Joycelyn Elders, M.D., Presented with Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation Award
| Joycelyn Elders, M.D., the 15th United States surgeon general and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) professor emeritus of pediatrics and distinguished professor of public health, recently received a major honor.
During a visit to UAMS, Elders was presented with the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation’s Alma Dea Morani, M.D., Renaissance Woman Award. The award goes to a woman who has left a significant mark on history and pivotally advanced the future.
“This is a distinguished, truly different kind of award for women in science and medicine,” Elders said. “I’m very honored. This means a great deal to me. There are a lot of women who deserve this award, so it’s very meaningful for me.”
Rebecca Latch, M.D., College of Medicine associate dean of student affairs, views Elders as a role model. Therefore, she took pride in both handing Elders the Morani trophy and arranging for students to visit with the icon.
Joycelyn Elders, M.D., smiles while holding her Morani Renaissance Woman Award.
“The things Dr. Elders has accomplished is impressive,” Latch said. “She’s a nationwide pioneer in medicine. When you think about her career and what she has done and the people she has influenced, it’s incredible.
“I wanted our students to have the opportunity to meet her and understand how far they can go in their career, if they have the interest and the desire to succeed.”
Elders, an alumna of the college, also participated in a Zoom conversation with the college’s faculty and staff. She was grateful for the opportunity to interact with individuals currently affiliated with the school, especially its students.
“In medicine, you never stop being a student yourself,” Elders said. “You’re always learning. You’re always seeking to gain more knowledge. When I see bright young people going into medicine, that pleases me. I know they’re going to be among the individuals giving back, making a difference and taking care of people. I always tell the students that I want them to learn a lot, do a good job because I want them to take good care of me.”
Student Antonia Bannister she said she appreciated the opportunity to speak with a trailblazer like Elders.
“It was important for me to meet her,” she said. “I wanted to see and learn from someone who I have commonalities with who has overcome a lot. The words of wisdom she provided and hearing her story of how she ascended to where she’s at today really did a lot for me.”
Charity Robinson mentioned that she’s now even more inspired to complete medical school and make a positive impact in society after meeting Elders.
Joycelyn Elders, M.D., and coach Oliver B. Elders, pose for a photo with students from the UAMS College of Medicine during a meet-and-greet in which Dr. Elders received the Morani Renaissance Woman Award.
“I don’t take it for granted, at all, that I was able to receive advice from her,” she said. “It was nice to have her personally encourage me to keep going and remain focused. It was amazing to meet someone who has accomplished all that she has in her life. I aspire to have great success as well — just as Dr. Elders did.”
Toward the end of her in-person visit, Elders, 92, left a few parting thoughts that she urged the students to always remember.
“If it is to be, it’s up to me,” she said. “Always know that when things happen, you’re to address them. Also, when you climb the ladder of success and reach the top, never forget to send the ladder back down to the rest of the people.”