Lee honored for compassionate care

Kyla Lee, MD, FACP, Gundersen Palliative Care, Hospice and Internal Medicine, recently received the prestigious Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation after a nomination by one of her students and a vote by Gold Honor Society class of 2018 medical students.

Dr. Lee is co-director of Gundersen Medical Foundation Student Programs, block director for Acute Care, and attending physician on the Palliative Care Hospitalist team.

"This is such an honor. I am so deeply touched by my students' commitment and drive to change medicine for the better as they enter the profession," Dr. Lee says. "Studies show those who learn empathy and compassion as students keep it as physicians. This award reflects how I am inspired daily by my amazing coworkers at Gundersen and the work of the Caritas team here. I attribute it to our culture of ‘Love and Medicine.' It keeps me growing personally and professionally, and allows me to provide meaningful, compassionate care to our patients and their families."

More than 100 medical schools nationwide, including the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, participate in this award, which recognizes a graduating medical student and a faculty member who model compassionate professional standards. Annie Stumpf, MD, who was also honored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, nominated Dr. Lee as an outstanding faculty member.

"Dr. Lee's commitment to and passion for her patients pushed me forward and spurred me to reach higher during my rotation with her," Dr. Stumpf shares. "She is an incredible teacher, and teaches by example. She sets the bar high."