Exemplary medical students recognized at 2022 Honors Convocation

Sept. 26, 2022 — At the UF College of Medicine, learners hoping to excel in health care careers understand the importance of humanism and community service.

Faculty members and peers recently recognized 21 second-, third- and fourth-year medical students who exemplify these qualities during the 2022 Honors Convocation, which took place Sept. 13 at the George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building.

The awards and scholarships honor students with a variety of experiences and strengths, including those who have overcome adversity, have a background in military service or education and are committed to supporting the mental well-being of their patients.

Fourth-year medical student Samari Blair received the Caroline Annette Cody, M.D., Memorial Scholarship during the ceremony. The scholarship was established by the class of 2000 to honor the memory of Caroline Cody, who was tragically killed in 2000 during her first year of medical school and posthumously received a medical degree from the College of Medicine in 2003.

Blair’s peers nominated her for the award because of her dedication to service at the college and within Gainesville’s communities.

“It is one of the greatest honors to continue Caroline’s legacy by receiving this award,” Blair said. “It was also so meaningful to me to accept this award in the presence of Caroline’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Cody, as well as everyone who has made my medical school experience an amazing one — my best friends Richie and Tiffany, Dr. Collins, Dr. Dede, Dr. Parker — and everyone who was present in spirit. I’m forever grateful for all they have done for me over the years and so happy this was an achievement we could celebrate together.”

Below is a complete list of students who were recognized at the 2022 Honors Convocation:

Established by the class of 2022 and the department of obstetrics and gynecology to honor a student who is pursuing a career in OBGYN and, during their first three years of medical school, best exemplifies Dr. Bennet’s honesty, integrity, clinical skill and commitment to women’s health.

• Cathleen Mestre

This award was established in 1968 by Miss Marth Isabel Mays to recognize medical students who excel in education of peers and patients, and for outstanding performance on third-year clerkships.

• Jaimie Bryan

This award was established in memory of Caroline Annette Cody, M.D., a member of the class of 2003, and is based on nominations from peers. It is presented to a fourth-year student who best exemplifies Caroline’s remarkable personal characteristics and altruistic service to the community.

• Samari Blair

This award was established by the UF Alumni Association to honor selected senior students for academic and professional excellence, as well as leadership, service to community or peers, or advocacy for under-served populations.

This award was established by the Crowther family in honor of Curtis Crowther, a member of the medical honors program and the class of 2022. Criteria for the award include being an alumnus of the medical honors program, demonstrating courage in adversity, kindness, having genuine concern for others and diligence in academic studies.

• Lillian Zobel

This award was established by Leora Lieberman, M.D. ’19, and Robert Eisinger, PhD ’20, M.D. ’22, and is meant to support residency applicants aiming to align their paths with their significant other.

This award recognizes students who have excelled in the medical school curriculum and who have demonstrated excellence in research and/or military service.

This award recognizes a student demonstrating outstanding work in the field of infectious disease.

This award recognizes a third-year student who is a graduate of a Palm Beach County high school, has demonstrated service to the medical profession through developing and maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession, advocating the interests of physicians and their patients and collaborating with others to improve the community’s health.

Photos by Winston C. Poulton