2023 Commencement Program

MD Recognition Ceremony Program

Order of Exercises

Presenting the Graduates

Awards and Prizes

Declaration of Geneva

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Order of Exercises

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Presenting the Graduates

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration Degrees

Doctor of Medicine and Master of Population Health Sciences Degrees

Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health Degrees

Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in Clinical Investigation Degrees

Doctor of Medicine Degree

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Awards and Prizes

American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology
Awarded for excellence in clinical neurology, outstanding scientific achievement and clinical acumen in neurology or neuroscience, and personal integrity, compassion
and leadership.

• Lauren Broestl

American College of Physicians Clerkship Award
This award was established in 1992 and recognizes a student completing the third year of study with meritorious achievement in the Internal Medicine Clinical Clerkship.

• Maximilian Schaettler

American College of Physicians Michael M. Karl, MD, Book Award
Presented annually to a member of the graduating class committed to a career in internal medicine, in recognition of highest achievement in the field of internal medicine.

• Cyrus Ghaznavi

Antoinette Frances Dames Award in Cell Biology and Physiology
Awarded annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated superior scholarship in these fields.

• David Lauzier
• Po wei Kang

Ruth Bebermeyer Award
This award honors her many years of service to the Alumni Association and to the students of the School of Medicine. It is awarded to a student who has shown extraordinary kindness and sensitivity to the needs of others.

• Jennifer Lee

The Alexander Berg Prize
Awarded to the student presenting the best results in research in molecular
microbiology.

• Rita Chen

The James and Philip Brasington Memorial Prize
Awarded to a medical school student who has demonstrated excellent preclinical and clinical academic performance in psychiatry and who has the potential to make significant contributions to the field.

• Craig Pearson

Jacques J. Bronfenbrenner Award
Provided by Dr. Bronfenbrenner’s students in memory of his inspiration as a teacher and a scientist, and awarded to a member of the graduating class who, as judged by the Department of Internal Medicine, has done the most outstanding work in infectious diseases or related fields.

• Cyrus Ghaznavi

Dr. Richard S. Brookings Medical School Prizes
These prizes were provided through a bequest of Robert S. Brookings in honor of his father, Dr. Richard Brookings, to recognize outstanding student performance in medical school curriculum.

• Christopher Chermside-Scabbo
• Carter Scott
• Winston Winkler

Dr. Richard S. Brookings Medical School Prize
Provided through a bequest of Robert S. Brookings to recognize meritorious research in medical school. The Committee on Fellowships and Awards selects
this recipient.

• Sukruth Shashikumar

Dr. Harvey Butcher Prize in Surgery
Awarded annually in memory of Dr. Harvey Butcher to a member of the graduating class who, as judged by the Department of Surgery, shows the greatest promise for general surgery.

• Joseph Banton

Robert Carter Medical School Prizes
These prizes were provided through a bequest of Robert S. Brookings in honor of his maternal grandfather Robert Carter, an industrialist and farmer, to recognize outstanding student performance in the medical school curriculum.

• Karim Saoud
• Thomas Bane
• Will Freeman

Robert Carter Medical School Award
Provided for medical students through a bequest from Robert S. Brookings for meritorious performance and research in medical school. The Committee on Fellowships and Awards selects this recipient.

• Sarah Chiang
• David Lauzier

F. Sessions Cole Award in Pediatrics
The Cole award is presented annually to a senior medical student entering the field
of pediatrics who best embodies the mission of F. Sessions Cole, MD. Dr. Cole has been a physician scientist who continually embraces new and emerging technologies, in particular incorporating genomics into clinical care. He is a kind and caring mentor who provides honest and thoughtful appraisals and gives generously with his time. He is a master clinician who continually advocates for our smallest patients and supports their families, the hospital staff, and all of those who care for them, by going above and beyond what is expected. An omnipresent voice of wisdom, a motivator,and an inspiration to all.

• Jennifer Lee

Elisabeth L. Demonchaux Prize in Pediatrics
Established in 1985, the prize is awarded annually to a graduating student who has done outstanding work in pediatrics.

• Kelsie Kodama

Steven Dresler Prize
The prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to promoting social good, civil rights and civil liberties through social action and volunteerism.

• Ashley Amukamara

Dr. William Ellis Award
Established in 1990 by Dr. Ellis and awarded to a senior student in recognition of meritorious research in ophthalmology.

• Jennifer Chung

The Endocrine Society Medical Student Achievement Award
Recognizing a graduating medical student who has shown special achievement and interest in the general field of endocrinology.

• Cyrus Ghaznavi

George F. Gill Prize in Pediatrics
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated superior scholarship in pediatrics.

• Sindhu Manivasagam

Alfred Goldman Book Prize in Diseases of the Chest
Created in 1972 as an annual award to be given to a student selected by the faculty for outstanding clinical work or research in diseases of the chest or pulmonary physiology.

• Alexandra Lenyo

Max and Evelyn Grand Prize
Established in 1985 by Dr. M. Gilbert Grand, the prize is awarded annually to a member of the graduating class for excellence in ophthalmic research or clinical ophthalmology.

• Alexandra Zdonczyk

Herrmann Prize
This prize was created by Dr. Paul Herrmann (MD ’61) and his wife, Susan, to recognize a student who is considered a thoughtful and sensitive communicator in the clinical arena and who exemplifies listening and communication skills every patient hopes their physician will possess.

• Madeline Danforth

Howard A. McCordock Prize in Pathology
Awarded to a member of the graduating class for general excellence in pathology.

• John Daines

Dr. John Esben Kirk Scholastic Award
Established in 1975 and awarded to a graduating student of high scholastic standing.

• Gopika Hari
• Zachery Hong
• Faisal Ahmad

Louis and Dorothy Kovitz Senior Prize in Surgery
Senior award in surgery recognizing a member of the graduating class who has shown the most outstanding ability, zeal and interest in surgical problems.

• Aaron Guo

I. Wallace Leibner Award
Established in 1988 in memory of Dr. Leibner, the award is given to the member of the graduating class who has not only demonstrated excellence in diagnosis and therapeutics, but also an understanding of human nature and needs and an active nurturing of both patient and family.

• Jonathan Yu

Irwin Levy Prize in Neurology and Neurological Surgery
This prize was established in 1980 by friends of Dr. Levy as a tribute to his commitment to clinical teaching. This prize is awarded to the student who presents the best performance in neurology and neurological surgery.

• Kalyan Tripathy

Edward Massie Prize for Excellence in Cardiology
Awarded to the member of the graduating class who, as judged by the Division of Cardiovascular Disease in the Department of Internal Medicine, has done the most
outstanding clinical or basic research work in the field of cardiovascular disease.

• Po wei Kang

Medical Center Alumni Scholarship Fund Prize
Awarded annually to a student who has shown excellence in their work during the preceding year.

• Patrick England

Medical Fund Society Prize in Medicine
One prize awarded annually to a graduating student who has excelled in the study of internal medicine.

• Arwa Mohammad

Medical Fund Society Prize in Surgery
One prize awarded annually to a graduating student who has excelled in the study of surgery.

• Adam Ostergar

Merck Academic Excellence Awards
Given annually to three graduating medical students for scholastic achievement in medical studies.

• Vincent Peng

Missouri State Medical Association Award
Presented annually to honor School of Medicine graduates for outstanding achievement in the study of medicine.

• Jacqueline Hampton

Morton E. Smith Promise in Academic Medicine Award
This award was established in 2020 by the Washington University School of Medicine Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society in honor of Dr. Smith’s years of service as the chapter’s appointed Councilor. The award recognizes a student who has shown exceptional promise in academic medicine and exemplifies Dr. Smith’s passion for teaching, humility, kindness and good humor in working with their peers, faculty and staff.

• Amy Zhang

Doctor Helen E. Nash Academic Achievement Award
This award is given annually to a student who has exhibited an unusual degree of the qualities of industry, perseverance, determination and enthusiasm. The prize is given in honor of Dr. Helen Nash, a pediatrician noted in the St. Louis community for her commitment to excellence, tireless advocacy on behalf of children and endless enthusiasm for the field of medicine.

• Chioma Odozor

Nathan Edward Hellman, MD, PhD, Memorial Award
Awarded to a student with a strong track record of accomplishments and an interest in academic medicine, and whose humanism, collegiality, humor and compassion are an inspiration to members of the class.

• Haley Sherburne
• Gabrielle Johnson
• Sarah Cohen

The Nash Family Pediatrics Award
Presented to the senior student showing the greatest promise in clinical pediatrics.

• Alex Shimony

Dr. William A. Rubenstein Award in Medicine
This award is presented annually to a fourth-year student who shows a serious interest in pursuing a career in internal medicine and who demonstrates the exceptional qualities of a gifted physician, including compassion, caring and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

• Sukruth Shashikumar

Dr. Margaret G. Smith Award
Awarded to a woman medical student for outstanding achievement in the second year of medical school.

• Katherine Carbonell

John R. Smith Memorial Fund Award
Created in 1982 and awarded to a medical student who has done meritorious clinical and/or research work in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease within the Department of Internal Medicine.

• Sukruth Shashikumar

Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award
Based on demonstrated excellence in the specialty of emergency medicine, it is awarded to a senior medical student at Commencement.

• Jack Basse

Samuel D. Soule Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Presented to a member of the fourth-year class for meritorious achievement in either basic or clinical investigation in obstetrics and gynecology.

• Alexandra Houston-Ludlam

Jessie L. Ternberg Award
This award is presented to a woman who best exemplifies Dr. Ternberg’s indomitable spirit of determination, perseverance and dedication to her patients.

• Jennifer Lee

Washington University Internal Medicine Club Research Award
Awarded to the member of the graduating class who has done the most significant research in any area of internal medicine.

• Emma Winkler

Samson F. Wennerman Prize in Surgery
Established by Samson F. Wennerman’s wife, Zelda E. Wennerman, and awarded annually to a fourth-year student who has demonstrated promise in the field of surgery.

• Michael Finnan

Hugh M. Wilson Award in Radiology
Given annually to a graduating medical student in recognition of outstanding work in radiology-related subjects, either clinical or basic science.

• Jacqueline Hampton

The Wynder Prize for Preventive Medicine
An annual prize established in 1994 and awarded to senior medical students who have done the best research in preventive medicine.

• Alexandra Houston-Ludlam
• Amish Khan

James Henry Yalem Prize in Dermatology
Established by Charles Yalem in memory of his son and awarded annually to a member of the fourth-year class for outstanding work in dermatology.

• Bruin Pollard

Gold Humanism Honor Society

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Declaration of Geneva

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:

I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;

I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;

I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing, or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;

I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

I WILL PRACTISE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;

I WILL FOSTER the honour and noble traditions of the medical profession;

I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;

I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;

I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;

I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honour.

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