VUSM’s annual Class Day recognizes members of the graduating class for outstanding academic achievement, service, and leadership.
VUSM faculty and fellow students celebrated the following recipients of school and departmental awards on Thursday, May 7, 2026:
Chapman Society Award
With nominations generated from the fourth-year class, this award is presented to a member of the graduating class who possesses those intangible qualities of common sense, knowledge, thoughtfulness, personal warmth, gentleness, and confidence which combine to make the “ideal doctor” — the person fellow classmates would most like to have as their personal physician.
- Brigitte Jia, Moraga, CA
Dean’s Award
This award is presented to the medical student or students distinguished by outstanding service to the School of Medicine and the community.
- Caroline Hope Castleman, Devon, PA
- Seth Andrew Reasoner, Brownsburg, IN
- Lily Gao, Knoxville, TN
The Dean’s Award for Research
This award is presented to the graduating medical student(s) who best exemplifies the attributes that lead to success in basic science or clinical research including creativity, dedication, productivity, and careful diligence.
- Emilie Lorraine Fisher-Gupta, Portland, OR
- Seth Andrew Reasoner, Brownsburg, IN
- Mark Rusznak, Nashville, TN
Excellence in Public Health Award
The Excellence in Public Health Award is distributed by the Physicians Professional Advisory Committee of the United States Public Health Service. The purpose is to recognize medical students who conduct public health work in their community and exemplify the USPHS and its mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation.
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Sylvie Muhimpundu, Kigali, Rwanda
The Geoffrey David Chazen Award
This award for innovation in medical education was established to recognize a student, resident, fellow, or faculty member(s) who has made special contributions to the educational programs of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine through the development and implementation of effective innovation in educational approach.
- Melissa Rachel Goldin, Northbrook, IL
- Jessica “Jessie” Kendall Sims, Brookline, MA
The George and Barbara Burrus Medical Missions Award
This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and participation in providing medical care to the poor during medical school either locally or abroad.
- Candace Janine Grisham, Arlington, TN
- Ann “Annie” Lucille Manella, Toluca Lake, CA
Hospital Award of Excellence
This award recognizes the fourth-year medical student, chosen by the chief residents of the services, as having contributed most toward excellent patient care by demonstrating sensitivity, compassion, and concern in clinical responsibilities to patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Kevin Sun, Knoxville, TN
The Kaufman Prize in Medicine
This award, honoring J. Kenneth Kaufman, M.D. (’39), is presented to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated qualities of humaneness, dedication, and unselfish service in the study of medicine and will apply these qualities in medical practice.
- Xavier Bledsoe, St. Louis, MO
- Sarah Catherine Pennebaker, Evans, GA
The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation
This award is given to a graduating student and a faculty member who demonstrate compassion and empathy in the delivery of health care, and who engender trust and confidence in both their patients and colleagues while adhering to professional ethical standards.
- Sarah Catherine Pennebaker, Evans, GA
Outstanding Student in Family Medicine Award
This award is presented by the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians to a graduating senior in recognition of an outstanding student in family medicine.
- Allison “Allie” Danielle Morris, Crozet, VA
Paula C. Hoos Award
The Class of 2027 presents this award in recognition of excellence in student teaching in the basic sciences and to express our sincere appreciation for the assistance of members of the graduating class.
- Victoria “Tori” Suoliang Tong, Pennant Hills, Australia
The School of Medicine Award of Distinction
This award is presented to the student(s) who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities in service to the School of Medicine.
- Sameer Sundrani, Clovis, CA
- Victoria “Tori” Suoliang Tong, Pennant Hills, Australia
Sten H. Vermund Award in Global Health
This award recognizes the graduating medical student who has most demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the health of the people of or from a low- or middle-income country through distinguished scholarship, education, and/or contributions to the improvement of clinical care. The award was established in 2017 to honor Dr. Sten H. Vermund, who was the founding director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health.
- Brian M. Song, Ridgewood, NJ
The Tom Nesbitt Award
This award is presented by the Nashville Academy of Medicine in recognition of the service and contribution of Tom Nesbitt, M.D., as a member of the academy and 133rd president of the American Medical Association. It also honors the quality of medical leadership in Nashville, as evidenced through the eight AMA presidents elected from the Nashville Academy of Medicine, the most of any country in the country. For achievement in educational, socio-economic, and legislative affairs, the Tom Nesbitt award is presented to the graduating medical student who has understanding and appreciation for such endeavors, and who demonstrates exemplary character and leadership.
- Maro Maged Doce, Nashville, TN
Congratulations to these outstanding graduates! For more Class Day photos, check out the event Flickr album.