One of the key functions of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine is to serve as a resource for medical students and trainees, with special emphasis on underrepresented matriculants.
Our charge is to proactively support and enhance our diverse student body's academic and cultural experience while they pursue their SLU medical education. To enhance our efforts to promote diversity, the ODEI presents the John H. Gladney, M.D., Awards. These awards and events will highlight the School of Medicine’s interest in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in health and medical education. Each gathering will educate and engage our students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and community in subjects related to health, health disparity, public health, and minority influences in improving healthcare and wellness.
By providing several events each year, the importance and impact will be reinforced, and opportunities for mentorship, friendship, and collaboration will arise. These events will cultivate a strong base of financial support to fund the John H. Gladney, M.D., Fellowship, the Gladney Student Awards for Leadership in Diversity, the John Berry Meachum Scholarship, and future events to promote awareness and education.
The John H. Gladney, M.D., Awards are named in honor of the late John H. Gladney, M.D. He was a well-known and respected member of the medical community, both locally and nationally. He was chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, the first African American to be chairman of a basic science or clinical department. He was committed to improving diversity at the University and within the field of medicine.
Gifts of support to the Office of Diversity, Education, and Inclusion Development Fund will allow Saint Louis University School of Medicine to build the Gladney Fellowship endowment fund, which will fund scholarships that support underrepresented-in-medicine medical students, and the Gladney Awards.
Past Events
Mentoring Mixer & John H. Gladney, M.D., Awards Presentation
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted a Mentoring Mixer and John H. Gladney, M.D., Awards Presentation at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023. This event included a history of John H. Gladney, M.D., a keynote speech, award presentation, a compelling video on mentor-mentee relationships, and conversation.
The keynote speaker for the event, Alicia Barnes, D.O., spoke on the importance of mentorship. The awards and recognitions given during the evening included the John H. Gladney, M.D., Awards and the Michael T. Railey, M.D., Will You Remember Award.
The John H. Gladney Award is awarded to a student who has contributed significantly to promoting and enhancing diversity in medical school. Criteria such as academic performance, extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated leadership, organizational and committee involvement, and domestic or international externship are used to select the recipient.
The Michael T. Railey Will You Remember Award is awarded to a student who demonstrates a consistent leadership and mentorship theme in their class. The individual exemplified service to the school throughout their time at SLU. The award winner is eager to give back through mentoring and sponsorship in remembrance of the support they received as a student.
Award Recipients
- Joseph Rojo, fourth-year medical student
- David Annakie, fourth-year medical student