Holly Roberts journey to become a doctor has come full circle during her time as a medical student at U-M by distance and also by how she learned the art and practice of medicine.

Roberts, a native of Hudson, New Hampshire, soon will return home to begin a residency in pediatrics at Boston Childrens Hospital, which she hopes to follow with a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston University, and her hometown is a mere 45 minutes north of the city.

When she leaves Michigan soon after Commencement activities on Friday, May 12, Roberts will do so as a member of the Class of 2023 that overcame so much during its four years together. This group was just getting started at U-M in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It still affects them as they prepare to graduate.

Our entire world, and especially the world of medicine, was instantly shaken. However, through flexibility, innovation and dedication to patients, health care professionals worked tirelessly to meet the evolving needs of our community, said Roberts, who added that her extracurricular focus shifted to supporting the local community, from assembling hand sanitizer kits for those experiencing houselessness to assisting patients with telehealth visits. Overall, this has taught me to be flexible in order to support the ever-changing needs of my patients and community.

Ironically, the pandemic has affected Roberts personally as she completes her medical degree. She and her husband, Dylan, both contracted COVID-19 in March and had to stay home instead of attending the annual Match Day festivities. Both are feeling much better these days and she is looking forward to being among 162 Michigan graduates.

The medical school community is invited to attend the Commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. in Hill Auditorium. It also will be livestreamed at: https://youtu.be/fLbGpMJOsDg.

Roberts is among the Class of 2023s most-honored graduates. She is recipient of the Deans Commendation for Excellence in Clinical Skills and the Art of Medicine, and the Andrew J. Zweifler Award for Excellence in Clinical Skills. She also is graduating with distinction (top 10% of students based on grade-point average) and distinction in medical education. Further, she is recipient of an Academic Recognition Award and a Glasgow-Rubin Citation for Academic Achievement.

Roberts said Michigans emphasis on clinical education and compassionate patient-centered care has paved the path for her to become the type of physician, educator and researcher she wants to be. In medical education, she has had opportunities to teach from high school to medical students and create an elective course for senior medical students about hospice and palliative care.

UMMS has also provided me with exceptional mentorship, opportunities and training in clinical research related to pediatric neuro-oncology, she said. I hope to continue my work in this field to improve care and outcomes for children with aggressive brain tumors, and I am endlessly grateful to my mentors for setting the stage for this aspect of my career.

As she completes her educational circle this week, Roberts looks forward to developing meaningful relationships with patients and families, supporting them through challenges and celebrating their victories.

The field of pediatrics, and specifically pediatric oncology, provides a unique opportunity to support patients and their families through some of lifes greatest challenges, while also celebrating the everyday joys of childhood, she said.

Below is a full list of student, departmental and faculty awards:

Student Awards

Deans Award for Research Excellence

This award is given by the faculty to those students who have made outstanding research contributions during their medical school career.

Deans Commendation for Excellence in Clinical Skills and the Art of Medicine

This award is given to ten percent of senior students, based on top Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) scores and clinical grades from the required junior clerkships, for outstanding skills in verbal communication with patients, interviewing, counseling, and physical diagnosis.

Puneet Ashu Ailawadi Memorial Award

This award honors Dr. Puneet Ashu Ailawadi, a 2000 graduate of the Medical School who was completing a residency in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Health System at the time of his death. Dr. Ailawadis family, friends, and colleagues have established a memorial fund to honor him. In keeping with Dr. Ailawadis dedication to helping underserved communities, this award is presented annually to a senior medical student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving underprivileged and underserved populations.

George R. DeMuth Medical Scientist Award for Excellence

This award honors Dr. George R. DeMuth, the founding Director of the University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program. The award is given to a graduating senior in the University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in research and who exhibits the personal and professional qualities desired in the complete physician.

Paul DeWolf Award

In memory of Paul DeWolf, a member of the Class of 2014, this award was created by the Student Council to honor the most unique and extraordinary qualities that he possessed. Paul was an includer, someone who used his enthusiasm for life to rally everyone around himself and help people contribute their voice on equal ground. He was also tireless in his dedication to patient-centered care, going the extra mile to connect on a much deeper level with each and every one of his patients. And he had an indefatigable joie-de-vivre with an infectious attitude of play hard and work hard. Most of all, he strove to improve himself for the purpose of bettering the condition of others. This award is presented every year to a senior who best exemplifies these attributes.

Ralph M. Gibson Award

This award honors Dr. Ralph Gibson, a distinguished African American faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics who also served as an assistant dean for student affairs in the Medical School. Dr. Gibson consistently emphasized the pursuit of academic excellence and demonstrated a concern for all students, their health, welfare, and career development. The award is presented to the senior student(s) who has best demonstrated these same qualities and who has had a dedication to addressing the health disparities experienced by minority and disadvantaged populations in the United States.

Patrick John Niland Award

This award is presented in memory of Patrick John Niland, a member of the Class of 1986, who died in an automobile accident. This award was established by the Class of 1986 to recognize the important attributes that Pat possessed: a cheerful, friendly demeanor and a patient, honest, and compassionate approach to medicine. It is given annually to a senior student who, in the eyes of the graduating class, best exemplifies these traits.

Sujal Parikh Award

This award is presented in memory of Sujal Parikh, a member of the Class of 2011, who died as a result of an accident while serving as a Fogarty Fellow in Uganda. This award was established by Student Council and the Class of 2011 to recognize the spirit and passion that Sujal dedicated to issues of social justice, global health, and collegiality. It is given annually to a senior who, in the eyes of the graduating class, best exemplifies these traits.

Dr. Jane Skillen Award

This award honors Dr. Jane Skillen, a 1928 graduate of the Medical School. Dr. Skillen was an Irish immigrant who came to the United States at age 16 and worked diligently to support herself and eventually earn her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Michigan. Dr. Skillen had a highly accomplished career as a thoracic surgeon in California. Her achievements stemmed from strength of character and a love of medicine, and her children honored her by establishing this award.

Andrew J. Zweifler Award for Excellence in Clinical Skills

This award is given to a graduating senior who has consistently demonstrated outstanding care and competence in verbal communication with patients in terms of interviewing and counseling, as well as excellence in physical diagnosis.

Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award presented by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation

This award honors one graduating medical student who best demonstrates the ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care and respect for patients, their families, and health care colleagues, as well as demonstrated clinical excellence.

Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS)

The GHHS recognizes students who practice patient-centered care by modeling the qualities of integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect and empathy. Members are nominated by their peers for being a person they would like by their side in a medical emergency, who personifies good patient care, shows exceptional interest in community service, and a classmate they would want as the doctor of their loved ones.

Graduation with Distinction

The Graduation with Distinction honor is awarded to the top 10% of students based primarily on grade-point average.

Graduation with Distinction in Medical Education

The Graduation with Distinction in Medical Education honor is awarded to 10% of the class based on the students commitment to medical education research and evaluation, involvement with innovation in education and academic program development, and exceptional teaching skills in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Graduation with Distinction in Research

The Graduation with Distinction in Research honor is awarded to 10% of the class based on the students research training experiences, publications, presentations, and letters of support from faculty. Standard and MSTP students were considered separately.

Graduation with Distinction in Service

The Graduation with Distinction in Service honor is awarded to 10% of the class based on the students service to the community and the Medical School, drawn from the students curriculum vitae and letters of support.

Academic Achievement Award

The Academic Achievement Award, on the recommendation of the faculty of the Medical School, is given to the graduating senior who has achieved the highest academic standing in his or her class.

Academic Recognition Awards

Academic Recognition Awards are presented to the top five graduates who have demonstrated academic excellence throughout the four years of their medical education.

Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA)

AOA is the only national honor medical society. Its mission is to recognize and enhance professionalism, academic excellence, service, and leadership within the profession. The societys motto is Worthy to serve the suffering and membership is based upon scholarship and character.

Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for Academic Achievement

This award is given to a woman medical student, graduating with academic distinction, should she graduate first in her class.

Glasgow-Rubin Citations for Academic Achievement

These awards are presented by the American Medical Womens Association to those women who graduate with academic distinction from medical schools throughout the country.

United States Public Health System 2023 Excellence in Public Health Award

The USPHS awards program recognizes medical students across the United States who advance public health and those who exemplify the USPHS mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.

Departmental Awards

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Medical Student Prize for Excellence in Neurology

This award is given to a graduating medical student who exemplifies outstanding scientific achievement and clinical acumen in neurology or neuroscience, outstanding personal qualities of integrity, compassion, and leadership.

Roger A. Berg Prize in Radiology

This award is given each year to a fourth-year medical student or students for outstanding performance in radiology. The award is made possible through a gift from Dr. Roger A. Berg, a University of Michigan Medical School alumnus.

C. Gardner Child 3rd Award

The career and dedication of Dr. Child, former chair of surgery, are honored in this award to a graduating senior or seniors for outstanding performance in the junior clerkship, senior electives, and research in surgery.

Terence C. Davies, M.D. Award

This award, in honor of the founding chair of the Department of Family Medicine, is presented to a graduating senior or seniors for clinical and scholarly excellence in family medicine. These students exemplify the qualities of the outstanding family physician: dedication to patient needs, intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, community service, and leadership.

Henry Fitzbutler Award for Excellence in Hospital Medicine

This award is conferred upon the fourth-year medical student who best displayed clinical and scholarly excellence in the field of hospital medicine. The award honors the life and accomplishments of Dr. Henry Fitzbutler who was the first African American to graduate from the Medical School in 1872. He then went on to establish both a hospital and medical school in Kentucky.

Albert C. Furstenberg Award

This award is given to a medical student for outstanding performance in otolaryngology. scholastic achievement, clinical work, and research efforts are considered in addition to interest in otolaryngology.

Robert I. Goldsmith, M.D. Award

This award is given by the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences to a senior medical student who has demonstrated outstanding scientific achievement or clinical prowess in ophthalmology and visual sciences. This student exhibits a high level of integrity, compassion, and intellectual curiosity towards optimizing vision and preventing and curing eye disease. The award is in honor of Dr. Robert I. Goldsmith, a distinguished alumnus and loyal friend of the W. K. Kellogg Eye Center.

Timothy R. B. Johnson Global Womens Health Award

The Timothy R. B. Johnson Global Womens Health Award is presented to a graduating medical student recognizing their authentic global engagement and anticipating their future contributions embodying Dr. Johnsons vision of global academic partnerships and his commitment to safe motherhood and global womens health.

Edgar A. Kahn Award

This award is given each year in memory of Dr. Kahn, former chief of neurosurgery, to a senior medical student(s) for outstanding performance in clinical or laboratory work in neurosurgery.

William Dodd Robinson Award

This award is given by the faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine to a graduating senior or seniors for outstanding performance in the junior medicine clerkship and senior electives in Internal Medicine. The award honors Dr. William Robinson, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine from 1958-75.

Eli G. Rochelson Memorial Award

This award is given for the most outstanding performance in pulmonary and critical care medicine by a graduating medical student. It honors Dr. Rochelson, a pulmonary physician and father of an alumnus of our school.

SAEM Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award

The members of the Department of Emergency Medicine honor a graduating senior for outstanding performance in the specialty of emergency medicine. This award is sponsored by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Robert B. Sweet Award

This award is given to a senior medical student who has shown the highest achievement and the greatest potential in the field of anesthesiology. The award is in honor of Dr. Robert B. Sweet, founding chair of the Department of Anesthesiology.

William B. Taylor Dermatology Clinical Science Award

The faculty of the Department of Dermatology honors a graduating senior medical student(s) for outstanding performance in dermatology clinical science. The award honors Dr. William B. Taylor, a faculty member of the department from 1950-92 and recipient of the National Dermatology Teacher Award.

Harry A. Towsley Award

This award is given by the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics to senior students for outstanding performance in the junior pediatrics clerkship and senior pediatrics elective. The award is named in honor of Dr. Harry A. Towsley, a distinguished member of the Department of Pediatrics from 1935-72.

Raymond W. Waggoner Award

This award is given by the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry to a graduating senior for distinguished performance in psychiatry. This award honors Dr. Raymond W. Waggoner, chair of the Department of Psychiatry from 1937-69.

Warner/Goldberg Womens Health Program Award for Excellence and Commitment to Womens Health

This award is given to a graduating senior(s) for their outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the ideals of its sponsor, the University of Michigan Center of Excellence in Womens Health. It is named for Patricia Warner, former associate hospital director, UMHS, and Dr. Edward Goldberg, founding chief of the Division of Womens Health, in recognition of their vital roles in the initiation and success of the Womens Health Program.

Wiegenstein Leadership in Emergency Medicine Award

This award is presented to the graduating medical student who best demonstrates the potential for leadership in emergency medicine, as exemplified by Dr. John Wiegenstein, Medical School Class of 1960, a pioneer in the field of emergency medicine.

J. Robert Willson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Obstetrics and Gynecology

The J. Robert Willson Award, in honor of the former chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is given to a senior student(s) for outstanding performance in obstetrics and gynecology. A Medical School professorship is established in his name.

Faculty Awards

Senior Year Award

This award is given each year to the faculty member below the rank of associate professor who, in the opinion of the graduating class, has best upheld the ideals of medical education.

The American Medical Womens Association Gender Equity Award

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From Boston to Ann Arbor and back: Doctor-to-be, Graduation ... - Michigan Medicine Headlines