Honoring the highest ideals and achievements

The John F. Beard Award is intended to honor the highest ideals and achievements in compassionate health care service to MCG, to foster and encourage habits of compassion and kindness, and to identify someone who has unselfishly given to patients, the patient's family, and demonstrated compassion in the Medical College community.

The $25,000 award is designed for graduating students during the academic year, in either the fall or spring semester, from the Schools of Allied Health, Medicine, Nursing, Graduate Studies and post-baccalaureate students from these schools. A nominees' academic record will not be considered. Instead, judges will be asked to select the person they feel has shown the most extraordinary compassion while providing health care in the communities served by MCG. There are no specific selection criteria, however, when making its choices, the Board of Selectors will take into account whether the nominee:

• Identified with patients and worked to resolve their non-medical concerns

• Devoted a significant amount of time to his/her patient

• Helped patients overcome unusual challenges

• Took an active role in patient care rather than serving as a figurehead

• Worked to create positive change for his/her patients

This award is endowed by Mr. and Mrs. William Porter "Billy" Payne. It memorializes Martha Payne's father and honors GHSU President Emeritus Francis J. Tedesco and Dr. Mark F. Williams.

Students, faculty and academic or hospital departments may nominate. Nomination forms should be used although nominators are encouraged to provide supplemental materials. A thorough nomination enhances the review of a candidate's merits. The Beard Award selection committee will consider each student nominated.