At the 2004 convocation ceremonies, held June 1 in Uris Auditorium, Dean Antonio Gotto and Dr. Carol Storey-Johnson, senior associate dean for education, presented the following special achievement awards to students and faculty of Weill Medical College.
The Coryell Prize in Surgery
Awarded to the student who attains the highest performance in surgery during the third and fourth years. Eric Griffiths
The Coryell Prize in Medicine
Awarded to the student having the highest general average in medicine at the end of the third year. Jennifer Alzos Downs
The Alfred Moritz Michaelis Prize in Medicine
In memory of Alfred Moritz Michaelis, a 1925 graduate of the Medical College, who died shortly after his graduation. Adam Hernandez
The Oskar Diethelm Prize for Excellence in Psychiatry
Honors Dr. Oskar Diethelm, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical College from 1936 to 1962. Awarded to the medical student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and ability in psychiatry through research, clinical activities or scholarly work. Adam Libow
The Joan Severino Parisi Prize in Internal Medicine
Established in 1989 by Dr. Alfred Parisi, a 1963 graduate of the Medical College, in loving memory of his wife, Joan Severino Parisi. Awarded to the graduating senior who has demonstrated both a warm and caring relationship with patients and a high level of scholastic achievement in internal medicine. Mariah Quinn
The David and Gladys Drusin Memorial Prize
Established by family and friends of the Drusins to recognize both scholastic achievement in medicine and those intangible human qualities associated with a good physician. Kimble Poon
The Mitchell Spivak Memorial Prize in Pediatrics
A memorial to the father of Dr. Jerry Spivak, Class of 1964, awarded to the member of the graduating class who has achieved the best record in pediatrics. Paul Christopher Mullan
The Gustav Seeligmann Prize for Efficiency in Obstetrics
Established by an anonymous donor in recognition of the work of Dr. Gustav Seeligmann, instructor at the Medical College and a prominent New York obstetrician in the early 1900s. Awarded to the member of the graduating class who has achieved the best record in obstetrics. Jennifer Eun Sun Cho
The James Moore Scholarship
Established in 1981 by former associates and members of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, in honor of their chairman, Dr. Moore, upon his retirement. Presented to a student in the graduating class who has excelled in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Frederick Clapp Roediger
The Viola Borkon Memorial Prize
Established in 1992 by Mr. Sidney Borkon, in loving memory of his wife, Viola Borkon, who was a patient of Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, clinical professor of medicine. Awarded annually to the student who has placed at the top of the class for scholastic performance upon completion of the preclinical curriculum. Olga Kulinets
The George S. Meister Prize in Pediatrics
Established in memory of Dr. Meister of the Class of 1926. Awarded each year to a student for special achievement in pediatrics. Kavita Hasmukh Parikh
The Elise Strang L'Esperance Prize in Public Health
Awarded to the female graduate who best reflects the attributes and values of Dr. Elise Strang L'Esperance, a 1901 graduate of the Women's Medical College of The New York Infirmary for Women and Children and member of the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College for more than 40 years. Dania Judith Lindenberg
The George G. Reader Prize in Public Health
Endowed in 1992 by friends and colleagues of Dr. George Reader, '43, who served as chairman of the Department of Public Health from 1972 to 1992. Awarded to the graduating student(s) who shows the most promise in the field of public health. James Frederick Bartscher, Jennifer Alzos Downs
The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award
The Society is dedicated to the improvement of emergency, urgent or critical care of the acutely ill or injured patient by promoting research, and by educating health-care professionals and the public. Presented to the student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in emergency medicine. Jenice Forde
The G. Thomas Shires II Prize in Surgery
Established by the Department of Surgery in 1995, the prize reflects the qualities exhibited by Dr. Shires throughout his surgical career as a physician, scientist, educator and chairman of four major departments of surgery in the United States. Awarded to the graduating medical student who exemplifies the qualities of an academic surgeon interested in patient care, science and education. Duncan Hughes
The Alan Van Poznak Award for Excellence in Anesthesiology
Established in 1990 by the Department of Anesthesiology in recognition of Dr. Alan Van Poznak's contribution and dedication to the medical education of Weill Cornell Medical College students. Zirka Horochiwsky
The Richard N. Kohl Prize for Excellence in Psychiatry
Established in 1993 by a bequest from the late Dr. Richard Kohl, professor emeritus of psychiatry. The award is given to members of the graduating class demonstrating the greatest proficiency in psychiatry. Glen Priester Davis, Cary Sidlett Gunther
The Charles Horn Prize
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership and service to the medical community. Michael Adam Pfeffer
The Gustave J. Noback Memorial Prize in Anatomy
Established in 1962 by Miss Berthe Manent, a graduate of The New York Hospital School of Nursing, in memory of Dr. Gustave Noback, who is remembered for his great kindness and generosity to all of his students, and also for his work in research and sculpture. Awarded to a student who has performed outstanding work in the field of anatomy. Gigi Renee Madore
The Gustave J. Noback Memorial Fund for Advanced Study and Teaching in the Field of Anatomy
Established by a second fund from Miss Berthe Manent to help meet the needs of young men and women entering the field of anatomy. Hua-yin Yu
The Weiss Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine
Established by Mr. and Mrs. Roger Weiss in 1979 as an expression of the high esteem in which they hold their physician, Dr. Harvey Klein, the William S. Paley Professor of Clinical Medicine. Awarded to the member of the graduating class who best exemplifies the qualities necessary for the attainment of outstanding bedside clinical competence in the field of internal medicine. Marina Rozenberg
The Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Achievement Citations and the Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Award
Established by Dr. Maude Glasgow, a 1901 Cornell University Medical College graduate, in honor of her sister Janet, the certificates also recognize Dr. Roberta Rubin, who through her generous gift to the Glasgow fund, has made possible the continuation of the certificate program.
Presented by the American Medical Women's Association to those female students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their class and to the woman who graduates first in her class, respectively.
The Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Achievement Citations
Rachel Susanna Darken
Holly Lynn Hanson
Dania Judith Lindenberg
Lukshmi Kamat Puttanniah
Mariah Quinn
The Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Award
Heather Clarie Tauschek
The Arthur Palmer Prize for Efficiency in Otorhinolaryngology
Established by members of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in honor of Dr. Palmer, who served as acting chairman of the department from 1927 to 1938. Awarded to the student in the graduating class who has the best record in otorhinolaryngology. Tali Lando Kassenoff
The Moselle and Milton Pollack Prize in Medical Ethics
Established by a gift from the Pollacks, long-term patients of Dr. Charles Steinberg. Judge Pollack has had a distinguished career on the federal bench and an abiding interest in professional ethics. Granted to the medical student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and ability in the field of medical ethics. Michael Adam Pfeffer
The Herman L. Jacobius Prize in Pathology
Established in 1945 by a gift from Dr. Lawrence Jacobius in memory of his son, Dr. Herman Jacobius of the Class of 1939, who gave his life in the Netherlands in World War II. Awarded to the student in the third- or fourth-year class in recognition for the highest scholastic attainment and outstanding performance in pathology. Wenyong Zhang
The Medical Society of the State of New York
Recognizes a graduating student at each medical school in the state for outstanding community service, whether related or unrelated to the field of medicine. Paul Christopher Mullan
The Yvette and Seymour Feil Prize in Medicine
Awarded to a member of the Weill Cornell Medical College graduating class who demonstrates the exceptional qualities of a gifted physician, including compassion, caring, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and who plans to pursue a career in internal medicine. Paul Cohen
The Ralph I. Poucher Prize for Proficiency in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Established in 1989 by Mrs. David Thompson in memory of her father. The prize is awarded to a graduating woman student for proficiency in obstetrics and gynecology. Jennifer Eun Sun Cho
The William C. Thro Memorial Prize
Established in memory of Dr. William Thro, Class of 1901, whose deep interest and devotion to clinical pathology found expression in the teaching and practice of this subject at his alma mater from 1910 to 1938. Awarded to the student who achieves the best record in the pathophysiology course. Elaine Yee Tak Cheng
The George Ladas Prize for Efficiency in Gynecology
Established in 1980 by George Ladas, Class of 1927, in memory of his mother. Awarded to the senior medical student who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in gynecology. Edward Nejat
The Jay Lawrence Award for Clinical Proficiency in Infectious Diseases
Established in 1988 by Mrs. Lawrence in memory of her husband. Awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical infectious diseases. Gabriel Martin Ortiz
The Anthony Seth Werner, M.D. Memorial Prize
Established by Dr. Aaron S. Werner in memory of his son, Dr. Anthony Seth Werner, who, at the time of his death in 1968, was assistant professor in the Department of Medicine. Awarded to a member of the graduating class for excellence in the study of infectious diseases. Simone P. Porter
The Harry L. Bush, Jr., M.D. Award for Excellence in Vascular Biology
Established in 2002 by David and Betty Cooper-Wallerstein in gratitude to Dr. Bush for his outstanding care and kindness to his patients. Awarded annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated critical investigation and significant achievement in any of the diverse disciplines encompassing vascular biology from the molecular to the clinical level. Christopher Towe
The David Clayson Prize for Creativity
Established by Dr. David Clayson, a beloved faculty member for many years, who noted the importance of the arts and humanities in preparing students to become sensitive and caring physicians and in enriching their lives. Awarded to the student completing the third year of medical school who has best demonstrated the ability to balance ongoing involvement in the creative process with the rigors of a medical education. Peter Chan, Laura Fanning
The Edward Norton Prize in Ophthalmology
Established by Dr. Roland Carlson, '58, to honor and remember Dr. Edward Norton, '46, in appreciation of his influence on Dr. Carlson's life and for his love of ophthalmology. Awarded to the graduating medical student who has most clearly demonstrated excellence in ophthalmology or a genuine interest in a career in the field. Ron Margolis
The E. Darracott Vaughan, Jr. Prize
Established in 2000 by former residents of Dr. E. Darracott Vaughan Jr., former chairman of the Department of Urology. Presented to a candidate interested in pursuing a career in urology who demonstrates exceptional promise. Peter Jeffry Stahl
The William J. Ledger Prize in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Established in 2004 to be awarded annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated an affinity to, and interest in, the field of obstetrics/gynecology. Laura Polania
Student Research Prize Competitions
Dean William Mecklenburg Polk Prize
Established in memory of William Mecklenburg Polk, M.D., L.L.D., first dean of the Medical College, who served from 1898 until 1918. Shantanu Kumar Agrawal, Gigi Renee Madore
Dean's Research Award
Established in 1984 with funds from an anonymous donation to the Medical College. Awarded to matriculated students in any class for excellence in clinical research work. This year's prize awarded for research work presented as a thesis. Amy Lin
Alan von Kreuter Cancer Research Prize
Established in 1991 in memory of Alan von Kreuter, whose daughter Betsy and son-in-law Juan Carlos Felix graduated from the Graduate School in 1988, and from the Medical College in 1984, respectively. Awarded to a medical student for outstanding research in the basic mechanisms of cancer and related diseases. Holly Lynn Hanson
Gustavo Cudkowicz Memorial Prize in Immunobiology
Established by the colleagues, friends and family of the late Dr. Cudkowicz to perpetuate his interest in immunobiology and medical education. Presented for the first time in 1983, the prize is awarded by the Student Research Committee for outstanding research in immunobiology. Amy Lin
The Louis Gibofsky Memorial Prize
Established by Mr. Louis Gibofsky's wife and son, Dr. Allan Gibofsky, Class of 1973. Awarded to the medical student who submits the best research paper in nephrology, dialysis, transplantation or immunobiology. Nimmi Kapoor Arora
The Dr. Harold Lamport Biomedical Research Prize
Established at several medical schools by Mrs. Lamport in memory of her husband, Dr. Harold Lamport, Distinguished Service Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Presented by the Student Research Committee for a thesis reporting original biomedical research to a medical student while a candidate solely for an M.D. degree. Holly Lynn Hanson
The Sondra Lee Shaw Memorial Prize
Established by Mrs. Joan Friedman in memory of her sister, Dr. Sondra Lee Shaw, '52. Awarded by the Student Research Committee to the student who has produced an outstanding research paper in the field of neurology, pharmacology related to the nervous system, or behavioral science. Edward David Greenberg
The Harold G. Wolff Research Prize
Established in memory of the late chief of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical Center. Presented to the medical student who has completed the most outstanding piece of original research in the neurological or behavioral sciences. Ron Margolis
In Recognition of Service as a Leader in Student Government
Michael Adam Pfeffer
The Paul Sherlock Prize in Internal Medicine
Established by the members of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society of the Class of 1985 and the Cornell University Weill Medical College Alumni Association to honor Dr. Paul Sherlock, Class of 1954, a popular and respected teacher until his death in 1985. Presented to the graduating student who is pursuing a career in internal medicine and who has demonstrated exceptional integrity and compassion in caring for patients. Jennifer Alzos Downs, Mariah Quinn
The John Metcalf Polk Prizes
Established in honor of the son of the first dean of the Medical College, John Metcalf Polk, a graduate of the Class of 1899, who remained at the Medical College as an instructor until his death in 1904. The highest scholastic honor a student can achieve at Weill Cornell Medical College, these prestigious awards are given to the students who placed at the top of the class for scholastic performance throughout medical school.
Holly Lynn Hanson
Lukshmi Kamat Puttanniah
Frederick Clapp Roediger
Heather Clarie Tauschek
The Good Physician Award
Established by the late Dr. Philip Stimson, Class of 1914 and emeritus clinical professor of pediatrics, to the member of the graduating class who, by vote of the class, best exemplifies the intangible qualities of the "Good Physician."Â Paul Christopher Mullan, Frederick Clapp Roediger
The Leonard P. Tow Humanism Awards
Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to recognize and honor one faculty member and one graduating student who demonstrate the highest standard of compassion and sensitivity in their interaction with patients.
Student Recipient: Atara Stember Stahl
Faculty Recipient: Dr. Veronica LoFaso
Class of 1952 Resident Physician Prize
Established in 1993 by the Class of 1952 at its 40th Reunion. Presented, by vote of the graduating class, to a NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital resident physician who has demonstrated excellence in and dedication to the instruction of medical students. Dr. Sonja Kristine Olsen
The House Staff Teaching Award
Established by the Class of 1990 and the Alumni Association to honor the Weill Cornell-affiliated house officer who best demonstrates clinical excellence and dedication to teaching. Dr. Lauren Kim Schwartz
The Senior List
Established by the Class of 1994 to recognize faculty members who have made a commitment to and demonstrated excellence in teaching.
- Ronald Adelman, M.D. - Associate Professor of Medicine
- Charles Bardes, M.D. - Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
- Ilya Bialik, M.D. - Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
- Morton Bogdonoff, M.D. - Professor Emeritus of Medicine
- Byron Demopoulos, M.D. - Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
- M. Michael Eisenberg, M.D. - Professor of Surgery
- Patrick Flynn, M.D. - Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
- Veronica LoFaso, M.D. - Assistant Professor of Medicine
- Peter Marzuk, M.D. - Associate Professor of Psychiatry
- Jeffrey Milsom, M.D.- Professor of Surgery
- Susana Morales, M.D. - Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
- Mark Pecker, M.D. - Professor of Clinical Medicine and Professor of Clinical Medicine in Physiology and Biophysics
- Eduardo Perelstein, M.D. - Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
- David Perlstein, M.D - Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics
- Mark Pochapin, M.D. - Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
- Debra Taubel, M.D. - Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
First-Year Teaching Award
Established by the Medical Student Executive Council to recognize excellence in teaching in the basic science courses. Dr. Estomih Mtui
Second-Year Teaching Award
Presented by the second-year class for excellence in teaching. Dr. Jason Kendler
Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award of Alpha Omega Alpha
Recommended by the graduating class and selected by student members of the AOA chapter, this award is given to a voluntary faculty member who effectively and generously donates his time, skill and experience to teach clinical skills. Dr. Morton Bogdonoff
The Charles L. Bardes, M.D. Teaching Prize
Established in 2000 by David and Betty Cooper-Wallerstein in gratitude for the excellent and compassionate medical care provided by Dr. Bardes to three generations of the Cooper-Wallerstein family. Awarded annually to a member of the faculty who has been an outstanding teacher at the Weill Cornell Medical College, demonstrating leadership, dedication and concern for the students. Dr. Lyuba Konopasek
The Richard A. Herrmann, M.D. Teaching Award
Established in 2000 by Mrs. Marilyn Herrmann in loving memory of her late husband. A member of the Department of Medicine for many years, Dr. Herrmann was a gifted clinical teacher. Awarded to an outstanding teacher in the third year by vote of the third-year class. Dr. Morton Bogdonoff
The Elliot Hochstein Teaching Award
Established by the Class of 1971 and Alpha Omega Alpha in recognition of the late Dr. Elliot Hochstein's compassion, skill and distinction as a physician and teacher. Dr. Mark Pochapin