UConn Health

March 19, 2013 | Christopher DeFrancesco '95 (CLAS) - UConn Health

Medical Students Honored for Inspiring Future Physician Leaders

The American Medical Student Association’s Wright Award recognizes the success of its UConn School of Medicine chapter.

Third-year student Grace Shih (left) and second-year student Melina Benson are among the UConn medical students who represented their school at the American Medical Student Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C.(UConn Health Center Photo)

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From left: UConn medical students Maureen Dunn, Sahar Barfchin, Deb Hall, Melina Benson, Rose Barham, and Chelsea Ostermann represent the UConn School of Medicine chapter at the American Medical Student Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2013. (UConn Health Center Photo)

The nation’s largest independent medical student organization is recognizing University of Connecticut School of Medicine students for inspiring future physician leaders.

The American Medical Student Association has named its UConn School of Medicine chapter winner of the 2013 Chapter Success Paul R. Wright Award. Seven UConn medical students attended AMSA’s annual convention in Washington, D.C., last weekend to accept the honor.

“This validates the hard work our UConn AMSA chapter has put into programming this year and years past within the themes of social justice and access to health care nationally and abroad,” says chapter president Melina Benson, a second-year student. “We are excited to represent UConn School of Medicine and take part in this superb adjunct to our medical education.”

The Chapter Success Paul R. Wright Award recognizes local chapters that demonstrate commitment to increasing awareness and involvement in their chapter through inventive recruitment endeavors. AMSA says chapters were judged on the quality and creativity of programs at the local level as well as the percentage of members recruited.

Third-year student Grace Shih (left) and second-year student Melina Benson are among the UConn medical students who represented their school at the American Medical Student Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C.(UConn Health Center Photo)
Third-year student Grace Shih (left) and second-year student Melina Benson are among the UConn medical students who represented their school at the American Medical Student Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C.(UConn Health Center Photo)

“We are thrilled to present this award to UConn,” says Dr. Elizabeth Wiley, AMSA national president. “The local chapter has amazing members who have dedicated themselves to inspiring future physician leaders through local events, programming and leadership development.”

The UConn School of Medicine AMSA Chapter has 192 student members. The convention attendees included Benson, Sahar Barfchin, Rose Barham, Deb Hall, Chelsea Osterman, Maureen Dunn, Grace Shih, and Cathy Klock.

“While we all know that there are many reasons to be proud of our UConn AMSA Chapter, this particular honor speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment our students have demonstrated,” says Dr. Suzanne Rose, senior associate dean for education. “Being honored with such an award is a proud moment of recognition for both these students and for the University as a whole.”

The award is named in honor of Paul R. Wright, AMSA’s executive director emeritus. In 2004, he was chosen as one of Modern Healthcare‘s 100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare.

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