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: