Gold Humanism Honor Society: UMass Chan Medical School Chapter
Purpose: The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) is guided by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s vision statement: “Healthcare will be dramatically improved by placing human interests, values and dignity at the core of teaching and practice.”
As such, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Chapter consists of select medical students, residents, and faculty recognized for their qualities of:
- Integrity
- Dedication
- Compassion
- Altruism
- Respect
- Empathy
- Curiosity
Student members from the UMass Chan chapter work with residents and faculty members to champion a culture where humanism is the cornerstone of medicine.
Scope: Members serve as role models for humanistic care, providing:
- Mentorship to peers
- Opportunities for community to participate in humanism
- Support for healthcare professionals and students to continue empathetic and integrous patient care
- Acknowledgement of community members who promote and embody humanism
- Outreach to communities in Worcester and other communities served by UMass Chan
- Innovation to match the needs of students and the community.
Endeavors:
Promotion of Humanism in Medicine:
Solidarity Week | What Matters to You? | “Get to Know Me” Patient Boards | Highlights in Humanistic Medicine | Co-leading Small Groups during Palliative Care Day
Healthcare Community Support:
Resident Appreciation Day | Intern Care Packages | Anthology | Wellness Week
Community Engagement:
Doc ‘n the Shop | Patient Memorial Service
Selection Process: The top 25% of peer-nominated medical students are invited to submit an application consisting of a resume and a brief essay on how to further promote humanism at UMass Chan. The applications are reviewed and voted on by an ad hoc committee made up of GHHS members (students, residents, and faculty), clerkship directors, and deans. The top 15% of the class will then be inducted into GHHS, and members will serve a one-year term until graduation.
Faculty Advisor:
Michael Ennis, MD