Rainbow Award

History

The Rainbow Award was established in 1998-1999 by the Medical Student Assembly in conjunction with the Dean of the School of Medicine to honor our heroes in medicine. This prestigious award acknowledges the KUMC physicians and community preceptors who display outstanding attributes of professionalism and excellence in medicine, while imparting these characteristics to their students.

Each year, medical students nominate those physicians who have impacted their educational experience and given them a solid example of excellence in the field of medicine. Rainbow Award nominees are specifically recognized for possessing the following qualities:

• The attribute of altruism
• The attribute of accountability
• The attribute of excellence
• The attribute of duty and service
• The attribute of honor and integrity
• The attitude of respect for patients, staff and students

The distinguished Rainbow Award honors those individuals who exemplify the attributes of professionalism in medicine and share those qualities with the students who they mentor. The Rainbow Award recipient is nominated and selected by the students and represents those characteristics that future physicians hope to possess one day. Students first nominate five finalists and then vote for the ultimate award recipient. The award is presented at the annual “Grande Affair” in the spring. As Barbara Atkinson, MD, executive vice chancellor, KU Medical Center, and executive dean, School of Medicine, stated in honor of the School of Medicine’s 100th anniversary in her welcome message to attendees, “This is a special evening celebrating the best of teaching and mentoring at the University Of Kansas School Of Medicine. The evening shines a spotlight on our medical students’ enthusiasm, energy and passion for their chosen profession, while they honor their teachers for their dedication to excellence in mentoring the science and art of medicine.”

Criteria:

• Member of KU SOM KUMC physicians and community preceptors

Nomination Materials required (by February 1)

• Students recommend the faculty names with a statement justifying why.

Selection

• Student selection committee evaluates nominees and their personal questionnaire & CV.
• 5 finalists are selected by student committee.
• 5 finalists are required to complete a Rainbow Award Finalist questionnaire and invited to submit their CV.
• Winner is selected from the list of 5 finalists by student body vote.
• All are announced at A Grande Affair.

Award & Presentation:

• A certificate.
• A short video highlighting the recipient’s achievements.
• One finalist will be awarded the 2006 Rainbow Award trophy.
• Finalists receive two complimentary tickets to A Grande Affair.
• Past year recipient presents to new winner.

Nominations, all materials and should be sent to, along with direct questions:
Attention: Annette Kramer
Administrative Assistant
Dean's Office
akramer@kumc.edu
(913) 588-5200

List of Previous Awardees

2007-2007
Mary Duff, MD - photo
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

2005-2006
Daniel Dickerson, MD (Preceptor) - photo
Family Medicine
Eudora Kansas Family Care Center

2004-2005
Vance R. Burns, MD (photo)
Department of Internal Medicine
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine

2003-2004
Steven Simpson, MD
Associate Professor, Fellowship Program Director
Department of Internal Medicine
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine

2002-2003
Belinda A. Vail, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Vice Chair, Residency Director
Department of Family Medicine

2001-2002
LeAnn Detar-Newbart, MD (Preceptor)
Family Medicine
Edwardsville, KS

2000-2001
Debra Smith, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Hematology/Oncology

1999-2000
Michael Moncure, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Surgery
Trauma Critical Care Clinic

1998-1999
Linda Campbell, MD
Department of Pediatrics
Hematology/Oncology