Student Awards

Puneet “Ashu” Ailawadi Memorial Award

This award honors Dr. Puneet “Ashu” Ailawadi, a 2000 graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School who was completing a residency in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Health System at the time of his death. Dr. Ailawadi’s family, friends, and colleagues have established a memorial fund to honor him. In keeping with Dr. Ailawadi’s dedication to helping underserved communities, this award is presented annually to a senior medical student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving underprivileged and underserved populations.
            Kiley E. Adams

 George R. DeMuth Medical Scientist Award for Excellence

This award honors Dr. George R. DeMuth, the founding Director of the University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program. The award is given to a graduating senior in the University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in research and who exhibits the personal and professional qualities desired in the complete physician. The recipient’s name is inscribed on a plaque which is displayed in the Taubman Health Sciences Library.
            Matthew Julian Pun

 Paul DeWolf Award

In memory of Paul DeWolf, a member of the Class of 2014, this award was created by the Student Council to honor the most unique and extraordinary qualities that he possessed. Paul was an “includer,” someone who used his enthusiasm for life to rally everyone around himself and help people contribute their voice on equal ground. He was also tireless in his dedication to patient-centered care, going the extra mile to connect on a much deeper level with each and every one of his patients. And he had an indefatigable “joie-de-vivre” with an infectious attitude of play hard and work hard. Most of all, he strove to improve himself for the purpose of bettering the condition of others. This award is presented every year to a senior who best exemplifies these attributes. The award consists of a certificate; the recipient’s name is inscribed on the Paul DeWolf Award Plaque, which is displayed in the Taubman Health Sciences Library.
           Aurelio Alberto Muzaurieta

 Ralph M. Gibson Award

This award honors Dr. Ralph Gibson, a distinguished African American faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics who also served as an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the Medical School. Dr. Gibson consistently emphasized the pursuit of academic excellence and demonstrated a concern for all students, their health, welfare, and career development. The award is presented to the senior student(s) who has best demonstrated these same qualities and who has had a dedication to addressing the health disparities experienced by minority and disadvantaged populations in the United States.
            Chioma Michelle Anidi

 Patrick John Niland Award

This award is presented in memory of Patrick John Niland, a member of the Class of 1986, who died in an automobile accident. This award was established by the Class of 1986 to recognize the important attributes that Patrick possessed: a cheerful, friendly demeanor and a patient, honest, and compassionate approach to medicine. It is given annually to a senior student who, in the eyes of the graduating class, best exemplifies these traits. This award consists of a certificate; the recipient's name is inscribed on the Patrick John Niland Award Plaque, which is displayed in the Taubman Health Sciences Library.
             Alexandra-Julia Vita

 Sujal Parikh Award

This award is presented in memory of Sujal Parikh, a member of the Class of 2011, who died as a result of an accident while serving as a Fogarty Fellow in Uganda. This award was established by Student Council and the Class of 2011 to recognize the spirit and passion that Sujal dedicated to issues of Social Justice, Global Health, and collegiality. It is given annually to a senior who, in the eyes of the graduating class, best exemplifies these traits. The award consists of a certificate; the recipient’s name is inscribed on the Sujal Parikh Award Plaque, which is displayed in the Taubman Health Sciences Library.
            Kate Veloso Panzer

 Dr. Jane Skillen Award

This award honors Dr. Jane Skillen, a 1928 graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Skillen was an Irish immigrant who came to the United States at the age of 16, and worked diligently to support herself and eventually earn her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Michigan. Dr. Skillen had a highly accomplished career as a thoracic surgeon in California. Her achievements stemmed from strength of character and a love of medicine, and her children honored her by establishing this award.
           Nazanin Maghsoodi

 Andrew J. Zweifler Award for Excellence in Clinical Skills

This is given to a graduating senior who has consistently demonstrated outstanding care and competence in verbal communication with patients in terms of interviewing and counseling, as well as excellence in physical diagnosis. The recipient’s name is inscribed on a plaque which is displayed in the Taubman Health Sciences Library.
            Madison Leigh Novice

Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation

This award honors one graduating medical student who best demonstrates the ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care and respect for patients, their families, and health care colleagues, as well as demonstrated clinical excellence. The recipient receives a certificate and a cash award made possible by a gift from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.
            Kate Veloso Panzer

 Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS)

The GHHS recognizes students who practice patient-centered care by modeling the qualities of integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect and empathy. Members are nominated by their peers for being a person they would like by their side in a medical emergency, who personifies good patient care, shows exceptional interest in community service, and a classmate they would want as the doctor of their loved ones.