Perspective from the Virtuous Healer Honor Society: Sophie Tayade
As the nomination cycle for the Virtuous Healer Honor Society opens in November, current members share their reflections on being involved in VHHS.
Get to know VHHS student member, Sophie Tayade, M4!
What is VHHS?
VHHS is an honor society that focuses on the human aspect of medicine. This organization recognizes students and faculty who demonstrate altruism, compassion, curiosity, generosity, humility, justice and moral imagination.
How did you hear about VHHS?
I first heard about VHHS through the Teddy Care Clinic, where I volunteered alongside NEOMED students to encourage comfort among young children seeking healthcare.
What is your favorite part about being a VHHS member?
My favorite part about VHHS is working alongside peers who have shaped my experience at NEOMED. Many of the students in the cohort above me were incredible mentors who truly invested in their peers. Joie Watterson was welcoming and encouraging when I reached out to learn more about primary care experiences in the region, while Max Dawson was patient and thoughtfully guided us on one of my earliest research projects. Natasha Salmen and Shashank Raghavachari were creative in how they enhanced interest group involvement to both support career exploration and meaningful community engagement. Amanda Alejo's large group peer tutoring sessions shaped how I approached building my clinical knowledge base. I could continue listing the many ways both the cohorts above me and my peers have pushed me to grow and give back to NEOMED.
How does it help you as a student?
VHHS allows me to reflect on my role as a physician leader and what values I hope to advocate in this role.
How can students join VHHS?
Students nominated by faculty and peers are invited to apply by highlighting their community outreach during medical school and how their values align with VHHS. We encourage everyone to put themselves out there, seeing as this is a great opportunity to be formally recognized for their efforts and dedication.
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