The ASME Gold Medal was established to recognise and honour individuals for their contributions to the goals of the Association. The award will bear the name of Richard Farrow in memory of his own contribution to ASME and his untimely death in 2004. Previous recipients of the award include Professor John Simpson, The University of Aberdeen, Professor Cees van der Vleuten, The University of Maastricht and Professor Ronald Harden, The University of Dundee.

Goals of ASME

1. Promote high quality research into medical education.
2. Provide opportunities for developing medical excellence.
3. Disseminate good educational practice based on research evidence.
4. Inform Government and other organisations on medical education.
5. Develop relationships with other organisations and groups involved in health care education.

Criteria for the Award

Individuals who have made outstanding contributions to one or more of the goals of the Association will be eligible. There are no age, nationality, professional, occupational or other barriers to being considered for the award. Preference will be given to individuals who remain active in their field. The award thereby is intended to be forward looking as well as valuing past achievements.

Nominations

Nominations for the award are now invited from all Members of ASME. In particular, Institutional Members of the Association are encouraged to exercise their right to nominate for this award.

Nominations will require the consent of the nominees, demonstrated by their signature as well as that of the proposer.

Selection

Valid nominations will be scrutinised by all members of the Executive Committee of ASME. Scoring of achievement against criteria will be used as a guide in reaching a decision but the global score will also be given. This is to ensure that nominees who have made outstanding contributions in only one or two of the five categories are not overlooked. The decision as to the person recommended to ASME Council for the award will be made at a meeting of the Executive Committee. The names of unsuccessful nominees will not be presented to Council.

Although the intention is to award the Gold Medal annually, the Executive Committee is not obliged to make a recommendation if it is felt that there is no nominee who is considered worthy of the premier award of the Association. The recipient of the award will also benefit from life-time honorary membership of the Association.