Tulane medical students named to humanism honor society

“Which classmate would you most like to have next to you in an emergency?” That’s a question Tulane University School of Medicine students consider when nominating their peers for the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). This year, 28 third-year Tulane medical students have been selected to become members of this signature program.

The Gold Humanism Honor Society was created by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to recognize medical students, residents and physicians who demonstrate compassionate care and serve as models, mentors and leaders in medicine. The honor society places emphasis on integrity, excellence, altruism, respect and empathy.

Gold Humanism Honor Society nominee James McAllister says it’s an honor to be chosen by his Tulane classmates for the distinction. McAllister worked for the federal government for years before coming to Tulane School of Medicine, and has applied many of the skills he learned then to his training now.

“I've tried to share my work experience with my younger classmates to help them become the great doctors I know they will be,” said McAllister. “We are encouraged to be collaborative, not competitive, at Tulane.”

“I feel truly honored to have been nominated into GHHS,” said Gabi Aviles, a third-year MD/MPH student. “It represents a personal reminder of what matters the most in medicine — building relationships and mutual trust with people. I hope that my future career in medicine will always be based on empathy, compassion and a fundamental respect for others.”

Membership in GHHS is recognized as an important factor in the residency selection process.

“Residency application is a very competitive process; the fact that humanism is formally recognized as a valued asset by residency programs is huge,” said Elma LeDoux, MD, who serves as faculty adviser for the honor society’s Tulane chapter. “Recognition by your peers affirms this quality and sets the stage for a career anchored by respect and compassion for patients.”

The 28 Tulane students selected for GHHS this year are:

Gabriela Aviles
Sarah Baker
Tess Carley
Ryan Duggal
Morgan Evans
Thomas Fox
Maya Groos
Alexandra Hamb
Tanner Henrie
Austin Jones
Jamie Kaplan
Anna Le
Sean Lee
Kyle Leonard
Thomas Marcello
Dylan Matthews
James McAllister
Neil McGroarty
Charlotte McLean
Charles Myerson
Alexandra Onyiego
Leah Ott
Catherine Rault
Sana Shuja
David Silver
Susan Trout
Kristen Whalen
Nancy Worley