Gender Equity Award Descriptions
Taking place during Women’s History Month in March, the Celebration of Gender Equity with its concommitant Annual Gender Equity Awards and Lecture serves multiple purposes in academic medicine. Not only does it call out the achievements and contributions of individuals, but it also broadcasts the individual's presence to a wider audience, is noted on their CV, and is a signifier of the reputation of the individual which helps in the promotion process.
Gender Equity Champion Award
Equity and inclusion are inextricably linked to the UVM Larner College of Medicine’s mission of education, research and patient care. In recognition of that mission, many College faculty, staff, students and trainees are actively engaged in championing equity and inclusion in multiple local, regional and global settings. This award recognizes Larner College of Medicine community members— faculty, staff, and students —who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the advancement of women, transgender, and gender diverse people beyond the scope of their job, area of research, or training.
If more than one exceptional nomination is received in a single year, the selection committee reserves the right to award separate faculty, staff, and student honors.
2024 Awardee: Jennifer Hall, D.O.; Neeki Parsa, B.A., MS3
Gender Equity Outstanding Achievement in Medicine and Science Award
This award will be given to a woman, transgender, or gender diverse faculty member within the Larner College of Medicine who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in medicine and science through research, education or service. Additionally, this
individual must be recognized at a national and/or international level for their scientific/medical achievements and serve as a role model to women, transgender, and gender diverse community members at the Larner College of Medicine. Finally, awardees will have demonstrated a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for women, transgender, and gender diverse community members.
2024 Awardee: Sarah Schlein M.D.
Polaris Award: Gender Equity Outstanding Mentorship Award
Polaris, or the North Star, is anchored at due north while the remainder of the northern sky rotates around it and serves as a beacon and directional point for those finding their way on a journey. The Polaris Award honors a Larner College of Medicine faculty or
staff member who provides outstanding formal or informal mentorship for Larner College of Medicine women, transgender, and gender diverse people.
A mentor is defined as an individual who shares knowledge and serves as an experienced and trusted advisor, teacher, collaborator, and/or advocate.
2024 Awardee: Rebecca Wilcox, M.D.
The Rising Star Award: Gender Equity Emerging Professional Award
This award recognizes a woman, transgender, or gender diverse faculty or staff member at the Larner College of Medicine who is in the early stage of their career. The awardee demonstrates excellence in contributions to students, colleagues, and/or the institution
in the areas of gender equity and inclusion through service, program development, teaching, research or beyond. The awardee also shows the promise for future contributions and leadership in their field as well as in achieving goals for the
advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2023 Awardee: Anja Jokela, M.D.; Karine Sahakyan, M.D.