The seventh annual Professionalism Week at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine, held May 4–8, 2026, provided an occasion for members of the college community to both celebrate role models and renew their own commitment to the principles of professionalism at the college as laid out in the Larner Professionalism Statement.

Launched in 2019, the college’s commitment to professionalism entails upholding the tenets of integrity, accountability, compassion, altruism, social responsibility, cultural humility, kindness, and respect across every facet of the Larner College of Medicine.

The week-long festivities began with a series of special video messages, screen displays, and social media posts spotlighting the more than 200 Larner faculty, staff, and students recognized by their peers as exemplars of professionalism.

On Tuesday, May 5, an event and reception titled “The Gift Revealed: Art, Observation, and Gratitude” brought together art, storytelling, and reflection on the role of observation and gratitude and how they shape both professional and personal growth. The program featured a new art piece by local artist Mary Lacy and student-created vases in honor of anatomic donors, each inspired by messages from the donors’ families.

2 people speaking with a screen in the background
Jeremiah Dickerson, M.D. (left), in conversation with local artist Mary Lacy (Photo: Carson O'Neil)

Jeremiah Dickerson, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at Larner, led an interactive discussion on “The Art of Observation.” A student panel reflected on the impact of participating in the vases project, followed by an in-depth interview with Lacy, who shared insights into her creative process, including her engagement with students and families and the development of the large-scale mosaic artwork “Willow Tree.”

On May 6, the college welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Richard Schwartzstein, the Ellen and Melvin Gordon Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Medical Education at Harvard Medical School, and chief emeritus of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. 

a person presenting a lecture in a large classroom
Professionalism keynote speaker Dr. Richard Schwartzstein presenting his lecture, “Professionalism During Tumultuous Times” (Photo: Ceilidh Kehoe)

Dr. Schwartzstein’s address, titled “Professionalism During Tumultuous Times,” explored decades of evolving thought on professionalism, highlighted challenges in professional identity formation, introduced the concept of professional values integration, and urged the audience to rethink professionalism for a new era. He praised the Larner College of Medicine, remarking that he knew of no other medical school that devotes an entire week to celebrating professionalism, and used several examples to illuminate current conversations about wellness versus well-being.

The 2026 Professionalism Awards Presentation and Celebration ceremony was held May 8 and hosted by Larner Dean Richard L. Page, M.D. The task of evaluating the 2026 award nominations was undertaken by a review committee made up of past professionalism award recipients and was chaired by Katherine Walsh, M.D., the 2024 Faculty Award recipient.

The following award recipients were recognized:

  • The Medical Student Award was jointly presented to Class of 2027 medical students Francisco Cordero and Amir Zafaranian.
  • The Graduate Student Award was presented to Caitlin Allan, a graduate student in the Graduate Neuroscience Program.
  • The Staff Award was presented to Sara Tourville, a medical student coordinator for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences.
  • The Faculty Award was presented to Laura McCray, M.D., M.S.C.E, professor of medicine in the Department of Family Medicine.