On Monday, March 6, the Virtuous Healer Honor Society (VHHS) will welcome new members from the College of Medicine Class of 2024 in an induction ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the NEW Center Ballroom.
VHHS recognizes NEOMED students, residents and faculty who exemplify the attributes of the virtuous healer, including altruism, compassion, curiosity, generosity, humility, justice and moral imagination.
Tickets are still available for the March 6 induction ceremony. Please reserve your seats by Feb. 28.
In advance of the upcoming induction ceremony, current VHHS members (pictured above, clockwise from upper left) shared their reflections on what it means to be a virtuous healer.
Ali Syed (M4)
“There are many individual traits that are essential to the pursuit of virtuosity. And to achieve the greatest cumulative impact, we all must work as a collective. Virtuous healers take on opportunities to collaborate and guide future generations of healers. We have learned so much about both the science and art of medicine from those who have come before us. And if we continue to carry the burden and honor of instructing those more junior to us throughout our careers, our impact will be magnified when our successors have their own patients to serve.”
Nupur Goel (M4)
“I define the virtuous healer as the one who is unsatisfied with merely ‘doing no harm’ or ‘finding the cure.’ A virtuous healer invests empathy and compassion into their knowledge and expertise. A virtuous healer recognizes that some suffering cannot be fixed, but compassion is always essential for healing. Titles and recognitions do not define virtuous healers. Both virtue and healing are defined by their positive impact on others.”
Rita Marie Yaacoub (M4)
“Being a virtuous healer is a step much more superior than learning a technical skill or citing a clinical trial. It is a mindset that is equipped to provide selfless service with a deep understanding of the persons you serve and their needs. It entails courage in facing challenges in decision making and unwavering commitment to moral and ethical principles. A virtuous healer must be patient with the ability to delve into the patient’s feelings and needs despite the daily pressure of time that physicians face, while building and enforcing a sacred doctor-patient relationship. I hope to carry the important qualities VHHS has instilled into my future practice of medicine.”
Sanjay Jinka (M4)
“To me being a virtuous healer means having an intrinsic motivation to service, appreciating individuals’ diverse perspectives, and displaying empathy to our patients and colleagues. I hope to try to exemplify these traits as I graduate medical school and begin my career as a physician.”
Kelly Kimball (M4)
“A person who exhibits the qualities of a virtuous healer is an advocate for their patients. They are constantly seeking for ways to improve patient care and serve their community. They rise to the occasion without being asked and work passionately to serve their patients with empathy, energy and expertise. I love being part of VHHS because it allows me to continue to give back to my community and it inspires me to be a better physician for my patients.”
Krithika Sundaram (M4)
“For me, a virtuous healer can be anyone that is passionate about a cause and wants to make change for the better good. It does not necessitate that they fix the problem, but rather take one more step closer to the solution or help make a difference in the community. This society has made me realize the importance of community service as a future physician and I want to continue to serve my community and make a difference in my future career.”
Jamie Pandey (M4)
"I strive to become a virtuous healer, because it is not a static definition. It is a constant effort that stems from true philanthropy, not personal gain. It is loving the patient and setting aside self-interest and judgment to further the patient's wellness goals, not just directing the patient towards what we believe to be best for their health. It is a dedication to service and constantly improving ourselves to become better providers. Becoming a virtuous healer mirrors the ways we can best serve patients."