Weill Cornell Medical College Convocation

All Weill Cornell Medical College graduates are remarkable. But even among that elite class, there are those who distinguish themselves even further. Such students are honored with special awards in various categories at the Medical College's Convocation ceremony. Outstanding graduates, other medical students, faculty and staff are recognized for distinguished achievement, dedication to scholarship and/or research, devotion to teaching or service, or demonstration of exceptional professional qualities. Prizes were presented on June 1, 2009.

The first prizes, The Clarence C. Coryell Prizes in Surgery and Medicine, are endowed by a bequest from Dr. Coryell, a 1903 graduate of the Medical College.

	Daniel Halperin and Dean Gotto

The Coryell Prize in Surgery is awarded to the student who attains the highest performance in surgery during the third and fourth years.

Ryan Cauley

The Coryell Prize in Medicine is awarded to the student having the highest general average in medicine at the end of the third year.

Daniel Halperin


The prize for "general efficiency" in the Department of Medicine is given in memory of Alfred Moritz Michaelis, a 1925 graduate of Weill Cornell Medical College who died shortly after his graduation.

Ian Huntington


The Oskar Diethelm Prize for Excellence in Psychiatry honors Dr. Oskar Diethelm, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College from 1936 to 1962. It is awarded to the medical student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and ability in psychiatry through research, clinical activities or scholarly work.

Meredith Bergman

	Jennifer Swails and Dean Gotto

The Joan Severino Parisi Prize in Internal Medicine was established in 1989 by Dr. Alfred F. Parisi, a 1963 graduate of Weill Cornell Medical College, in loving memory of his wife, Joan Severino Parisi. The prize is awarded to the graduating senior who, in the judgment of the faculty, has demonstrated both a warm and caring relationship with patients and a high level of scholastic achievement in internal medicine.

Jennifer Swails


The David and Gladys Drusin Memorial Prize was established by their family and friends to recognize both scholastic achievement in medicine and those intangible human qualities associated with a good physician. Candidates for this prize are recommended by the chairman of the Department of Medicine to the dean of the Medical College at the conclusion of the third year.

Shoba Sadasivaiah


The T. Campbell Thompson Prize for Excellence in Orthopedic Surgery was established to recognize Dr. Thompson for his interest in teaching and leadership in the field of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Thompson was surgeon-in-chief of the Hospital for Special Surgery from 1955 to 1963. The prize is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has shown greatest proficiency in orthopedic surgery. This year's winner is:

Benjamin Ricciardi

	Benjamin Ricciardi and Dean Gotto

The Mitchell Spivak Memorial Prize in Pediatrics is a memorial to the father of Dr. Jerry Spivak, class of 1964, and is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has achieved the best record in pediatrics.

Yu Nina Niu


The Gustav Seeligmann Prize for Efficiency in Obstetrics was 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. The prize is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has achieved the best record in obstetrics.

Kimberly Jong


The Henry C. and Anne Hayworth First Honor Prize was established by Nan A.S. Hayworth, M.D., '85, and Scott D. Hayworth, M.D., '84, in honor of their parents. The prize is awarded to the student who has the highest academic standing in the class upon completion of the first year of medical school.

Leslie Delfiner

Joseph Ricci


The Viola Borkon Memorial Prize was 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. The prize is awarded annually to the student who has placed at the top of the class for scholastic performance upon completion of the pre-clinical curriculum.

Leslie Delfiner

Joseph Ricci

	Tara Rachakonda and Dean Gotto

The George S. Meister Prize in Pediatrics was established in memory of Dr. Meister of the class of 1926 as an expression of the esteem in which he was held. The prize is derived from a fund contributed to by the members of his family, close friends and associates, his classmates in chemical engineering from New York University and his classmates at Weill Cornell Medical College. First awarded in 1967, the prize is given each year for special achievement in pediatrics to a member of the graduating class selected by the Department of Pediatrics.

Rebecca Carlin


The Elise Strang L'Esperance Prize in Public Health is awarded to the woman student in the graduating class who best reflects the attributes and values of Dr. Elise Strang L'Esperance, who graduated from the Women's Medical College of The New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1901. Dr. L'Esperance served on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College for over 40 years. She and her sister, May Strang, founded the Strang Cancer Prevention Clinics at Memorial Hospital and The New York Infirmary in memory of their mother.

Christin Price


The George G. Reader Prize in Public Health was 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. A cash prize is given to the graduating student who, in the judgment of the Department's faculty, shows the most promise in the field of public health.

Ryan Cauley

Ian Huntington


Established by the Department of Surgery in 1995, The G. Thomas Shires II Prize in Surgery is awarded to the graduating medical student who exemplifies the qualities of an academic surgeon interested in patient care, science and education. Dr. Shires exhibited these qualities throughout his surgical career as a physician, scientist, educator and chairman of four major departments of surgery in the United States.

Ilya Likhterov

	Ian Huntington & Ryan Cauley with Dean Gotto

The Alan Van Poznak Award for Excellence in Anesthesiology was 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.

Albert Yeung


The Richard N. Kohl Prize for Excellence in Psychiatry was established in 1993 by a bequest from the late Dr. Richard Kohl, professor emeritus of psychiatry. The award, made upon the recommendation of the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry, is given to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in psychiatry.

Amanda Green


The David Clayson Prize for Creativity was 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. Dr. Clayson was professor emeritus of clinical psychology in psychiatry, and consulting psychologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Hospital for Special Surgery. The prize is given "to that 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."

Satre Stuelke


The Charles Horn Prize is awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership and service to the medical community.

Connie Chen Montgomery

	Albert Yeung and Dean Gotto

The Gustave J. Noback Memorial Prize in Anatomy was established in 1962 by Miss Berthe Manent, a graduate of The New York Hospital School of Nursing, in memory of Dr. Gustave J. Noback. Dr. Noback will be remembered for his great kindness and generosity to all of his students, and also for his work in research and sculpture. The recipient, a student who has performed outstanding work in the field of anatomy, is chosen by the director of the Program in Gross Anatomy.

Marantha Ayodele


The Gustave J. Noback Memorial Fund for Advanced Study and Teaching in the Field of Anatomy was established by a second fund from Miss Berthe Manent to help meet the needs of young men and women entering the field. The recipient of this prize is also selected by the director of the Program in Gross Anatomy.

Benjami Ricciardi


The Weiss Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine was 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. The award is given to the member of the graduating class, who, in the opinion of a committee chaired by Dr. Klein and including the chairman of the Department of Medicine, best exemplifies the qualities necessary for the attainment of outstanding bedside clinical competence in the field of internal medicine.

Medha Goyal

	Connie M. Chen and Dean Gotto

The Herman L. Jacobius Prize in Pathology was 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. The prize is awarded to the student in the third or fourth year class, who, in the opinion of the Department of Pathology, merits recognition for the highest scholastic attainment and outstanding performance in pathology.

David Pisapia


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.

Malikah Latmore


The Yvette and Seymour Feil Prize in Medicine was established in 2000 and is awarded to a member of the Weill Cornell Medical College's graduating class. Chosen by the Department of Medicine's chairman and faculty, and approved by the Office of the Dean, the student selected will pursue a career in internal medicine, and will demonstrate the exceptional qualities of a gifted physician including compassion, caring, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Eugene Licht

	Maranatha Ayodele and Dean Gotto

The William C. Thro Memorial Prize was established in memory of Dr. William C. Thro of the 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. The Thro Prize is awarded to the student who achieves the best record in the pathophysiology course.

Kristen Lee


The Sarah O'Laughlin Foley Prize in Clinical Medicine was established by Dr. William T. Foley, clinical professor emeritus of medicine and a member of the class of 1937, in memory of his mother. The recipient, a member of the graduating class, is selected by the chairman of the Department of Medicine for excellence in clinical medicine.

Martha Noel


The Jay Lawrence Award for Clinical Proficiency in Infectious Diseases was established in 1988 by Mrs. Lawrence in memory of her husband. Selected by the chief of infectious diseases and Dr. Charles R. Steinberg, professor of clinical medicine, the prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical infectious diseases.

Christin Price

	Medha Goyal and Dean Gotto

The Arthur Palmer Prize for Efficiency in Otorhinolarygology was established by members of the Department of Otorhinolarygology in honor of Dr. Palmer, who served as Acting Chairman of the department from 1927 to 1938. The prize is given to the student in the graduating class who has the best record in otorhinolaryngology.

Ilya Likhterov


The Moselle and Milton Pollack Prize in Medical Ethics was established by a gift from the Pollacks, long-term patients of Dr. Charles R. Steinberg. Judge Pollack has had a distinguished career on the federal bench and an abiding interest in professional ethics. The prize is granted to the medical student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and ability in the field of medical ethics.

Ian Huntington

Ben Herbstman

The Ralph I. Poucher Prize for Proficiency in Obstetrics and Gynecology was established in 1989 by Mrs. David D. Thompson in memory of her father. The prize is awarded to a graduating woman student for proficiency in obstetrics and gynecology.

Erin Rohde

	David Pisapia and Dean Gotto

The Henry Adelman Memorial Award for Excellence in Geriatric Medicine was established to honor the memory of Henry Adelman, father of Ron Adelman, M.D., professor of medicine and co-chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology. The award is given annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated excellence in clinical and academic performance, research accomplishments, and extracurricular work in the field of geriatrics over the four years of medical school.

Eugene Licht

Daneng Li

The Anthony Seth Werner, M.D., Memorial Prize was 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. The prize is awarded to a member of the graduating class for excellence in the study of infectious diseases.

Eugene Richardson


The Barbara Schmalzriedt Gast Memorial Fund for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Established in 1995, gifts from the family of the late Mrs. Gast have created this fund for an annual prize to recognize a graduate or medical student involved in the area of rheumatoid arthritis.

Benjamin Ricciardi

	Malikah Latmore and Dean Gotto

The Edward Norton Prize in Ophthalmology was established by Roland D. Carlson, '58, (AB '54) to honor and remember Dr. Edward W.D. Norton, '46, in appreciation of his influence on Dr. Carlson's life and for his love of ophthalmology. Dr. Norton was an instructor of ophthalmology and founder of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This award is given to the graduating medical student who, in the judgment of the chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, has most clearly demonstrated excellence in ophthalmology or a genuine interest in a career in the field.

Ashkan Abbey


The George Ladas Prize for Efficiency in Gynecology was established in 1980 by George Ladas, class of 1927, in memory of his mother. The prize is awarded to the senior medical student who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in gynecology.

Martha Noel


The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award is given to the student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in emergency medicine as selected by the faculty of the Medical College. 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.

Anand Nataraj

	Cristin Price and Dean Gotto

The Franklyn Ellenbogen Prize in Hematology-Oncology was established by a gift from the Franklyn Ellenbogen Jr., Memorial Foundation in honor of Ralph L. Nachman, M.D., formerly the E. Hugh Luckey Distinguished Professor in Medicine and chairman of the Department of Medicine. The prize is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated significant evidence of achievement in hematology/oncology.

Rebecca Carlin


The E. Darracott Vaughan Jr. Prize was established in 2000 by former residents of Dr. E. Darracott Vaughan Jr., chairman of the Department of Urology. The award is presented to a candidate interested in pursuing a career in urology, who demonstrates exceptional promise. The recipient is chosen by the chairman of the Department of Urology.

Brandon Otto


The American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology is awarded annually to a graduating medical student who exemplifies outstanding scientific achievement and clinical acumen in neurology or neuroscience, and outstanding personal qualities of integrity, compassion and leadership.

Ian Huntington


In appreciation of the exemplary medical skill and compassionate care that Dr. William J. Ledger has provided to three generations of their family, David and Betty Cooper-Wallerstein established The William J. Ledger Prize in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2003. The Ledger prize is awarded annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated an affinity for, and an interest in, the field of obstetrics/gynecology. The dean of Weill Cornell Medical College has joined Dr. Ledger in determining who shall receive this prize.

Stephanie Lin

	Eugene Licht & Daneng Li with Dean Gotto

The Fabrizio Michelassi Medical Student Annual Award was established by the Helen S. Tanenbaum Medical Award Fund of the New York Community Trust in honor of Fabrizio Michelassi, M.D. The award is presented to a member of the graduating class of the Medical College who intends to become a practicing surgeon and displays the qualities of humane, responsive, respectful and personalized care exemplified by Dr. Michelassi. The purpose of the award is to recognize the healing value of caring for patients as individuals, rather than just fighting disease.

Ryan Cauley


The Robert M. Lintz Prize for Efficiencey in Rheumatic Diseases was established by Dr. Robert M. Lintz 1927 to be awarded to a member of the graduating class for achievement in rheumatic diseases.

Ben Riccardi


The Dean William Mecklenburg Polk Prize was established in memory of William Mecklenburg Polk, M.D., L.L.D., first dean of the Medical College, who served from 1898 until 1918.

Kyungmouk Lee

Shoba Sadasivaiah

	Ashkan Abbey and Dean Gotto

The Alan von Kreuter Cancer Research Prize was established in 1991 in memory of Alan von Kreuter, whose daughter Betsy and son-in-law Juan Carlos Felix graduated from the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences in 1988, and Weill Cornell Medical College in 1984, respectively. Candidates for this prize are recommended by the Student Research Committee to the dean of the Medical College. The prize is awarded to a medical student for outstanding research in the basic mechanisms of cancer and related diseases.

Melissa Frey


The Gustavo Cudkowicz Memorial Prize in Immunobiology given for the first time in 1983, was established by the colleagues, friends and family of the late Dr. Cudkowicz to perpetuate his interest in immunobiology and medical education. The prize is awarded by the Student Research Committee for outstanding research in immunobiology.

Eva Umoh

	Anand Nataraj and Dean Gotto

The Dr. Harold Lamport Biomedical Research Prize was established at several medical schools by Mrs. Lamport in memory of her husband, distinguished service professor of physiology and biophysics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Given by the Student Research Committee for a thesis reporting original biomedical research, the prize is awarded to a medical student who is a candidate solely for the M.D. degree.

Angela Roberts


The Sondra Lee Shaw Memorial Prize was established by Mrs. Joan S. Friedman in memory of her sister, Dr. Sondra Lee Shaw, '52. This prize is 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.

Alicia Genisca


The Harold G. Wolff Research Prize, established in memory of the late chief of neurology at The New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, is given to the medical student who has completed the most outstanding piece of original research in the neurological or behavioral sciences.

Connie Chen Montgomery


It is a pleasure to present a special award to the following graduate in recognition of his service as a leader in student government. She has served most ably as class president and is held in high esteem by both students and faculty.

Connie Chen Montgomery

	Shobha Sadasivaiah & Kyungmouk Lee with Dean Gotto

The Paul Sherlock Prize in Internal Medicine was 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. The award is determined by vote of the graduating class, and is 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, as exemplified by Dr. Sherlock.

Eugene Licht


The John Metcalf Polk Prizes were 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 College as an instructor until his death in 1904. These prizes, the highest scholastic honors a student can achieve at Weill Cornell Medical College, are given to the three students who placed at the top of the class for scholastic performance throughout medical school.

Rebecca Carlin

Heather Gotha

Crystal Hung

	Alicia Genisca and Dean Gotto

The American Medical Women's Association presents the Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Achievement Citations to those female students who graduate in the top 10% of their class and the Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Award to the woman who graduates first in her class. Dr. Maude Glasgow, a 1901 Cornell University Medical College graduate, established this award in honor of her sister Janet. The certificates also recognize Dr. Roberta G. Rubin, who through her generous gift to the Glasgow fund, has made possible the continuation of the certificate program.

The 2009 Janet M. Glasgow-Rubin Memorial Achievement Citations are awarded to:

Rebecca Carlin

Heather Gotha

Kristin Lee

Jennifer Swails

Crystal Hung

	Jennifer Swails, Heather Gotha, Kristen Lee and Rebecca Carlin with Dean Gotto

The Hayworth-Gold Award for Excellence in Medical Professionalism established this year (in memory of Henry C. Hayworth) recognizes up to two students annually for exemplary demonstration of knowledge, communication, technical skills, and clinical and ethical reasoning as reflected in daily practice during their third year. The awardee is chosen by members of the faculty familiar with the students and their clinical training.

Anthony Rosen


The Compassionate Physician Award, presented by the Department of Psychiatry, was established in 2006 by a bequest from David Panzer in honor of Richard Glass, M.D. The award will go to a graduating student who has consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy in the delivery of care to patients while exhibiting the attributes of a scientifically excellent physician. The student has illustrated professional behavior, shows respect for others, demonstrates cultural sensitivity in work with patients and family members of diverse ethnic or religious backgrounds, seeks and accepts criticism using it to improve performance, and is personally committed to objective self-evaluation of his/her own skills.

Christin Price


The Good Physician Award was established by the late Dr. Philip M. Stimson, class of 1914 and emeritus clinical professor of pediatrics. An engraved tray is awarded to that member of the graduating class who, by vote of the class, best exemplifies the intangible qualities of the "Good Physician."

Christin Price

	Brandon Otto and Dean Gotto

The Leonard P. Tow Humanism Awards, presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, were first given in 1998 by a newly established grant-making organization that believes that a key component of medical education is compassionate and humanistic care of patients. By vote of a committee of faculty members and students, these awards are presented 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.

Rebecca Carlin

And the faculty recipient is:

Dr. Morton Bogdonoff


Class of 1952 Resident Physician Prize was established in 1993 by the class of 1952 at its 40th reunion. This prize, by vote of the graduating class, is given to a NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital resident physician who has demonstrated excellence in and dedication to the instruction of medical students.

Dr. Chirag Barbhaiya

	Dr. Debra Taubel and Dean Gotto.

The House Staff Teaching Award was 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. Ronac Mamtani


The Senior List was established by the class of 1994 to recognize 16 faculty members who have made a commitment to and demonstrated excellence in teaching. Lapel pins will be given to these faculty members in here in the auditorium immediately following Convocation.

Dr. Charles Bardes

Dr. Ilya Bialik

Dr. Morton Bogdonoff

Dr. Byron Demopoulos

Dr. Vishal Dodia

Dr. Domenick Falcone

Dr. William Ledger

Dr. Veronica LoFaso

Dr. Peter Marzuk

Dr. Estomih Mtui

Dr. Anthony Ogedegbe

Dr. Snezana Osorio

Dr. Lawrence Palmer

Dr. H. Jonathan Polan

Dr. Joseph Safdieh

Dr. Dana Zappetti

	Members of the senior list.

The Medical Student Executive Council has established two awards for excellence in teaching in the basic science courses. The First-Year Teaching Award goes to

Dr. Domenick Falcone


The Second-Year Teaching Award, given by the second year class for excellence in teaching:

Dr. Mark Pochapin

	President of the Alumni Association Dr. Hazel Szeto and Class of 2009 president Connie M. Chen present the class gift to the Medical College.

The Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award of Alpha Omega Alpha: This award, which is recommended by the graduating class and selected by student members of the AOA chapter, 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 was 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. The quality of life of the late Adele and Joseph Cooper, during their declining years, was protected and enhanced by Dr. Bardes' professional dedication. The prize is awarded annually to a member of the faculty, who, in the opinion of the prize committee, has been an outstanding teacher at the Weill Cornell Medical College, demonstrating leadership, dedication and concern for the students. The recipient is selected by a committee consisting of the senior associate dean for education, the associate dean for curriculum, and Dr. Bardes.

Dr. Debra Taubel

	Dr. Charles Bardes and Dean Gotto

The Richard A. Herrmann, M.D. Teaching Award was established in 2000 by Mrs. Marilyn N. Herrmann, in loving memory of her late husband. A member of the Department of Medicine for many years, Dr. Herrmann was considered a gifted clinical teacher. The award is given to an outstanding teacher in the third year, and is chosen by vote of the third-year class.

Dr. Charles Bardes


The Elliot Hochstein Teaching Award was 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. The award is given to the faculty member who best exemplifies these qualities by a vote of the graduating class. The winner will be listed on the permanent plaque in the Wood Library.

Dr. Charles Bardes

Photography by Weill Cornell Art & Photography.

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