Fourth-year medical student Maxwell Stukalin
Photo: Bryan Goodchild
The Worcester District Medical Society presented a UMass Chan Medical School student with a distinguished honor during its annual meeting and awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Fourth-year T.H. Chan School of Medicine student Maxwell J. Stukalin was presented with the fourth annual Worcester Medical Library Medical Student Achievement Award, which is given to a student who has demonstrated strong skills in leadership, advocacy and service. The award recognizes outstanding achievement on behalf of the Worcester District Medical Society and its mission and was established to support UMass Chan Medical School students in the beginning of their lifelong medical education journey.
“It’s a wonderful individual recognition, but it’s also a good recognition of the Worcester District Medical Society working to provide opportunities for students to serve the community,” Stukalin said. “It’s good we have this organization in place that gives us the opportunity to get out into the community, recognize the needs of the community and advocate for the individuals we serve.”
Stukalin grew up in Longmeadow and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and neuroscience from Williams College. For the past three years, he’s been a delegate for the Worcester District Medical Society and a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society reference committee, and spends several hours each month volunteering his time at the Akwaaba Worcester Free Care Clinic.
“Max is really passionate about the right things, and he makes things happen. He demonstrates leadership skills and he’s super involved. He participates on different levels in everything we do and this award is very deserving,” said Martha Wright, MBA, executive director and CEO of the Worcester District Medical Society.
The Worcester Medical Library Medical Student Achievement Award represents the more than 50-year relationship between UMass Chan, the Worcester Medical Library and the Worcester District Medical Society. In October 1974, the Worcester Medical Library collection was moved the Lamar Soutter Library at UMass Chan.
Stukalin said he recommends first- and second-year medical students take advantage of the opportunities that organizations like the Worcester District Medical Society provide.
“I would encourage any med student to find a way to get out into the community and learn about the people living around you. It’s a great measure against burnout to feel connected to the people around you. Volunteering in the free clinics, for example, is great for skill development, but it’s also nurturing to the soul, knowing that you are providing care to someone who can’t receive this care anywhere else,” Stukalin said. “It’s also helpful to be part of the organizations that will get you connected with other people who you might find as mentors, people who might help you along as your own career moves forward.”
Stukalin will receive his medical degree next spring, and he hopes to match in a pediatrics residency program to continue his medical career.
Michael Hirsh, MD, professor of surgery, presented Stukalin with the award.
Maxwell Stukalin accepts the Worcester Medical Library Medical Student Achievement Award from Michael P. Hirsh, MD, professor of surgery
Photo courtesy of Maxwell Stukalin
Other UMass Chan medical students presented with scholarships at this year’s ceremony include Kwesibanafo Abbeyquaye, Racquel Bitar, Arpan Bose, Nihal Chaudhary, Grace Desmond, Alexander Hamel, Samantha Kaliszewski, Aishwarya Khanna, Pamela Kote, Drew Montigny, Michael Pepin, VanAnh Pham and Vivien Tran.
Matilde “Mattie” Castiel, MD, associate professor of medicine, was the recipient of the President’s Leadership Award.