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The Gold-Headed Cane Award

Sponsor: Dean’s Office

Presentation includes: Framed Medallion 

This award recognizes a medical student who shows exemplary interest in and dedication to patient care. 

Nomination and Selection Process:

Submit the name of a medical student who embodies the above criteria, and a one- to two-paragraph summary supporting your nomination.  Graduating medical students nominate and select the recipient of this award.

History:

The original gold-headed cane had been handed down from physician to physician as early as the 17th century; it was deposited in the early 19th century in the Royal College of Physicians. The cane represents the “appeal to be worthy to serve the suffering, so beautifully that the cane is rescued from obscurity to walk again, a symbol, the outward and visible sign of the attributes of mind and heart of the true physician.”

From the Foreword by William J. Kerr, M.D., to The Gold-Headed Cane by William MacMichael, M.D.

A replica of the early gold-headed cane was designed and donated by the late Dr. Clifford C. Snyder, professor emeritus and associate dean, and the cane is displayed at the Health Sciences Library.  The Gold-Headed Cane Award, a long-time tradition at many medical schools, is presented to the senior medical student whom has shown exemplary interest in patient care.

Past Recipients:

2023

Mariah Richins

2022

Sarah Kinsey

2021

Samuel West Wilkinson

2020

Carson J. Mills, M.S.

2019

Jorgen Peter Madsen

2018

Peter Sundwall

2017

Wesley Blaine Godfrey

2016

Gregory Douglas Phillips, Jr.

2015

Adam Eli Bracken

2014

Melissa Velez See

2013

Laura Elizabeth Fink

2012

Jeffrey Michael Norris

2011

Peter Romney Jackson

2010

Andrea Clark Esplin

2009

Mark Corry

2009

Lindsay Wilson

2008

Eric Glissmeyer

2008

Michael Rich

2007

David Gordon Liddle

2006

Marcus Buchanan

2005

Richard Gurgel

2005

Jose Vega

2004

Marion Bishop

2004

Miguel Knochel

2003

Roy Neal Davis

2003

Jeffrey Erickson

2002

Jason Wesley Cash

2002

Lyle Kinikini

2001

Marion Lois Folkemer

2001

Katherine Mary Gesteland

2000

Leslie Rae Pelinka

1999

Trek Lyons

1998

Jennifer Nicole Geary

1997

Jennifer White Boyden

1996

Judy R. Merrill

1995

Catherine Alice Olsen

1994

Peter Val Sundwall, Jr.

1993

Peter Blaine Hathaway

1992

Kandice Leigh Knigge