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Twenty medical students and five faculty members who exemplify compassion and humanism in medicine were recently recognized as CUNY Medicine’s inaugural inductees of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Humanism Honor Society. The School also named Ivie Odiase, of the MD Class of 2024, and Neil Calman, MD, CEO of The Institute for Family Health, as its first student and faculty recipients of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, which recognizes those who are exemplars of humanism in the care of patients.
As individuals and as a whole, CUNY Medicine’s inductees illustrate the School’s emphasis on empathy, respect, and integrity in the medical profession, Dean Carmen Renée Green, MD, said in her welcome remarks. The event, held on May 7, filled the Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem with the honorees’ loved ones, faculty, and numerous special guests, including Glenda Grace, JD, CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Institutional Affairs and Strategic Advancement and Special Counsel. For further program details and information on the inductees, view the event program, PowerPoint presentation, and photo gallery. In addition to individuals named in the program, Kathleen Reeves, MD, President and CEO of the Gold Foundation, also inducted Dean Green and Lauren Cochran, MD, MPH, Director of Clinical Faculty Development and Director of Pediatric Education, as new honor society members.
Sandra Gold, MS, EdD, co-founder of the Gold Foundation who introduced the ceremony, emphasized the importance of promoting compassionate care. In describing the Foundation’s mission, she highlighted the peer-review process the CUNY Medicine followed for selecting student inductees. One question asks classmates, “Who would you send your loved ones to for care?” This element, she said, underscores the essential role of trust and empathy in healthcare.
In her keynote address, Dr. Reeves reminded the honorees of the “countless lives” they are going to impact. “Not just your patients and families—but also your peers,” she said. Honor Society members, she said, are lifelong role models in exemplifying compassionate care.
Leonard Tow, PhD, Founder of the Tow Foundation, shared his motivation for creating the Tow Awards. Reflecting on his experiences as a patient, he said, “Like all of you, I have spent time in doctor’s offices and I have learned to recognize those who look at me as a human being.” It is “that kind of calling and approach” that Dr. Tow said he is dedicated to promoting in medicine.
Dr. Calman, the faculty Tow Award honoree, noted the profound significance of accepting the honor in the presence of the namesake founder. “Receiving the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award is like getting the Nobel prize from Alfred himself.” He also shared highlights from his long and distinguished career devoted to expanding access to quality, compassionate care in underserved neighborhoods throughout New York City and spoke about the challenges and rewards of maintaining humanistic values in a healthcare environment increasingly “run as a for-profit business.”
“Get a journal,” he advised. “Write about the patients who have touched you, moved you to tears, and brought you laughter.” Those moments and special people, he said, will motivate you in the practice of compassion.
After each of the Gold Humanism inductees were called to the podium to be recognized and receive their honor society pins, they recited in unison the Gold Humanism Honor Society Oath, pledging to uphold the highest standards of compassion and integrity.
In concluding the event, Dean Green said that the ceremony is not just about recognizing excellence, it’s about “honoring the standard of humanism that CUNY Medicine instills in our students.”