Seventy-five aspiring doctors from St. George’s University School of Medicine were inducted into the prestigious Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), a national organization that promotes compassionate, patient-centered care in the field of medicine.
The induction ceremony, held on June 6 in New York City, honored students who exemplify the values of GHHS as they pledged to foster the values of humanism in their careers.
“We are here to celebrate your induction into this honor society and to pause and be reminded of some powerful ingredients in the delivery of excellent patient care, namely, compassion and connection with the human spirit,” said Dr. Toni Liggins, associate dean of clinical studies and SGU GHHS faculty advisor.
A legacy of compassion
Founded in 2002 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) was created to promote the integration of humanism into medical training. Today, more than 160 medical schools host GHHS chapters, collectively honoring thousands of students for their commitment to compassionate care.
Since SGU established its GHHS chapter in 2005, the Society has recognized outstanding medical students who exemplify clinical excellence, leadership, empathy, and a strong commitment to service. Those selected for induction rank in the top 10 percent of their class and are frequently engaged in volunteer and community outreach efforts.
Humanism in action
Each of this year’s inductees will choose one of three ongoing, student-led service projects within the SGU chapter. The goal of participating in the project is to encourage students to engage with medical education in innovative ways and move beyond simply completing a one-time service activity.
In an interview with SGU News, Dr. Liggins expanded on the goal of the student-led projects:
“We’re hoping to inspire and develop life-long advocates for patient-centered care following graduation from SGU. We want them to carry the idea of being compassionate physicians, but also, we hope students want to continue to be involved with Gold Humanism chapters in residency,” she said.
The student projects are as follows:
Medical Humanities: This project is a social media initiative meant to encourage reflection and discussion among medical students about mental health, physician burnout, death and grief, stereotyping, and other related issues.
Suicide and Mental Health Awareness: Those who partake in this project participate in walks, both virtual and in person, that are sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) with the goal of raising awareness and funds for the cause.
Reach Out and Read (ROR): In contributing to the mission of Reach Out and Read, a national organization, students get involved by reading to children in person, prerecording videos to share, donating books, or fundraising money to buy books. The project focuses on children with limited access to books, many belonging to historically marginalized communities.
New members and new beginnings
Dr. Robert Grant, senior associate dean of clinical studies, emphasized that the privilege of practicing medicine comes with the duty to maintain compassion, strong ethics, and empathy. Dr. Grant believes this recognition should be viewed as an introduction to a career where the values of Gold Humanism are at the forefront.
“As new members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, you have been identified by your peers as role models,” he said. “It is our responsibility to remind all practitioners that we strive to place the interests, values and dignity of all people at the core of our careers.”
