The MSS Annual & Interim Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and leadership within the medical student community. Honoring emerging leaders, advocates, policy innovators, membership champions, and dedicated mentors, these annual awards recognize exemplary MSS members and chapters who have demonstrated excellence, initiative, and commitment to service.
The awards are announced at the MSS Annual and MSS Interim meetings.
2025 Interim Meeting awards
Emerging Leadership Award
This award recognizes a “rising star” from each of the MSS seven regions who has recently joined the organization and demonstrated outstanding leadership potential, initiative and commitment. Honorees have made meaningful contributions to their regional MSS community and exemplify the values of excellence, service and emerging leadership during their early tenure. This distinction highlights individuals who are poised to become future leaders in the MSS and the health care field.
- Region 1 – Lee Dason Lam
- Region 2 – Katherine Yu
- Region 3 – Edwin Paul
- Region 4 – Kareena Dash
- Region 5 – Viha Bynagari
- Region 6 – Alexia Childress
- Region 7 – Varun Kota
Advocacy Distinction Award
Individual and chapter and/or region
This award honors an outstanding advocacy initiative led by MSS students that has made a significant impact within and outside the MSS community. The recognized initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing equity, raising awareness, and driving meaningful change through strategic advocacy. Recipients of this award have shown exemplary leadership, collaboration and dedication to addressing important issues through informed and sustained action.
- Individual: Denise Ocampo
- Chapter: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Policy Impact Award
Individual and chapter and/or region
This award recognizes one chapter and one individual who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment within the MSS policy cycle. Recipients have made significant contributions to policy development, including drafting impactful policy proposals, actively participating in the policy review process, and providing mentorship to peers throughout these efforts. This distinction honors those who exemplify strategic engagement, collaborative leadership, and a sustained dedication to advancing MSS policy goals.
- Individual: Vignesh Senthilkumar
- Region: Region 3
Membership Development and Outreach Award
Individual and chapter and/or region
This award honors one individual and one chapter/region that has demonstrated exceptional commitment and effectiveness in the membership recruitment process. The recognized chapter has successfully increased member involvement through strategic recruitment efforts, hosted impactful events centered on attracting and including new members, and maximized the use of Medical Student Outreach Program (MSOP) funds to support these initiatives. This distinction celebrates outstanding leadership in fostering growth, engagement and inclusivity within the MSS community.
- Individual: Isabel “Yisa” Nguyen
- Chapter: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Distinction in Mentorship Award
This award recognizes a senior MSS member who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and unwavering support to colleagues. The recipient exemplifies the core values of MSS by serving as a dependable and dedicated contributor who goes beyond expectations to promote the success and development of others. Their efforts cultivate a culture of collaboration and excellence within the MSS community.
- Saaleha Shamsi
