Gold Humanism Honor Society Event 2009
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the Creighton Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society presented the production, “A Lady Alone: Elizabeth Blackwell, the First American Woman Doctor” in the Hixson-Lied Auditorium at the Mike and Josie Harper Center on the campus of Creighton University. The play was written by Dr. N. Lynn Eckhert of Partners Harvard Medical International and we were honored to have Dr. Eckhert in attendance. She provided a Question-and-Answer session immediately following the production and gave the keynote address at the induction dinner and ceremony later that evening.
“A Lady Alone” has been touring with the Smithsonian's "Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America’s Women Physicians.” Set in the mid-1800’s the play provides an opportunity to become immersed in the life of Dr. Blackwell, a groundbreaking woman who is remembered more as a social activist than a medical doctor. Linda Gray Kelley plays Dr. Blackwell as well as a dozen other characters in this powerful story. She skillfully employs the use of geography, the laboratory, and the podium from which Elizabeth presented her radical ideas. It encapsulates much of the history of medicine in a fast-paced hour.
Later in the evening, the Honor Society hosted its annual induction ceremony and dinner in the Ballroom at the Mike and Josie Harper Center. Fifteen students, six residents, and two faculty were formally inducted into the Honor Society, which recognizes and promotes humanism, humane conduct, and professionalism throughout medical school, residency, and the practice of medicine. Students inducted are all members of the Class of 2009 and include: Michael Anderson, Joseph Blas, Laura Cudzilo, Anna Engeln, Brian Hanson, Gabriel Harris, Shane Havens, Lesley Hawley, Thomas McCarthy, Danielle Potter, Kelly Rosso, Leah Swanson, Kara Watterson, Brian Wheeler, and Casey Woster. Residents inducted are 2008 winners of the Gold Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Awards and include: Nathaniel Birgenheier, M.D., Zachary DePew, M.D., Robert Lindau, M.D., Hemant Satpathy, M.D., Curtis Selser, M.D., and Kyle Ulveling, M.D. Faculty inducted are: Dan Schuller, M.D. and Anna Maio, M.D. Dr. Maio was the 2008 recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, also sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.
Inductees were presented with a specially designed lapel pin and a certificate signed by Rowen K. Zetterman, M.D., dean of the school of medicine, and Jordan J. Cohen, M.D., chairman of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and president emeritus of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
The keynote address was provided by N. Lynn Eckhert, M.D., Director of Academic Programs at Partners Harvard Medical International.
Members of the Honor Society exemplify the qualities of the humanistic healer, manifesting integrity, compassion, and altruism, as well as the promotion of justice and respect for all human beings. These principles mesh completely with the Ignatian philosophy of Creighton University by recognizing “men and women for others” via their induction into this Society.
Click here to view images from the GHHS event.
For more School of Medicine News, please click here.