Celebrate our Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

2026 Recipient: John M. Boyce, MD ’70

Dr. Boyce’s career has had a major effect on hand hygiene practices by healthcare personnel globally. His landmark research on alcohol-based hand antiseptics, and co-authorship of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings, has led to improved hand hygiene practices in healthcare facilities throughout the United States.

Dr. Boyce was also a major contributor to the World Health Organization’s Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health Care, which has revolutionized hand hygiene in hospitals worldwide. He is considered an international expert on hand hygiene and is widely recognized for his work in hospital epidemiology. The widespread adoption of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in hospitals and in public spaces traces directly to his collaboration with Professor Didier Pittet of the University of Geneva.

Through extensive scholarship, international lectures and mentorship of emerging leaders, his evidence-based innovations have saved countless lives and raised standards of patient safety across healthcare systems worldwide.

• Watch Dr. Boyce’s presentation and acceptance speech

Alumni Service Award

2026 Recipient: J. Richard Goss, MD, MPH, Fel. ’96

Dr. Goss has built a career defined by principled leadership and unwavering service to those most in need.

At Harborview Medical Center, which provides the highest level of trauma and burn services in the region, he has strengthened systems of quality oversight and embedded equity metrics into performance measurement.

In his career at Harborview and the statewide Cardiac Outcomes Assessment Program, he has advanced data tools that drive safer, more accountable care across UW Medicine and across the state.

He has guided Harborview through surging demand, behavioral health crises, housing instability, gun violence and the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the hospital remained accessible to every patient who depends on it.

His steady, collaborative leadership has not only safeguarded vulnerable communities but also mentored a generation of physician leaders, reinforcing Harborview’s role as a lifeline and elevating standards of care statewide.

• Watch Dr. Goss’ presentation and acceptance speech

Alumni Humanitarian Award

2026 Recipient: D. Ryan Ormond, MD ’06

Dr. Ormond has advanced global neurosurgical equity through sustained, capacity-building partnerships in East Africa. Working closely with the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, he has helped expand neurosurgical training, strengthen residency education and introduce practical, resource-conscious innovations that improve surgical safety and neurologic outcomes.

His collaborative approach has significantly increased the regional neurosurgical workforce and reduced mortality in underserved communities.

By investing in long-term infrastructure rather than episodic outreach, Dr. Ormond has created durable systems of care and inspired colleagues to engage in global health. His work stands as a model for sustainable, high-impact humanitarian leadership in medicine.

• Watch Dr. Ormond’s presentation and acceptance speech

Alumni Early Achievement Award

2026 Recipient: Daniel Low, MD ’17

Dr. Low exemplifies a new generation of physician leaders who address not only disease, but its root causes.

His innovative workforce pipeline programs, recognized nationally for their impact, have opened pathways into medicine for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Through his leadership with the King County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Association, he has mobilized physicians around housing, climate justice, racial equity and public health policy.

From legislative advocacy to community partnerships that return critical resources to low-income families, Dr. Low’s early career reflects uncommon breadth, measurable impact and a deep commitment to justice in healthcare.

• Watch Dr. Low’s presentation and acceptance speech