(bottom, left to right) Jason Van Valkenburg, Jared Mahylis, Morgan Skalsky, Brennan Forward and Andrew Burgard; (top, left to right) Evan Kemp, Taylor Mertz, Tyler Brolin and Michael Greenwood

Nine senior medical students from the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society on June 17. Keynote speaker Gwen Halaas, MD, MBA, associate dean for academic and faculty affairs, provided an inspiring commentary on the importance of community to the humanistic physician.

Joshua Wynne, MD, MBA, MPH, dean of the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences gave the opening remarks and initiated the new members. He was assisted by Jon Allen, MD, assistant dean of the northeast campus and director of the School’s simulation center.

In 2009, the UND chapter joined 72 other medical school chapters across the country in recognizing senior medical students who demonstrate exemplary humanism and professionalism throughout their medical education. Creation of the chapter was made possible by a grant from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. Fifteen percent of the class was selected through a process that included peer nomination and subsequent confirmation by the School’s Gold Humanism Honor oversight committee. Each student’s clinical performance and record of community service was considered.

Members of the class of 2011 include
 • Tyler Brolin
 • Andrew Burgard
 • Brennan Forward
 • Michael Greenwood
 • Evan Kemp
 • Jared Mahylis
 • Taylor Mertz
 • Morgan Skalsky
 • Jason Van Valkenburg

“We are very pleased that our medical school formally recognizes the importance of humanism in delivering quality medical care,” said Judy DeMers, associate dean for student affairs and admissions. “We congratulate these students on their commitment to patient care and dedication to the medical profession.”