Dec 02, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin (July 2022 Ed) 
    
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin (July 2022 Ed) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Honors and Recognitions


Outstanding students are recognized each year for their achievement during the College of Medicine Dean’s Convocation, which is a part of the May commencement. These awards are given in recognition of academic excellence, achievement in clinical medicine, research, leadership and service to the community and to the institution. The Committee on Recognition and Awards, with the support of the Office of Student Affairs, considers all candidates for these awards and makes the final selection of the recipient.

Honors/ High Honors

The College of Medicine acknowledges the superior academic achievement of students by the designations of “With Highest Honors” (top 5%) and “With High Honors” (next 10%). All academic programs taken through Block 3 of the fourth year  are counted for the determination.

Awards and Recognition

Faculty Medal for Academic Achievement: The award is presented by the faculty to the graduating senior(s) with the highest academic standing in the class.

The Committee on Recognition and Awards under the direction of the Office of Student Affairs selects recipients for the following awards. Among the special awards given are the following:

Alumni Achievement  Award in  Clinical Medicine: This  award is  presented to an outstanding graduating senior who exemplifies the highest ideals of the practice of medicine. The recipient displays the best qualities of personal honesty, character, compassion for patients, and dedication to the highest ethical and professional standards. A plaque and stipend are provided by the College of Medicine Alumni Association for the continued pursuit of excellence in medical arts and skills.

Alumni Achievement Award in Research: This award is given to a graduating senior in recognition of outstanding achievement in biomedical research. A plaque and stipend are provided by the College of Medicine Alumni Association for continuation of research pursuits.

Alpha Omega Alpha Distinguished Graduate Award: An engraved plaque is presented to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the Committee on Recognition and Awards and the AOA Executive Committee, will make the most significant contribution to the medical profession. The award is presented by the College of Medicine Chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Robert L. Summitt, M.D. Distinguished Student Achievement Award: The Committee on Recognition and Awards selects a graduating senior who has shown distinction in scholarship, leadership, service, and character during the period of medical education. An engraved plaque and a stipend are awarded by the College with sponsorship by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company.

Departmental Awards: The Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, Neurology, and Family Medicine, respectively, present an award to the graduating senior who illustrates the most outstanding abilities within each specialty. Additionally, The Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians sponsors The Outstanding Student in Family Practice Award.

Charles C. Verstandig Award: This award is presented to the member of the graduating class who surmounts the greatest difficulty in obtaining a medical education. The recipient is selected by the class with input from the Committee on Recognition and Awards.

Anthony S. Ficalora Award: This award is given to a graduating senior for his/her sensitivity to and respect for patients. The recipient is chosen by the Committee on Recognition and Awards.

Distinguished Student Service Award:  An engraved plaque is given by the College of Medicine to a graduating senior for outstanding service to the  student  body and  to  the  College  of  Medicine. The recipient is selected by the Medical Student Executive Council.

Student Affairs Service Award: This  award  is  presented  by  the  University  of  Tennessee Health Science Center Office of Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs in recognition and appreciation of outstanding leadership and service as a member of the Student Government Association Executive Council.

Outstanding Community Service Award: This award is given to a graduating senior for outstanding service to the community and the medical profession while a medical student. It includes a set of CIBA Medical Illustrations Atlas. The recipient is selected by the Medical Student Executive Council.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society: Student membership is based entirely upon scholarship, honesty, and potential leadership. Students are elected to the chapter during their third or fourth year of medical school. The UT local chapter of AOA makes all selections.

Outstanding Faculty Awards: The graduating seniors select an outstanding faculty member from their basic science years and from their clinical years for recognition.