr. Perlson’s values and ideals, including a demonstrated commitment to serve the underserved.

Questions about this event? Contact SMPH Signature Events at smphevents@med.wisc.edu.

Accessibility statement: 
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is committed to accessibility. If you need an accommodation to attend or participate in this event, please contact the SMPH signature events team at smphevents@med.wisc.edu. We ask that accommodation requests be made no less than two weeks before an event. We will make a thorough attempt to fulfill requests made after this date but cannot guarantee they will be met.