The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for "demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service." Organized to elevate the values of humanism and professionalism within the field of medicine and its constituent institutions, the Society is fast becoming integrated into the educational environment.

The GHHS is a steadfast advocate for humanism through activities on campus and has continuing involvement with its inclusive membership. Moreover, it helps to establish relationships with practicing physicians. Election of exemplars to the Gold Humanism Honor Society makes a significant statement to medical school faculty, students, and the public that an institution places high value on the interpersonal skills and attitudes that are essential for excellent patient care.

Inspiration for the GHHS began in the late 1990s, when medical educators and residency program directors expressed the need for a mechanism to identify applicants for internships and residencies who have both outstanding clinical and interpersonal skills. Thanks to a series of grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, deans, medical educators and experts in assessment were convened to explore and research the viability of a honor society to promote humanistic values and behaviors and transform the culture of medicine. At the end of the exploration, pilot chapters were begun at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, University of Iowa College of Medicine and UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Currently, 62 schools of medicine have GHHS chapters.

National website: http://www.humanism-in-medicine.org/

COM GHHS Advisors:
Dr. Lauren Cobbs - lcobbs@swmail.sw.org
Janine Edwards - edwards@medicine.tamhsc.edu
Craig Borchardt - cwborchardt@medicine.tamhsc.edu