For many years, volunteer physicians throughout the state of Kansas have played host to our medical students. These preceptors welcome students into their communities and practices allowing them to learn from a variety of clinical experiences.

These experiences, throughout the state, offer a unique training environment for future physicians.

This award honors a volunteer preceptor who exemplifies the attributes of excellence and professionalism in medicine and who has generously given their time, experience and knowledge to our medical students.

Historically, the student body has paid tribute to local, full-time faculty members. With the addition of the Sunflower Mentoring Award, students are now able to recognize outstanding part-time physician educators who are especially prominent on the Wichita and Salina campuses. 

This award honors a part-time preceptor who exemplifies the attributes of excellence and professionalism in medicine and who has generously given their time, experience and knowledge to our medical students.

Transitions are a prevalent part of the medical school journey. This award honors a faculty or staff member who has made a significant impact on the journey of a medical student. It recognizes someone who has helped students navigate transitions experienced throughout medical school and the powerful impact they have on students.

Throughout history, the practice of medicine has been learned under the thoughtful guidance of knowledgeable and experienced physicians. At the University of Kansas School of Medicine, this continues to shape the education of our students with preceptors during the first and second years and clinical rotations during the third and fourth years. Through this process the student can learn the skills of doctoring and cultivate his or her craft, while the experienced doctor can reflect on their own beginning and impart a legacy on a future physician.

The Rainbow Award honors individuals who exemplify the attributes of professionalism in medicine and share those qualities with the students they mentor. The specific characteristics of professionalism recognized by the Award include attitudes and behaviors that serve to maintain patient interest above physician self-interest, altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, service, honor, integrity, and respect for others. The Rainbow Award recipient is nominated and selected by the students and represents the characteristics that they hope to possess as physicians in the future.