Kennedy demonstrated an earnest interest in ethical and professional values that impacted the profession, as well as humility and integrity in class. He has been described by his peers as an extremely helpful and sincere person who never fails to remain optimistic regardless of the situation. In spite of doing well in his medical studies, Kennedy has remained humble and would willingly volunteer his help to others. One of his peers indicated that Kennedy took the time to help those around him, and often gave guidance to others in class and during anatomy hall sessions without being asked to do so.

The Award Committee found Kennedy to be enthusiastic; and to be thoughtful about issues including professionalism, personal integrity, character, and the importance of leading by example in medicine.

Nathaniel’s desire to make a difference in the lives of the elderly was demonstrated in a research project that he initiated. The aim of this project was to find out the prevalence of cognitive impairment in primary care setting. A medical staff member considered Nathaniel to be a role model with exemplary conduct and professionalism skills. His nominators said that Nathaniel had a genuine and sincere desire to serve and help. In taking histories, Nathaniel would develop a good rapport with patients, and engaged well with them. He was often in the hospital wards early and would stay late to talk to patients with whom he had formed a strong bond. He would always ensure a patient’s comfort, even if it meant that he would miss out on an opportunity to examine a rare case or get exposure to a good medical history. Nathaniel was positive, cheerful and enthusiastic, and inspired those around him. He was not afraid to take the lead, and voice his views to ensure the wellbeing of his peers despite the high level of stress in medical school.

The Award Committee found Nathaniel to have integrity, and a strong commitment to service in the practice of medicine. He has a very good understanding of what it meant to be professional in medical practice, and has given considerable time to coach junior students, as well as putting himself out to support others.

Cherlyn was observed to prioritise the needs of patients and would often go the extra mile for them. During her Paediatrics posting, she clerked a young primary school-aged girl admitted for a fracture. Through communicating with the patient beyond her immediate medical needs, Cherlyn discovered that the patient had no proper care giver and survived on one packet of instant noodles a day. Reading through the case sheets, Cherlyn realised that the primary team was unaware of this and had planned to discharge the patient the next day. She wrote a memo to the primary care team, alerting them of the patient’s situation and attached it to the case sheets. Consequently, the primary care team did not discharge the patient as initially planned, but contacted a medical social worker from whom the patient received the help she needed.

On another occasion, Cherlyn demonstrated integrity and dedication to the care of patients by observing an important medical finding that was not recorded in the case notes. This could have been missed if careful examination of the patient was not done. In general, Cherlyn’s conviction for patient care was shown in simple ways, “like a smile to the elderly patient, a word of comfort to the worried parent of the sick infant, a hand to hold during the dreadful colonoscopy.”
Cherlyn has demonstrated great enthusiasm at the clinic and wards, and participated actively in both group learning and personal clinical clerkship. She was observed to have read well before class and was eager to learn clinical interview skills. In addition, Cherlyn was observed to have interacted very well with both simulated and real patients during clinical training, and showed genuine care and concern for the patient she attended to. Aside from patients, she also demonstrated capacity to accommodate her peers.

In the interview, the Award Committee found Cherlyn to be quiet and unassuming, yet determinedly committed to doing the right thing for patients—even when that meant putting herself out considerably. She was reluctant to accept outside recognition from others and to be recognised by way of this Award, because she considered doing the ‘right thing’ was sufficient reward in itself.