Awards: Medical Students

Based on clinical, research and community-centered achievements, medical students are eligible for departmental awards, research awards, association awards and memorials, and medical school awards. Depending on availability, the list below may vary from year to year.

Given for interest and aptitude in anesthesiology. Dr. Lieberman started his residency in anesthesia in the 1940s but his career was interrupted by World War II. He was stationed in the South Pacific and received the Legion of Merit for his medical applications in that war. He then returned to New York City to complete his residency, and then to DeGraff Memorial Hospital here in Buffalo where he spent the rest of his career. He was an innovator in endotracheal anesthesia, infant resuscitation, resioanesthesia and ambulatory anesthesia.

Recognizes a graduating student pursuing a career in emergency medicine who has had the best or most outstanding academic performance during the four years in medical school.

Sponsored by this national organization. The award is given every year to the graduating student who has done the most during their time as a student to advance the cause of emergency medicine.

Given to a student who has an outstanding academic record and a commitment to practice Family Medicine. 

Established in 1976 by Dr. Bauda, one of the founders of family medicine in Buffalo. His intent was to recognize a student who demonstrated a sincere interest in making family medicine their specialty. The award is given to the graduating student based on performance in the third year of medical school.

Bears the name of and was established by this North Tonawanda family physician. Dr. Miner, a former UB varsity football player and organizer of the Buffalo Boosters, is a UB Medical School alumnus who wanted to acknowledge medical students who demonstrated outstanding clinical competency during their family medicine rotations.

Established in 1976 by the Petrino family in memory of their son, Mark, a family physician who practiced on the West Side of Buffalo for just a few years before he was tragically killed in an automobile accident. The family established this award to honor his memory and his profound commitment to serving patients on Buffalo’s West Side.

Given to the student who displays characteristics of high integrity, loyalty, thoughtfulness and thoroughness in their treatment of patients.

Given annually in memory of Dr. Patrick Costello to the student achieving the highest grade on the written shelf exam at the conclusion of the required third-year clerkship in internal medicine.

Recognizes a student who has demonstrated Dr. Miller’s approach to caring for the sick: competence, humility and humanity. Dr. Miller was the chief of medicine at Erie County Medical Center for over 25 years. He was an outstanding teacher and diagnostician who was well-known for his exceptional care and concern for patients. 

Honors the student whose work with patients exemplifies the same qualities of dedication and compassion exhibited by Dr. Paolini. He was a careful and caring internist who labored for many years at Erie County Medical Center and was distinguished for his work with the underprivileged.

Given in memory of Ms. Davis, who was a patient with diabetes. The Emilie Davis Rodenberg Medal is given to a graduate who has shown a strong interest in the study of diabetes and the complications of the disease, combined with a general attitude of industry towards medicine.

Recognizes a student for noteworthy investigation of cancer and neoplastic disease.

Established in 2008 to honor Dr. Wutz, a 1992 graduate of UB Medical School.  A Buffalo native, she was an Internist and a Pediatrician who was especially dedicated to her pediatric patients.  She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor and this award recognizes a student who demonstrates a dedication to both intelligent and empathic care of both children and young adults.

Presented by the American Association of Neurology to a medical student who has shown sustained interest in neurology across his or her medical school career.

Presented to the student who has achieved the highest grade in the required neurology course. Dr. Smith was a superb teacher and diagnostician who helped establish the Neurology Residency Program in Buffalo.

Honors Dr. Hans Lowenstein, who graduated from UB Medical School. The Hans Lowenstein Award is given every year to senior students who demonstrated the highest academic performance and most outstanding clinical work in obstetrics and gynecology.

Given every year to the senior student who has exhibited the traits exemplified by Dr. Randall: diligence, integrity, scholarship and leadership. Dr. Clyde L. Randall was a former chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology who served as vice president of academic affairs at UB. 

Presented to a senior student who demonstrates the most significant contribution to research in the field of ophthalmology and who has performed at an exceptional level during the clinical rotation. The award honors Thomas J. Guttuso, MD ‘60, a local opthalmologist.

Honors a student who has demonstrated proficiency in ophthalmology. The award recognizes a student who best embodies a combination of superior academic performance coupled with research. This award was established by Harry and Loretta Jordan, grateful patients.

Established by an ophthalmologist who graduated from UB and went into practice in Southern California. It recognizes a graduating senior who has exhibited scholarly excellence in ophthalmology and patient care.

Established by the couple to recognize academic achievement by a graduating senior who has demonstrated an interest in orthopaedic surgery. Dr. Obletz, a graduate of UB Medical School served in World War II, caring for U.S. battle casualties. He returned to orthopaedic practice in Buffalo where he was dedicated to the education of orthopaedic residents and students; teaching by example and serving as an excellent role model to many.

Given to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in otolaryngology during their training.

Recognizes a student for achieving the highest grade in the first-year neuroanatomy course. This is the only award presented at graduation to recognize performance by a student in the first year. It is also unique because it bears the names of the parents of a former student who graduated in 1955 and honors all parents of medical students.

Presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in understanding of pediatric diseases. The award was established in 1966 by the Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees.

Honors a graduating student entering pediatrics who has displayed outstanding clinical skills on the wards and a demonstrated commitment to pediatrics. The Buffalo Pediatric Society originally established this graduation award in 1994. After the untimely death of beloved pediatrician and local educator Dr. Richard Sarkin, the award was renamed to honor his legacy.

Established in 1979 to honor a graduating senior embarking on a career in pediatrics who best exemplifies Dr. Wilkes’ skills and dedication to patients. Dr. Wilkes was a prominent pediatrician in the Buffalo area.

Awarded for academic excellence and is given to the graduating student who has achieved the highest academic average in psychiatry during all four years of the curriculum. Dr. Gilbert Beck was head of psychiatry at the Buffalo General Hospital in the early 1950s. Upon his death, his brother, a local internist created this award as a memorial to him.

Presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical psychiatry. Dr. Small was a charismatic member of the faculty and served as chair of the department of psychiatry for almost 30 years. Among his many areas of interest and accomplishments, he remained dedicated to the education of medical students. This prize was established in 1994 to honor his 80th birthday.

Awarded for outstanding work in psychiatry. Mr. Wurlitzer, of the organ and jukebox-making family, established this award in the 1960s. It is intended to recognize an outstanding graduate and stimulate student interest in psychiatry.

Established in 1991 by Mrs. June Alker in memory of her husband, Dr. George Alker. Dr. Alker, MD ‘56 who worked as a staff radiologist at the Erie County Medical Center was an internationally recognized expert in the area of neuroradiology who focused primarily on cervical spine injuries. He retired as chairman of the department of radiology in 1991 and passed away shortly thereafter.

Given annually to a graduating student who has achieved academic excellence in the clinical years.

Presented annually on behalf of the Department of Surgery. It is given to the graduating student who achieved the highest score on the surgery exams, demonstrated superior clinical performance in both the third and fourth years, and shows outstanding promise for a career in surgery.

Recognizes a student for academic excellence in surgery and potential interest in surgery.

Honors a graduate who has conducted the most outstanding research while in medical school and has displayed the highest ability and initiative in the area of scientific investigation. 

Recognizes the most notable research in biomedical science initiated during the UB Jacobs Medical School’s Summer Fellowship Program. Dr. Bannerman was an outstanding teacher, researcher and an internationally renowned geneticist. 

Research or thesis based on concepts of the basic sciences as applied to a clinical problem.

These recognize a commitment to excellence in research during medical school. They are awarded for meritorious work and a notation is made on the graduate’s diploma in the form of an official seal. 

Recognizes outstanding research supported by a written thesis satisfying the School’s highest standard.

Honors the late associate professor of medicine and physiology and senior associate dean for medical curriculum. Dr. Ellis was a cardiologist, a leader and a consummate educator who died suddenly in November 2014. The medical student body established this award to recognize an outstanding graduate who advanced the curriculum or implemented a new and lasting initiative in the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. 

Honors late faculty member Dr. Goldinger. The award was initiated by the medical student body in 2005 to recognize a student who exhibits leadership in and enthusiasm for teaching and displays potential as a leader in medical education. 

Given to an underrepresented student for excellence in scholarship, leadership and a commitment to community service. 

Initiated by medical school classmates after Dr. Paroski’s untimely death in 1985. It is presented annually to a student who exhibits compassion and excellence in patient care.

Presented to a medical student who has exemplified exceptional communication skills and ability to relate well to patients, faculty and staff. 

Presented to a medical student who demonstrates a high degree of empathy when working with patients.

Recognizes a student for exceptional performance in primary care and outstanding personal characteristics including compassion, integrity, judgment and leadership. 

Recognizes a student for exceptional compassion, integrity and ethics. It is named for Ms. Elizabeth Storch, who dreamed of becoming a physician but was unable to attend medical school. After receiving her degrees in history and information and library sciences from UB, she enjoyed a long career as a middle school librarian. Grateful for her UB education, Ms. Storch felt compelled to give back and designated the medical school as the recipient of her gift. 

Recognizes a graduate for demonstrated expertise in areas outside of medicine.

Sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to honor a student for exemplary compassion and sensitivity in the delivery of care to patients and their families.

Honors a student whose father or mother has served in the military for more than ten years or a student who is committed to serving in the military for at least five years following graduation. 

Presented for outstanding community service and commitment.

Sponsored by the Medical Alumni Association. It is presented annually to the graduate who has combined outstanding service and participation in extracurricular activities while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence. 

Presented to students for outstanding academics coupled with noteworthy humanism and leadership. 

Named for one of the nation’s first gynecologists and obstetricians. Dr. White was one of the founders of Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and he later became dean of the School. It is awarded to a graduate for leadership qualities that personify those of Dr. White’s foresight, intellectual vigor and moral courage. 

Presented to a student who demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding character. This student graduates with honors, excellent clinical skills, and dedication.

Presented to a student who has worked to make a positive difference on the well-being of fellow medical students.  

Presented to a student who has worked to advocate for their peer’s inclusivity or wellness.  

Awarded to a student who by strength of character, personal integrity, academic achievement and curiosity gives promise of fulfilling the ideal of the compassionate primary care physician through both delivery of evidence-based care and demonstrated commitment to the health and well-being of the WNY community.

These are awarded to students based on honors points earned in required coursework throughout the four year curriculum. A notation is made on the graduate’s diploma and includes designation at the commencement ceremony by gold cords worn with the graduate’s regalia.