The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health extends a hearty congratulations to a special class of 2020 MD graduates. Although the final months of school were disrupted by the worst pandemic of the century, we salute and celebrate all the class’ accomplishments. We particularly celebrate members of the class of 2020 who received honors, awards and scholarships.
Thank you to our donors. It is our great fortune to have donors who care deeply about the school and its outstanding students. We greatly appreciate you sharing your precious resources in support of our most precious resource—our students.
Congratulations to these exceptional students who make us especially proud to be Badgers!
This scholarship was created by Matthew Abdel, MD and Mark Morrey, MD, members of the Class of 2007, in memory of Matt’s father Philip M. Abdel, an unwavering advocate of higher education and a mentor and role model to all. It is given to recognize fourth-year medical students who have demonstrated one or more of the following attributes: exceptional moral characteristics, dedication to pursuing a surgical specialty or subspecialty, superb academic competence, a resolute work ethic, notable leadership qualities, and active participation in research.
This award was created by Matthew Abdel, MD and Mark Morrey, MD, members of the Class of 2007. It recognizes a fourth-year student pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery who demonstrates academic competence, a strong work ethic, leadership qualities and who has participated in orthopedic research and volunteered for humanitarian efforts and/or other philanthropic organizations.
This award is presented to a graduating student who has been selected by the Department of Neurology clerkship directors, faculty and residents for their dedication to excellence in clinical neurology.
This award is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), a national specialty society to recognize students who excel in compassionate care of patients, professional behavior and service to the community and/or specialty.
The Betty J. Bamforth Award is presented annually to a fourth year medical student who has demonstrated interest and excellence in the field of anesthesiology and preoperative medicine. Dr. Bamforth trained in anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin under Dr. Ralph M. Waters, founder of the first academic anesthesiology program in the country. She held a faculty position from 1954 to 1992, serving as Interim Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the Medical School, and Mentor of the Class of 1992. Dr. Bamforth was a consummate teacher, administrator, researcher and practitioner for 38 years, training over 250 residents and fellows in the art and science of anesthesiology.
This award is given by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association in honor of the founding Dean of the UW Medical School, Charles Russell Bardeen, MD. The recipients are chosen by their classmates as the students who have the greatest combination of academic achievement, dedication to the profession, high ethical standards, commitment to the best interests of their patients and who manifest honesty, unselfishness, personal self-discipline and responsibility, good judgment, kindness and good interpersonal relations.
This award was established in honor of Dr. Norbert Barwasser (BA ’27, MS ’31), who opened his own dermatology practice in 1937 in Davenport, IA and later opened a second office in Moline, IA. This award is given to students in the MD curriculum who exhibit a strong academic record, scholarly achievement, good character and extra-curricular activities.
This scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Darren Bean by his friends, colleagues and students. Dr. Bean, a truly outstanding academic emergency physician, teacher and researcher, lost his life when a UW Med Flight helicopter crashed May 10, 2008. He brought boundless energy and devotion to his many roles and died doing what he believed in — taking care of those in urgent need of care. The Dr. Darren Bean Scholarship is provided to a fourth-year student going into emergency medicine who combines the attributes of Dr. Bean: a commitment to excellence, collegiality, education, research and patient care.
This award is given by the late Dr. William J. Bleckwenn, Sr. and Mrs. Bleckwenn in memory of their son who died during his third year in medical school. Dr. Bleckwenn was a member of the Medical School faculty from 1922 to 1954. The award is based on clinical promise and is presented to a senior student in recognition of qualities of character, heart and mind, that combine to make the true physician.
Dr. Brillman, Class of 1938, practiced family medicine in the Beloit area for more than 60 years, working out of an office, not a clinic. His great wish was to excite and empower medical students to take up the specialty that gave him so much satisfaction. This scholarship is presented in his memory to fourth-year students who demonstrate ongoing and consistent leadership within family medicine, and who participates in advocacy efforts that foster family medicine—locally, nationally and/or globally.
Dr. Brillman, Class of 1938, practiced family medicine in the Beloit area for more than 60 years, working out of an office, not a clinic. His great wish was to excite and empower medical students to take up the specialty that gave him so much satisfaction. This scholarship is presented in his memory to fourth-year students pursuing a career in family medicine.
Dr. Burgess was a member of the Class of 1937. This award was established in Dr. Burgess’ memory by his family. It is presented to a senior student in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the field of surgery. Joseph L’Huillier Laurel Clark Scholarship This scholarship was established by the Class of 1987 in memory of their classmate, Captain Laurel Clark. Dr. Clark died tragically in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Dr. Clark received her BS degree in zoology in 1983 and her MD degree in 1987. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding fourth-year female medical student with strong leadership skills and a dedication to cutting-edge science.
The John Kimberly Curtis Award is given to assist the education of fourth- year medical students interested in treating pulmonary disease.
This endowed scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Jeffrey Davis by his family, friends and colleagues. Jeff was the State Epidemiologist and Chief Medical Officer for Communicable Diseases for the State of Wisconsin for over 40 years. This scholarship is awarded to a fourth year student pursuing a career combining medicine and public health who combines the attributes of Dr. Davis: a keen intellect, curiosity in medical investigation, mentorship and a dedication to public health, especially the health of the people of Wisconsin.
This scholarship was established by the Dean family in memory of Joseph Dean and his sons, Joseph C. and Frank, distinguished physicians in the Madison community and clinical teachers at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. It is given to assist the education of an outstanding medical student.
Dr. Lynn Eggman, Class of 1962, was an outstanding general pediatrician and teacher-preceptor who practiced in the Rhinelander area of northern Wisconsin for nearly 50 years. He was a strong supporter of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and its clinical and teaching missions throughout his many years of practice. This award is presented in his memory to a fourth-year medical student who has generated excellence in interpersonal skills and communication with children and their families.
The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine presents this award to recognize interest and excellence in the field of emergency medicine. John Harringa The Flanum Family Foundation Scholarship This scholarship was created by Dr. Mark Flanum, Class of 2002, and his wife Christine. It will be presented to a fourth-year medical student who demonstrates scholastic achievement, outstanding humanistic qualities, and is pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.
The Forster Award was established by the Department of Neurology in recognition of Dr. Forster’s outstanding service to the medical school as Chairman of Neurology from 1958 to 1978. This award honors a graduating medical student for excellence in neurology. Kathryn Eszes Founders Award The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians presents this award to an outstanding fourth-year medical student who has forwarded the concepts of family medicine as a medical student.
This scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Morton L. Futterman, Class of 1962, by his family, friends and colleagues. This scholarship is awarded to a fourth-year medical student planning to pursue a career in internal medicine.
This award is presented by the Division of General Internal Medicine to fourth-year students who exhibit leadership qualities and an outstanding commitment to the principles of general internal medicine. It recognizes attention to all aspects of patient care, biomedical and psychosocial, gender and cultural issues that have an impact on patient care, a commitment to the use of evidence-based medicine, collaborative work with team members, and a commitment to facilitation of care in the transition between the inpatient and outpatient settings.
The Mark Gichert Memorial Award was established by the Department of Neurological Surgery in memory of Dr. Mark Gichert, Class of 1978, a brilliant resident in neurosurgery who died in 1987. It is presented to an outstanding senior medical student interested in the neurosciences.
Dr. Raymond Gustafson, MD, Class of 1955, and the Gustafson Family created this scholarship to encourage medical students to go into family practice and return to smaller rural communities. This scholarship is given to recognize a senior student of the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine (WARM) who has demonstrated strong humanitarian instincts and evidence of public spirited leadership.
This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Hamilton, Class of 1973 and Professor of Ob/Gyn at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. This scholarship is given in recognition of superior dedication and service to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and the community.
This award, presented by the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, recognizes an outstanding student who, through extracurricular achievement and interest in the activities of medical organizations, shows high promise of becoming a “complete physician.” The Houghton brothers hoped to encourage young men and women toward a greater appreciation of the need for physicians to work together through their county, state and national medical organizations.
This scholarship was created by Mrs. Irma Korbitz in memory of her husband, Dr. Robert Korbitz, Class of 1962. Dr. Korbitz served as an adjunct professor of medicine while focusing on family practice as a partner in the Monona Grove Clinic. This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a career in family medicine.
This endowed scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Katherine Kulak by her family, friends and colleagues. Dr. Kulak completed her internal medicine residency at UW, in addition to a fellowship in infectious disease with her mentor, Dr. Dennis Maki. This scholarship is awarded to one or more fourth-year medical students planning to pursue a career in internal medicine.
This award is given by Mrs. Caroline Laubenheimer in memory of her husband Dr. Roger Laubenheimer, Class of 1950. It is given to a third- or fourth-year medical student from the state of Wisconsin and recognizes students who have an interest in practicing medicine in underserved areas, students who are first generation college students, and students from rural communities in Wisconsin.
Named in honor of the late Dr. T.A. Leonard, Class of 1931, this award is given in recognition of exemplary performance in their obstetrics and gynecology rotation(s).
This scholarship was established in memory of Fannie P. Lewis and is awarded to two academically outstanding female medical students.
Dr. Lovell was a member of the Class of 1936. This scholarship is awarded to recognize worthy and deserving students interested in the field of radiology.
This award was created by Madison Anesthesiology Consultants, LLP. It is presented to a fourth-year medical student planning to pursue a career in anesthesiology with a compassion for clinical practice and a dedication to serving patients.
This scholarship recognizes a fourth-year medical student planning to pursue a career in internal medicine who has demonstrated outstanding abilities as a scholar, and who has also exhibited commensurate outstanding humanistic qualities.
The Medical Student Achievement in Orthopedics Award is presented to a deserving student by the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation to recognize excellence, citizenship and research in orthopedics.
Given to recognize superior academic achievement, including excellent performance on clinical rotations, this award memorializes Emeritus Dean Middleton whose medical school career spanned over 60 years and epitomized dedication to teaching at the bedside.
This award is given to a graduating MD student with the most promise in preventive medicine. This student has proven competence in her field experience and Capstone Project and fostered critical connections with our community partners. This student has gone above and beyond to achieve not only her educational goals but also to address population health needs. The School of Medicine and Public Health’s preventive medicine faculty and staff look forward to the future contributions she will make to the goal of people living longer, healthier lives.
This scholarship is awarded on the basis of interest and promise in the field of psychiatry.
This scholarship is given by Mrs. Jo Schwartz Perlson in memory of her late husband, Sam, Class of 1951, who spent his career as a practicing physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and serving as an active member in the UW Medical Alumni Association. The scholarship is awarded to fourth-year medical students planning to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology who have demonstrated outstanding abilities as a scholar, and who have also exhibited commensurate outstanding humanistic qualities.
Dr. Samuel Perlson Scholarship is given to recognize students for outstanding achievement in medical school and the community, and in recognition of those who have a high likelihood of practicing in underserved areas after medical school (both urban and rural areas). The award is named in honor of the legacy of Dr. Samuel Perlson who devoted his practice to Obstetrics and Gynecology in inner city Milwaukee and was dedicated to the teaching of UW medical students.
This scholarship was established by Dr. Michael (‘MD 55) and Peggy Pollay. This scholarship is awarded to an academically outstanding medical student planning to pursue a career in academic medicine.
This award is given by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Physician Professional Advisory Committee, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to recognize medical students who are involved in public health issues in their community as well as to increase awareness of the USPHS and its mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation. This award recognizes outstanding students committed to strong work in the field of public health.
Leah Reimann, MD, Class of 1974, created this endowed fund for the purpose of advancing primary care education at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. It is used to advance primary care education across the spectrum of students and faculty with priority given to support medical students planning to pursue a career in primary care.
This year’s awards are provided by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association. This award recognizes three students who have achieved excellence in research.
This scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Matt Sell, Class of 1980. Dr. Sell was a beloved infant care specialist who saved the lives of many children and brought comfort to their families. This award is given to a fourth-year medical student planning to pursue a career in pediatrics with an interest in neonatology and infant care who combines the attributes of Dr. Sell: a caring and kind attitude, good work ethic, dedication to gentle care of patients and a penchant towards cutting- edge ideas.
This scholarship was created by Dr. Elizabeth M. Smithwick, Class of 1955. It is awarded to deserving fourth-year medical students who have an interest in the areas of pediatrics and/or pediatric immunology.
The Thomas H. and Ramona J. Steele Endowed scholarship was created by Mona and the University League, in memory of Mona’s husband, Dr. Thomas H. Steele. Dr. Steele was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health for 42 years who combined research, teaching and clinical responsibilities. It is awarded to medical students planning to pursue a career in academic medicine with an interest in nephrology.
The Summerside Leadership Award was established by BayCare Emergency Physicians and Aurora BayCare Medical Center to honor Dr. Paul R. Summerside whose physician leadership was instrumental in bringing together Aurora Health Care and BayCare Physicians to establish and grow BayCare Clinic and Aurora BayCare Medical Center. The Award’s recipients show exemplary leadership skills.
This award was created by colleagues, family, friends and patients in memory of Dr. Tempelis, Class of 1974. Throughout his career as a clinician, teacher and research scientist, Dr. Tempelis was strongly committed to mentoring—the process of passing on skills, wisdom and perspective to others in order to contribute to their career development. Additionally, he was a paragon of professionalism throughout his career. The donors of this award wish to recognize a senior medical student each year who has been most successful in efforts to mentor junior colleagues in professionalism.
This scholarship is provided by The University League and is given to students who have been leaders among their classmates.
Dr. Van Liere was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Medical Sciences in 1918 and served for a number of years as Dean of West Virginia Medical School. This award is presented in his memory to a senior student who achieved high scholastic standing during their four-years of medical school. Eleanor Sato Dr. Harry A. Waisman Memorial Scholarship Dr. Waisman was a member of the Class of 1947, and Professor of Pediatrics from 1958 to 1971. This award was established by family and friends in his memory and is given to the medical student who has demonstrated the greatest talent in the study of health problems of children.
This scholarship is provided by the Class of 1945 in honor of Dr. Ralph M. Waters, Professor of Anesthesiology from 1926 to 1949. Dr. Waters is renowned not only as founder of the country’s oldest academic program in anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin, but also is regarded as the foundation of academic anesthesiology throughout the world. This scholarship is awarded to a student in the clinical years in recognition of merit, ability and scholarship.
This scholarship was created by the Harold and Violet Wenger Trust in memory of Dr. Harold Arthur Edward Wenger, Class of 1943. This scholarship is given to a deserving student.
David Westring (MD ’58) created this scholarship to honor his parents Clarence (Law ‘30) and Dorothy (L&S ‘28), whose exemplary lives inspired three generations of their family to graduate or attend this university. This scholarship is given to recognize a senior student of the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine (WARM).
This scholarship was established by the Class of 1980 to honor the memory of their classmate, Dr. Donald J. Worden, who is fondly remembered by classmates, faculty and staff as a truly exceptional person in his concern for the welfare of others. It is given to fourth-year students in recognition of demonstrated devotion to the care and comfort of fellow human beings, both in patient care and other activities.
This award was established by the late Dr. C.E. Schorer, Class of 1955, to commemorate Gibbs Zauft, MD, Class of 1950, a general practitioner who gave an exceptional amount of personal time and care to Dr. Schorer’s parents. It is given to a graduating senior who has displayed an exceptional concern for the comfort and welfare of their patients.
This award is presented by the American Medical Women’s Association to recognize women students who graduate in the top 10% of their class.
The MD degree with “Path of Distinction in Public Health” is conferred upon those medical students who, in addition to completing the requirements for the MD degree, satisfactorily complete the Path of Distinction program requirements. The program provides medical students with a formal option to merge medical training with the principles and practice of public health by organizing existing and new programs, courses and service-learning experiences.
The Path of Distinction in Research grants graduation distinction to select students who conduct a minimum of 16 weeks of mentored research during medical school, including summer research, research elective time or year-long research fellowships; contribute significantly to at least one manuscript or thesis based on original research; complete research-related learning and leadership activities; present scholarly work locally, and regionally or nationally; and are in good academic standing.
This fund was established in honor of Dr. Hugh A Kennedy (MD ’38) by the Kennedy Foundation to provide Scholarships to medical students.
This fund was established by the Rath Foundation Inc. Merit based Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating high academic achievement, leadership, and community services. Recipients are recognized as Rath Scholars.
This fund was established with an estate gift from Dr. Herman H. Shapiro (MD ‘32) and his wife Gwendolyn P. Shapiro (RN ‘34) for the use and benefit of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to award scholarships to medical students.
