Exceptional Professionalism Award Winners
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The University of Toledo College of Medicine Medical Student Honor Code launched this
initiative in 2020 to recognize and celebrate medical students who emulate honesty,
integrity, and professionalism in both the preclinical and clinical settings.
The Honor Code accepts nominations on a rolling basis and vote once per month for
the Medical Student Exceptional Professionalism Award. Students, residents, faculty and staff may submit nominations to recognize a student
for outstanding professional behavior.
We'd like to recognize recent monthly award recipients:
September 2023
Mathieu Holt
Preclinical, M2
"I feel as though Mathieu demonstrates many attributes of an exceptional medical student. He regularly uplifts those around him by providing compassionate mentorship in personal development, physical fitness, and academics. In one specific instance, he even helped a patient in the UTMC parking lot change the tire on their car despite being a stranger to them. He exemplifies diligence, volunteerism, and a genuine desire to serve; I'm so grateful to call him a friend, and constantly want to do better because of the standard he sets."
Madison Stolly
Clinical, M3
"Madison Stolly is the example our school should use as what it wants from its students and her impressive academic achievement comes nowhere near the top of reasons why. Everyone who is able to work with her in the clinical setting has a better day than they did the day before. She takes time to listen to the stories of her colleagues without judgement and only offers advice when solicited. She has gone out of her way to do small acts such as printing patient lists, or grabbing classmates a pair of gloves, when they are running a little behind. Furthermore, countless preceptors have commented on how much she cares for her patients. She knows their charts well and becomes an expert on their health problems to fulfill her own feeling of responsibility in providing the best care for them. In conclusion, Madison is the model of professionalism, clinical knowledge, and effective communication, but she is exceptional at brightening the novel environments she encounters as rotations change by deeply connecting with all members of the healthcare team."
August 2023
Mark Houdi
Preclinical, M2
"Mark helped me greatly with a research project I'm working on. He was very approachable and happy to help without asking for credit. He was really just genuinely happy to help out and work on solving my problems. I know he's very busy, so for him to take the time to focus on my project with such kindness and quick communication just stood out to me and I think he should be recognized for his efforts."
Travis Brege
Clinical, M4
"Travis demonstrates an unwavering dedication and outstanding commitment to patients, colleagues, and the other members of the team. Travis has consistently displayed exceptional professionalism, empathy, and respect towards patients and their families as I've seen on rotations. His genuine concern for the well-being of others, coupled with his very open and inviting style of communication, has made him a trusted and compassionate member of all the teams he has been on. Travis's ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and mentor fellow students in the classes below us showcases a certain level of leadership and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. Moreover, his consistent pursuit of learning and continuous effort to improve academically reflects his dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. I believe that he sets a great example in professional behavior for the rising medical students at UTCOMLS."
July 2023
John Najjar
Preclinical
"John Najjar has proved himself to be a very dependable medical student. He is on time for all mandatory sessions and demonstrates high professionalism standards during principles of clinical medicine and TBL. During summer, he is conducting research and always applies himself to working in a team and valuing the contributions of everyone."
Claire Stoll
Clinical
"Claire has been an exceptional mentor to me over the past several months, consistently going above and beyond to create a positive learning environment for both of us. I had the pleasure of working with Claire during a summer preceptorship experience, during which I stuck to her like velcro. She always took the extra time to bring me up to speed, share important information, and assure me that I will gain a lot more confidence in the coming years. She worked extremely well with the rest of our team and always asked thought-provoking questions or shared helpful insights during group discussions. She went above and beyond the call of her role and represented UTCOMLS in the most positive way. Claire truly embodies the principles of exceptional professionalism and compassionate leadership, in every situation."
June 2023
Sanjana Yerubandi
Preclinical, M2
"Sanjana constantly displays a positive attitude and encourages her peers around her. She has been especially helpful in the anatomy lab with explaining concepts and guiding her peers while studying for lab practicals. She consistently goes out of her way to make sure that all of us are following along when we study anatomy together and patiently answers every question that comes up. Overall, Sanjana has been a great help over the past several months and has always helped simplify things so it's easy to understand!"
Eric Reinhart
Clinical, M4
"Eric is someone who genuinely cares for the people around him. He not only treats his patients with compassion and empathy, but also incorporates these values in his everyday life. On his OBGYN rotation, the preceptor he was with was leaving the area after 20 years. The nursing staff, most of whom worked together for 10+ years, had to find new jobs. Eric spent a lot of his rotation talking to and consoling them about this dramatic change. He is not afraid to go above and beyond the extra mile and meet people at their most vulnerable position."
May 2023
Drew Pariseau
Preclinical, M2
"Drew is someone I have gotten to know in the UTCOMLS. He always shows up to events on time and carries himself with such professionalism. He is kind to other students and takes time to answer questions and admits when he is wrong. He also is professional with professors. He is able to listen, accept feedback, and better himself. Knowing him personally, he always talks highly of others and is honest. I have noticed he cares deeply about the patients and people he works with from the stories he shares about his experience at Northwest Ohio Hospice and Newcomer Funeral home. I am grateful to have gotten to know Drew and truly believe he deserves this award."
Erin Sheehan
Clinical, M4
"I lived with Erin during my surgery rotation in Columbus and she was always helpful to me, taking extra time to teach me how to hand tie and suture tie. Additionally, she was always very considerate when choosing cases for the day that everyone got to go to the cases that they would find most interesting, even if it would mean she would have to stay for a longer surgery. She also went above and beyond outside of the clinical setting, always offering to bring me coffee or food whenever she could!"
April 2023
Alyssa Lange
Preclinical
"Alyssa holds herself to a high standard and is always making herself available to help out those in need. She is deserving of this award because of her leadership, professionalism, and overall integrity. She has proven this through her role as a Peer Leader, being VP of Mentorship for AMWA, and being President of AWS. She did a great job planning the AWS Annual Mixer where students got to network with physicians. University of Toledo is lucky to have Alyssa and she will be a wonderful physician in the future."
Brooke Buckingham
Clinical
"Brooke is the type of person who goes out of her way for her organizations. She is very involved in AMA and has helped at the medical school and national organization. She has mentored many new AMA leaders and lead discussions on important topics. Additionally, while working with Brooke, she has always been prepared and interested in what is best for her patients."
March 2023
Molly Adams
Clinical
"Molly is the type of person that pushes everyone around her to be their best. She is kind, patient centered, efficient, and trustworthy. If you've ever had the chance to work with Molly as a mentor you'll have seen how thoroughly she prepares for each encounter so that she can provide the highest quality of care as a patient advocate. In her interactions with other students she is sure to take time to review content, talk through cases, and foster genuine friendship. For these reasons, Molly is an exceptional professional."