Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
MedExcellence Awards
Annually, the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Alumni Association hosts the MedExcellence Awards Ceremony which includes the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni, Humanitarian, and Service Awards, the Golden Anniversary Prize for Distinguished Clinical Investigation, the Community Clinician Educator Award sponsored by CompHealth, and in even years, the M. Paul Southwick Prize for Clinical Excellence and Teaching Award.
We invite you to nominate an alum, peer, agency, or member of the community who has contributed in extraordinary ways to the practice or support of medicine in consideration for these awards. Graduates, former students, faculty, staff, and friends of the school are encouraged to nominate.
About the Award
Presented to School of Medicine alumni for significant professional achievements in medicine through excellence in clinical practice, academic leadership, and/or research distinction.
Submission Criteria
The following submission criteria must be included and will be used in determining the nominee's qualifications for receiving the award:
- Nomination Letter: A letter that states the category of nomination and establishes the candidate's qualifications with clear and concise detail.
- Curriculum Vitae: The nominee's vita or professional résumé, including a current address.
- Letters of Support: A minimum of three supporting letters of nomination from other individuals (peers, current and former colleagues and mentors/mentees, etc.).
- [Optional] Any additional information that would further substantiate the nomination.
About the Award
Recognizes alumni, non-alumni, or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the health and welfare of our communities - locally or globally.
Submission Criteria
The following submission criteria must be included and will be used in determining the nominee's qualifications for receiving the award:
- Nomination Letter: A letter that states the category of nomination and establishes the candidate's qualifications with clear and concise detail.
- Curriculum Vitae: The nominee's vita or professional résumé, including a current address.
- Letters of Support: A minimum of three supporting letters of nomination from other individuals (peers, current and former colleagues and mentors/mentees, etc.).
- [Optional] Any additional information that would further substantiate the nomination.
About the Award
Recognizes alumni, non-alumni, or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the health and welfare of our communities - locally or globally.
Submission Criteria
The following submission criteria must be included and will be used in determining the nominee's qualifications for receiving the award:
- Nomination Letter: A letter that states the category of nomination and establishes the candidate's qualifications with clear and concise detail.
- Curriculum Vitae: The nominee's vita or professional résumé, including a current address.
- Letters of Support: A minimum of three supporting letters of nomination from other individuals (peers, current and former colleagues and mentors/mentees, etc.).
- [Optional] Any additional information that would further substantiate the nomination.
About the Award
Recognizes Utah physicians whose clinical research involving human subjects has made significant contributions to advancing the understanding and treatment of human disease. Established by the Class of 1945 on their 50th graduation anniversary.
Award & Impact
- Award of unrestricted $5,000, presented at the School of Medicine MedExcellence Awards Ceremony.
- Encourages early-career physicians and clinical investigators by recognizing impactful research.
- Funded through an endowed gift from class members, including a planned gift from M. Paul Southwick, MD '45
Eligibility & Criteria
- Nominee must be an MD, fellow, or faculty member (Instructor to Associate Professor), with preference for early-career physicians.
- Significant contributions to understanding and treating human disease through research directly involving human subjects.
- Open to University of Utah faculty and any Utah physician actively engaged in clinical research.
Submission Criteria
The following submission criteria must be included and will be used in determining the nominee's qualifications for receiving the award:
- Nomination letter (max 2 pages) outlining clinical contributions to understanding and treating human disease through research that directly involves human subjects.
- Curriculum Vitae in NIH Biosketch format.
- Up to three publications or relevant publication links.
- Link to nominee’s online bio and research page.
- Letters of support encouraged.
About the Award
Presented in even years, this award recognizes faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill and a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship. Established by the Class of 1945 on their 50th graduation anniversary, with a planned gift from M. Paul Southwick, MD ’45.
Award & Impact
- Award of $5,000, presented following the School of Medicine MedExcellence Awards Ceremony.
- Encourages early-career physicians and clinical investigators by recognizing impactful research.
- Funded through an endowed gift from class members, including a planned gift from M. Paul Southwick, MD '45
Eligibility & Criteria
- Nominee must be an early career physician in training as a Resident, Fellow, or recently appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine
- Demonstrated outstanding performance in clinical medicine and teaching.
Submission Criteria
The following submission criteria must be included and will be used in determining the nominee's qualifications for receiving the award:
- A nominating letter, up to two pages in length, summarizing the individual’s contributions in clinical medicine and teaching in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
- The individual’s updated curriculum vitae in NIH Biosketch format.
- Up to three supporting letters from colleagues and former trainees.
About the Award
Recognizes outstanding community-based clinical preceptors who hold adjunct faculty appointments and play a vital role in educating the next generation of physicians by mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows during their clinical rotations. This award is sponsored by CompHealth and comes with a $2,500 prize.
Award & Impact
- Award of $2,500, presented following the School of Medicine MedExcellence Awards Ceremony.
- Recognizes preceptor contributions to support the education of our learners.
- Funded through a gift from CompHealth.
Eligibility & Criteria
- Nominee must be a community-based clinical preceptor with a adjunct faculty appointment at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
Submission Criteria
The following submission criteria must be included and will be used in determining the nominee's qualifications for receiving the award:
- Ongoing commitment to education
- Teaching by example
- Fostering an environment for success
Please include quotes from learners who have worked with the nominee, highlighting the faculty member's exceptional contributions to their education. Nominations should emphasize the faculty member's teaching abilities and mentorship.
We encourage the submission of a single nomination form (via the provided link) or letter (uploaded) signed by multiple individuals, including faculty members and graduate students, to reflect the broad impact of the nominee’s work. Please also be prepared to share your contact information and the contact information of who you are nominating.
Deadline
Nominations for all award categories are due January 31, for the 2026 awards. Late submissions will be considered the following award cycle.
Direct nominations to:
You may submit nominations in the following ways:
- Complete the online form
- Email: SOMalumni@hsc.utah.edu
- Mail: School of Medicine Alumni Awards Committee, 332 S 1400 E, Ste. 160, Salt Lake City, UT 84112