
Gold Humanism Honor
Society
The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
In 1991, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, in order to recognize a faculty member for compassionate care, initiated the Humanism in Medicine Award. The goal of the program was to get medical schools to train students to recognize the value of humanism in the delivery of care to patients and their families, as well as being proficient clinical physicians. In 1999, the University of Oklahoma, College of Medicine awarded its first Humanism Award to Dr. Geor
ge Selby. In October 2018 (as pictured and as shown on list of awardees) Executive Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. John P. Zubialde presents the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award to Dr. George Tardibono.
In 2003, after a generous donation from Leonard Tow, the Gold Foundation became the sole sponsor and administrator of The Leonard Town Humanism in Medicine Award. Medical schools could sign a contract with The Arnold P. Gold Foundation to participate in this awards program. The Gold Foundation bestows a personalized certificate and a $1,000 prize to a faculty member who is nominated and selected by his or her peers for best demonstrating the Foundation’s ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care, respect for patients, their families and healthcare colleagues, as well as demonstrate clinical excellence.
Criteria as outlineD by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation:
Medical School Faculty Member (MD or
DO)
Consistently demonstrates compassion
and empathy in the delivery of care to patients
Serves as a role model -- illustrates
professional behavior by example
Approachable and accessible to
students
Welcomes opportunities for teaching
and one-on-one mentorships with students
Exhibits enthusiasm and skill in
professional and personal interactions with students
Shows respect for everyone
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in
working with patients and family members of diverse
backgrounds
Displays effective communication and
listening skills
Understands patients’ needs for
interpretation of complex medical diagnoses and treatments and
makes an effort
to ensure patient comprehension -- shows respect for the patient’s viewpoint
Sensitive to patients’
psychological well-being
Effectively identifies emotional
concerns of patients and family members
Engenders trust and confidence
Adheres to professional and ethical
standards
Committed to reflection and objective
self-evaluation of his/her skills
Displays competence in scientific endeavors