Student Award in Oslerian MedicineJohn P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine


Newly inducted Osler Student Scholars for 2024: (Left to right) Varesh Gorabi, Peyton Armstrong, Elvira Carias, Erin Guerra, Veronica Hernandez, Madeline Pan, Sofia Piperno. Not Pictured: Katherine “Nikki” Sheffield

The John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine is pleased to announce the Student Awards in Oslerian Medicine.  These awards provide monetary support for the education of medical students whose performance and conduct exemplify those ideals of medical practice as promulgated by Sir William Osler. The fundamental principles of Oslerian medicine include:

  • Compassionate, personalized medical care that emphasizes the doctor/patient relationship,
  • Incorporation of a sound scientific basis for optimal patient care, and
  • Professional behavior at all times. 

The students that are given the honor of this award are called “Osler Student Scholars.”  The expectations of the Osler Student Scholars are to:

  • Learn about the values and principles that governed the professional lives of John P. McGovern and Sir William Osler.
  • Be active in the community of Osler Student Scholars and participate in projects of others or your own.
  • Serve as a role model for your Osler Student Society and foster learning for yourself and others about Oslerian principles and incorporate those ideals into your education and practice.
  • Encourage reflection on humanities and the importance of science as a foundation for the practice of medicine.
  • Attend monthly meetings of the John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine and other meetings of the Osler Student Scholars.
  • Attend, and consider presenting at the annual American Osler Society meeting, annual Osler Symposium, and bimonthly Osler Club meetings.

Each award will be for $10,000 per year.  In 2025, awards will be presented to three (3) students: two (2) rising sophomores and one (1) entering the second, third, or fourth years who are in good academic standing in the John Sealy School of Medicine (JSSOM).

A medical student who becomes an Osler Student Scholar as a sophomore will receive funding for three (3) consecutive years, a medical student who becomes an Osler Student Scholar as a junior will receive funding for two (2) consecutive years, and a medical student who becomes an Osler Student Scholar as a senior will receive funding for one (1) year.

Medical students who are enrolled in dual degree programs are also eligible to become an Osler Student Scholar.  A student enrolled in a dual degree program who becomes an Osler Student Scholar as a sophomore medical student will receive funding for only three (3) consecutive years without regard to which UTMB school the student is enrolled. A student enrolled in a dual degree program who becomes an Osler Student Scholar as a junior medical student will receive funding for only two (2) consecutive years without regard to which UTMB school the student is enrolled. A student enrolled in a dual degree program who becomes an Osler Student Scholar as a senior student will receive funding for only one year.

Faculty who have worked with medical students as small group facilitators or preceptors in clinical settings, or mentors in the Osler Student Societies or other organizations, are especially encouraged to recommend this opportunity to worthy students. 

Interested students must complete an application by logging on to: Application Form. The Selection Committee also requires the applicant to identify an evaluator whom they know well in a professional or academic capacity to submit a recommendation on their behalf.  Evaluators must complete a standardized questionnaire by logging on to: Evaluator Form (Only one evaluator is allowed per student and active faculty Osler Scholars are prohibited from serving as evaluators for nominees.) 

The fully executed forms must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.  For questions or concerns, please call the McGovern Academy office at (409) 747-9680 or send an email to: mcacadem@utmb.edu.  Expect delayed answers over the winter break (i.e., December 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025).  

To download a copy of the Osler Student Scholars' Handbook click here.

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Please be advised: This is an ‘award’ not a ‘scholarship.’  Student Awards in Oslerian Medicine are non-academic prizes and recipients receive a personal check in the amount of $10,000.  Scholarships, on the other hand, are managed through Enrollment Services, take the form of educational financial aid and payments are trackable through MyStar.  This designation was made to help students remain eligible for the full amount of federal loans allowed for medical students. 

Also, this is reportable income for a US student/Resident Alien student and taxable according to your respective filing status.  For further reporting requirements, please consult a tax professional. 

The 2024 recipients are:
Peyton A. Armstrong
Elvira N. Carias
Varesh B. Gorabi
Erin E. Guerra
Veronica L. Hernandez
Madeline Pan
Sofia Piperno
Katherine “Nikki” Sheffield

The recipients are honored during the annual Osler Oration