Perspective from Nicole Price: Meet the Virtuous Healer Honor Society

The Virtuous Healers Honor Society will welcome new members in a ceremony on March 13. As the program approaches, current members share their perspectives with The Pulse. Meet Nicole Price.

What is the Virtuous Healer Honor Society?

The Virtuous Healer Honor Society (VHHS) is all about recognizing students and faculty who embody the qualities of a compassionate and dedicated healer. Members demonstrate traits like altruism, curiosity, humility, generosity, justice, and moral imagination—all essential to making a difference in healthcare and the community.

How did you hear about VHHS?

I first learned about VHHS through an article in The Pulse! I saw some incredible students I knew getting inducted and wanted to find out more. After doing a little research, I was drawn to their commitment to community service and the values they stand for. It just felt like a group I wanted to be part of!

What’s your favorite part about being a VHHS member?

The best part? Hands down, the people! Being surrounded by such a wonderful group of students and faculty makes it a great space to share ideas, learn from each other, and just be yourself. It’s a supportive and creative environment where everyone's voice matters. Plus, I’m really excited about our upcoming project—the Teddy Care Clinic—happening alongside NEOMED’s Body and Beyond Health Fair on March 15th!

How does being a VHHS member help you as a student?

It's no secret at medical school is hard. For me, VHHS is a constant reminder of why I’m here—to care for patients. It’s easy to get caught up in studying for exams, keeping up with UWorld, and getting evaluations, but at the end of the day, medicine is truly about people. VHHS reinforces the importance of compassion, listening, and being present for others. It’s a space that brings me back to the heart of medicine—being human.

How can students join VHHS?

Step one: learn about VHHS (which you’ve already done by reading this far—nice work!). From there, students are nominated by faculty or peers. If nominated, you’ll receive an application to highlight your community service experiences and write a short essay about how your values align with VHHS. The selection process is then done through a blinded vote. We encourage you to nominate students who you feel align with the values of VHHS!