Class of 1967 Joseph F. Smiddy, MD Altruism Award

As part of their 50th Medical School Reunion in 2017, the Class of 1967 established the Altruism Award in recognition of the lifelong service of their classmate, Joseph F. Smiddy, MD. A pulmonologist by training, Dr. Smiddy graduated from CCS Tractor Trailer School and obtained a CDL license in order to drive tractor trailer medical mission vehicles. He is currently the Medical Director of The Health Wagon based in Wise, Virginia. The organization traverses the steep mountains of Appalachia providing free medical care to 9,000 indigent patients. Dr. Smiddy has also made over 40 medical mission trips to Belize and worked in India and Peru. In 2023, Dr. Smiddy was recognized by the UVA Medical Alumni Association with the Humanitarian Award.

This award will be presented to a fourth-year medical student who has demonstrated selfless service to the medically underserved. Recipients will be chosen for displaying reasonable self-sacrifice and generosity in serving others. The recipient will receive a cash award of $11,000 and a certificate.

** This year’s nomination window is now closed. **