Graduation Awards & Honors
Listed are: College of Medicine (COM) Graduation Awards, COM Binghamton Clinical Campus Graduation Awards, and COM Annual Awards
Faculty Marshals
Description: One each: Basic Science Faculty, Syracuse Clinical Faculty, Binghamton Clinical Faculty. The faculty marshals hood the graduates at commencement.
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year.
Administrator of Physician’s Oath
Description: Administers the Physician’s Oath to the graduates.
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year.
Flag Bearer
Description: Carry the flag for the College of Medicine during the commencement processional.
Selected by: Class vote March of Senior year.
Awards Ceremony Speaker
Description: Faculty/Administrator
Selected by: Senior class vote March of Senior year.
Awards Ceremony Speaker
Description: Student
Selected by: Senior class vote March of Senior year.
Herbert Lourie, M.D. Award
Description: This award is presented annually by the Graduate Student Council to a graduating student who displays those qualities and characteristics that endeared the late Dr. Herbert Lourie to all who interacted with him: dedication, gentility, thoughtfulness, philanthropy, compassion and commitment to academic excellence.
Contact person: Sharon Huard
Selected by: Senior class vote March of Senior year.
Syracuse Medical Alumni Association Phillip B. Armstrong Award
Description: Established by the Class of March 1943 to honor Dr. Phillip B. Armstrong, who was professor and chairman of the Department of Anatomy for many years. The recipient of this award is a member of the basic science faculty who has most influenced the lives of the graduates.
Contact person: Syracuse Medical Alumni Association
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year.
Syracuse Medical Alumni Association Basic Science Department Teaching Award
Description: Presented to a Basic Science Department held in esteem by the graduating students.
Contact person: Syracuse Medical Alumni Association
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year.
Syracuse Medical Alumni Association Clinical Faculty Teaching Award
Description: Presented to a Clinical Faculty member held in esteem by the graduating students.
Contact person: Syracuse Medical Alumni Association
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year (Syracuse Campus).
Syracuse Medical Alumni Association Clinical Department Teaching Award
Description: Presented to a Clinical Department held in esteem by the graduating students.
Contact person: Syracuse Medical Alumni Association
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year (Syracuse Campus).
Syracuse Medical Alumni Association Clinical Campus Department Teaching Award
Description: Presented to a Clinical Campus Department held in esteem by the graduating clinical campus students.
Contact person: Syracuse Medical Alumni Association
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year (Binghamton Campus).
Syracuse Medical Alumni Association Clinical Campus Distinguished Teaching Award
Description: Presented to a Clinical Campus Faculty member held in esteem by the graduating clinical campus students.
Contact person: Syracuse Medical Alumni Association
Selected by: Class vote March of senior year (Binghamton Campus).
AMWA Leadership & Service Award
Description: Awarded by the local student and professional branches of the American Medical Women's Association to a graduating female medical student who demonstrates leadership and dedication to the Upstate Medical University community. In so doing, the recipient has established herself as a source of guidance and a role model for other female students.
Contact person: AMWA Chapter President
Selected by: AMWA members
AMWA Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Citation
Description: Given annually through the auspices of the American Medical Women's Association, Inc. to those female members of the graduating class who have shown excellence in academic and clinical achievement.
Contact person: Joni Hinds
Selected by: Student Affairs
AMWA Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Award
Description: Given annually through the auspices of the American Medical Women's Association, Inc. to a woman who is first in her graduating class.
Contact person: Joni Hinds
Selected by: Student Affairs
Excellence in Anatomical Sciences Award
Description: Presented by the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology to a graduating medical student for outstanding academic achievement, and for continued enthusiasm and interest in the anatomical sciences.
Contact person: Joseph Sanger, Ph.D., Department Chair, Cell and Developmental Biology
Selected by: Department faculty.
A. Geno Andreatta Student Affairs Award
Description: Presented to a graduating student who has contributed extensive time and effort in improving the quality of student life and the campus environment.
Contact person: Julie R. White, Ph.D.
Selected by: Student Affairs staff.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Award
Description: This award is presented by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for outstanding achievement in the molecular foundations of medicine.
Contact person: Robert West, Ph.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
AOA Gamma Chapter Robert Eich Award
Description: The Robert Eich Award is given by the Upstate Chapter of AOA, the national medical honor society, to the student with the highest cumulative average during the third year of medical school.
Contact person: Lynn Cleary, M.D., AOA Councilor
Selected by: Upstate Chapter, AOA
Paul A. Bunn, M.D. Award
Description: Each year the Infectious Diseases Section of the Department of Medicine honors a student or medicine resident who has demonstrated excellence in the field of Infectious Diseases. This award is given in the memory of Paul A. Bunn, M.D., a noted scholar of infectious diseases at our medical school.
Contact person: David Duggan, M.D.
Selected by: Department of Medicine
Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award
Description: Presented by The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine to a student who demonstrated outstanding proficiency in emergency medicine as selected by the faculty at Upstate Medical University.
Contact person: John McCabe, M.D., Department Chair
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Emergency Medicine Award
Description: The Department of Emergency Medicine Award is presented to a student who demonstrated outstanding proficiency in emergency medicine as selected by the emergency medicine faculty at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Contact person: John McCabe, M.D., Department Chair
Selected by: Department faculty.
The Endocrine Society Medical Student Achievement Award
Description: Presented by The Endocrine Society in recognition of a senior medical student who has shown special achievement and interest in the general field of endocrinology.
Contact person: Ruth Weinstock, M.D.
Selected by: Dr. Weinstock
Ernest Carhart, M.D./Paul Palmer, M.D. Award
Description: Given to the medical student who best upholds the ideals of Family Medicine as demonstrated by both Dr. Palmer and Dr. Carhart. The award is made possible by the Onondaga County Chapter of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians in conjunction with the Department of Family Medicine at Upstate Medical University.
Contact person: Peter Beatty, Ph.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Harry A. Feldman, M.D. Preventive Medicine Award
Description: Presented to a student who has shown special aptitude and accomplishment in preventive medicine/public health.
Contact person: David Duggan, M.D.
Selected by: Department of Medicine
Kelsey Foundation Award
Description: The Kelsey Foundation Award is presented to a fourth year student who has demonstrated excellence in academics and a dedication to the practice of Family Medicine.
Contact person: Peter Beatty, Ph.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Bruce Farrell, M.D. Award
Description: Honors Dr. Farrell, a 1972 graduate of our College of Medicine, who represented some of the best aspects of our medical community. The recipient is selected for true dedication to a medical career, the ability and willingness to teach and learn, and the demonstration of maturity and leadership.
Contact person: Paul Cunningham, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Stuart I. Gurman, M.D. Award
Description: Given to that graduate of high scholastic achievement who best showed a continuous interest and activity in art, music, literature or the public interest, realizing that living and learning go together.
Contact person: Julie R. White, Ph.D.
Selected by: Student Affairs
John Bernard Henry, M.D. Endowed Scholarship
Description: Presented to a graduating student in the College of Medicine who not only exemplified excellence in academic and research achievements, but also significantly contributed to the image and vision of the college.
Contact person: Margaret Bourke
Selected by: Dean of the College of Medicine
Marc H. Hollender, M.D. Psychiatry Award
Description: Presented to a graduating medical student by the Department of Psychiatry who has shown special interest, aptitude and/or achievement in Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences.
Contact person: Mantosh Dewan, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Patrick T. Mathews, '03 Memorial Award
Description: Awarded in memory of Patrick T. Mathews, Medical School Class of 2003, by his closest friends and family. Paddy was and always will be a source of unending joy to all whose lives were lucky enough to be touched by his smile, kindness, and humor. This award is presented to the fourth year medical student, who, in the judgment of those who knew Paddy best, most embodies the traits that endeared him to us all: an unparalleled love for life and for medicine, kindness which knew no limits or bounds, and the joy that he brought to everyone and everything that he did.
Contact person: N. Barry Berg, Ph.D.
Selected by: Committee selection.
Medical Society of the State of New York Community Service Award
Description: This award is presented by the Medical Society of the State of New York to recognize a graduating student at each medical school in the state for outstanding community service, whether related or unrelated to the field of medicine.
Contact person: Joni Hinds
Selected by: Student Affairs
David G. Murray, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgery Award
Description: Presented to the student who best demonstrates ability, interest and enthusiasm for orthopaedic surgery.
Contact person: Danielle Katz, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Robert E.L. Nesbitt, Jr. M.D. Student Award
Description: Presented to an exceptional graduating student who shows a special interest in clinical and academic aspects of obstetrics and gynecology.
Contact person: Shawky Badaway, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology
Description: The American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology is awarded annually to a graduating medical student who exemplifies outstanding scientific achievement and clinical acumen in neurology or neuroscience, and outstanding personal qualities of integrity, compassion and leadership.
Contact person: Deborah Bradshaw, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
The Pathology Award
Description: Presented by the Pathology Medical Service Group to a graduating medical student for outstanding academic achievement in pathology and laboratory medicine.
Contact person: Gregory Threatte, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
James L. Potts, M.D. Medical Principles Award
Description: Presented to the African-American graduating medical student with the best performance in clinical medicine who has demonstrated sensitivity to patients and has participated in community and campus organizations.
Contact person: Harold Smulyan, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence
Description: The State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence is presented to a student who has received national or international recognition in such fields as academics, athletics, community service, the arts, entrepreneurship and career achievement.
Contact person: Sharon Huard
Selected by: Nomination and selection process coordinated by Student Services.
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
Description: The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, recognizes and honors a student who demonstrates the highest standard of integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect, empathy and service.
Contact person: Sharon Huard
Selected by: Nomination and selection process coordinated by Student Services.
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
Description: The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, recognizes and honors a faculty member who demonstrates the highest standard of integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect, empathy and service.
Contact person: Sharon Huard
Selected by: Nomination and selection process coordinated by Student Services.
Outstanding Medical Student in Urology
Description: Presented to the student who best demonstrates ability, interest and enthusiasm in Urology.
Contact person: Jenny Doane
Selected by: Department faculty.
Valenzuela Memorial Scholarship
Description: Awarded to a graduating SUNY Upstate Medical University medical student who has been accepted into a Diagnostic Radiology Program. The scholarship awardee exemplifies the high academic achievement, strong character, human compassion and will to overcome adversity, all traits for which former Department of Radiology resident, Dr. Jorge’ Valenzuela, will be remembered.
Contact person: David Feiglin, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Howard L. Weinberger, M.D. Award in Pediatrics
Description: This award has been established by the pediatric community to acknowledge excellence in the graduating medical student who best exemplifies the ideals and qualities of the pediatrician as personified by Dr. Howard Weinberger.
Contact person: Cherlynn Clarry
Selected by: Department faculty.
William J. Williams, M.D. Award in Internal Medicine
Description: Presented to the senior student who has displayed excellence in scholarship, humanism and clinical acumen in the discipline of Internal Medicine.
Contact person: David Duggan, M.D.
Selected by: Department faculty.
Ronald Krizinofski Award
Description: This award is presented annually to a student who best exemplifies the spirit of the Clinical Campus program. It is based on the individual’s mature, responsible approach to learning the art and science of medicine. Besides demonstrating skills of an accomplished problem-solver, the student consistently displays a most enthusiastic response and willingness in making the Clinical Campus academic program better, as well as improving the community life of the Clinical Campus students. This individual demonstrates above all the “patient caring function” and the high standard professionalism expected from a Clinical Campus student.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Clinical Campus Student Affairs
Department of Family Medicine Award
Description: The Family Medicine Award is presented to a primary care student who has demonstrated the characteristics desired in an ideal family physician. These characteristics include dedication, enthusiasm, medical knowledge, respect and empathy in caring for all patients regardless of age, race, gender, socio-economic status, or disease process.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Dean Edward A. Wolfson Geriatrics Award
Description: The Dean Edward Wolfson Geriatric Medicine Award is presented to a student who reflects the highest standards of excellence in medical knowledge and patient care, and is an integral part of the health care team. This student demonstrates the attitude of caring and compassion, the cornerstone of geriatric medicine.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Internal Medicine Award
Description: Each year the Department of Internal Medicine identifies a student who has been acknowledged by the faculty as outstanding in the characteristics the department endeavors to instill in each student. This individual excelled in depth and breadth of medical knowledge, in development of technical skills, in participation and leadership in the process of medical teamwork, and above all, in exhibiting a deep concern for the welfare of every patient.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Neurosurgery Award
Description: Each year the Neurosurgery Department of the Clinical Campus recognizes a student who has distinguished him or herself in terms of enthusiasm, superior fund of knowledge and demonstration of clinical excellence in the medical neurosciences. It is felt these attributes are essential for a student pursuing a career in this or related disciplines.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Award
Description: This student is recognized for distinguished performance as demonstrated by exceptional achievement in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Besides acquiring the clinical knowledge and skills needed as a valued member of a health care team, the student consistently exhibited those traits essential for a future physician: sensitivity and compassion for the emotional, psychosocial and physical needs of the patient.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Pediatrics Award
Description: The Pediatric Award is presented annually to the Clinical Campus medical student whose character, attitude, initiative and knowledge best exemplifies the model of the exceptional pediatrician.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Psychiatry Award
Description: Each year the Department of Psychiatry recognizes a Clinical Campus student who has demonstrated depth and breadth of knowledge combined with genuine compassion for the patient. This individual has exhibited excellent interpersonal skills along with a genuine desire to understand the many complexities associated with the profession of psychiatry.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
Department of Surgery Award
Description: The Department of Surgery Award is given to the Clinical Campus student who has demonstrated an outstanding fund of knowledge in the principles and practice of surgery. This student has also demonstrated the characteristics we consider both important and necessary in all physicians: a dedication to patient care with diligence, empathy and ethical and intellectual integrity.
Contact person: Paul Levine
Selected by: Department faculty.
McGraw-Hill/Appleton Lange Award
Description: Presented on behalf of McGraw-Hill, Inc. to first year medical students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
Contact person: Joni Hinds
Selected by: Student Affairs
Association of Pathology Chairs (APC) Awards
Description: The Association of Pathology Chairs (APC) is a professional organization that fosters scholarship and excellence in academic pathology. The association honors undergraduates who have excelled in Pathology. Students are selected on the basis of scholastic achievement in the Pathology curriculum, research accomplishments, leadership skills as well as overall excellence with the ability to develop further academically. Typically, one or two sophomore medical school students are so honored with this award.
Contact person: Christine Schwindt
Selected by: Department faculty.
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Honor Award
Description: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) supports several programs in medical education to foster academic excellence. The ASCP Award for Academic Excellence and Achievement is given by the Pathology Department to the sophomore medical school student who has obtained highest honors in scholastic achievement. Typically, only one sophomore student is selected for this honor.
Contact person: Christine Schwindt
Selected by: Department faculty.
Merck Manual Award
Description: Presented annually on behalf of Merck & Company, Inc. and honors third year medical students for their outstanding academic achievement.
Contact person: Joni HInds
Selected by: Student Affairs
AOA Gamma Chapter Robert Eich Award
Description: The Robert Eich award is given by the Upstate chapter of AOA, the national medical honor society, to the student(s) with the highest cumulative average during their first and/or third years of medical school.
Contact person: Lynn Cleary, M.D.
Selected by: Upstate AOA chapter
