Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU) joined medical schools across the nation in fostering the human element of medicine by installing its first members of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) from the KCU class of 2017 on Friday, June 24, 2016.
“We are pleased the Arnold P Gold Foundation awarded a Medical School Chapter Grant to KCU,” said Dr. John Graneto, Gold Humanism Society advisor for KCU. “As an osteopathic medical school, the concept of humanism in medicine is part of our core values and a natural partner for the Gold Humanism Honor Society.”
Medical students selected 41 of their KCU peers as inaugural members in the GHHS based on “humanism” in their medical approach to patient care. They were inducted during a ceremony on campus.
Students wrote essays about their commitment to patients on a human level as part of the application process. “I have found that when I wholeheartedly listen and not just pick out pieces of what I need, I am able to not only make a more accurate diagnosis but my empathy is heightened and my overall care is more specific,” wrote Stephanie Lombardi, who was inducted into the KCU chapter. “Also the patient is more likely to open up, relax and in turn, trust.”
The Arnold P. Gold Foundation is a nonprofit organization working with healthcare professionals to ensure that compassion, respect and empathy are a key part of all healthcare interactions.
The GHHS “recognizes individuals who are exemplars of humanistic patient care and who can serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine.”
Newly inducted KCU students will be meeting over the next few weeks to discuss their service plan for the upcoming school year.
