The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) is one of eight medical schools recognized nationally by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation as an Outstanding Chapter.

Humanism in medicine and compassionate care for patients are qualities everyone looks for in a physician. In keeping with its mission to prepare outstanding osteopathic physicians, LMU-DCOM launched its inaugural chapter of the GHHS in May 2017.

The chapter has since coordinated outreach programs such as the Kenley Project, which provides care boxes for parents of stillborn or premature babies within their local community. Its student members have also provided labor at food drives and given CPR classes at local schools.

The LMU-DCOM GHHS chapter was chosen from among 160 chapters for the recognition.

“We knew very early that we wanted to be a ‘working’ club, one that proved its value through service projects and initiatives to improve and encourage our student body,” said Rick Slaven, MPS, NRP, coordinator of student advancement and chapter liaison for the LMU-DCOM GHHS chapter. “The addition of the GHHS chapter at LMU-DCOM has enhanced the learning environment at the school. Faculty and staff are encouraged to discuss GHHS and reiterate the importance of compassion not only in health care, but in life.”

GHHS is one of the largest and most prestigious honor societies in medical schools, and a signature program of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. LMU-DCOM is one of 13 osteopathic medical schools approved to have a GHHS program.

The GHHS is one of only three honor societies listed on the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), which gives members a competitive edge above other candidates applying for the same residency. Membership is considered a prestigious honor as it is limited to less than 10 percent of students per class.

“Though this young GHHS chapter has only inducted one class, it has already shown to be a powerful force in maintaining the Gold Standard in health care – compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent care,” said Dorothy Levine, MD, director of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. “We are thrilled that the institution of a GHHS chapter at LMU-DCOM has added additional momentum to an institution where humanism already thrives.”

By increasing the engagement of patients and those providing their health care, GHHS strives to enhance patient and staff satisfaction and improve health care outcomes. More information on GHHS and the Gold Foundation can be found at www.gold-foundation.org.