GALVESTON, Texas - Five School of Medicine seniors at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have been nominated for the Gold-Headed Cane Award - an honor bestowed on a student who exemplifies dedication to the health and welfare of patients.
The selection process is done by each year's graduating class which compiles a list of candidates. Seniors select the finalists from that list.
Dr. Garland D. Anderson, executive vice president and provost and dean of the School of Medicine, congratulated the students.
"These finalists have received the highest honor possible from their fellow students, and I am quite proud of their commitment to compassionate patient care and community service," Anderson said.
This year's five finalists are: Conner Chan, Jennifer Flora Knudtson, Viet Pham, James E. Squires and Jennifer Gail Schopp.
The award's legacy dates to the 17th century with the passing down of a similar cane by British doctors.
Dr. Charles T. Stone Sr., professor emeritus of internal medicine at UTMB, established the tradition of the Gold-Headed Cane Award at UTMB in 1960.