Baylor College of Medicine announces the 7th annual Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Award

HOUSTON - Baylor College of Medicine has announced the 7th Annual Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Award.

This annual contest honors the pre-eminent cardiovascular surgeon, pioneering medical scientist, gifted medical educator, prolific author and scholar, and passionate advocate of optimal healthcare throughout the world. Dr. Michael E. DeBakey long advocated a role for the humanities in medical education and in the development of a full, enriching intellectual life.

Submission of original poetry by undergraduates currently enrolled in accredited United States medical schools is welcome.

Guidelines:

• Only original poetry by undergraduates currently enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools is eligible.
• By a copy of the student photograph I.D. card, entrants must document enrollment in an accredited American medical school in pursuit of the M.D. degree.
• Each medical student may submit only one poem, not to exceed two pages.
• Entries must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2009.
• Poems may be of any general or specific theme.
• Poems must be:
  • Original, not published or under consideration for publication, and not having previously received a poetry award.
  • Limited to two pages, double-spaced.
  • In English; no translations from other languages.
  • Printed on 8.5 x 11-inch bond paper.
  • Accompanied by a cover page with the following information:
    • Poet's name.
    • Current mailing and e-mailing addresses, telephone, and fax numbers if available.
    • Copy of photographed student I.D. card documenting medical school enrollment.
    • Submitted in hardcopy, in quintuplicate (five copies), and only on compact disk (CD) in Microsoft Word.
• Entries will not be acknowledged.
• All winning poems become the property of the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Student Poetry Award program.
• A distinguished panel of qualified judges will assess the poems.
• Winners will be announced on July 1, 2010.
  • The first prize recipient will receive a cash prize of $1,000.
  • The second prize recipient will receive a cash prize of $500.
  • The third prize recipient will receive a cash prize of $250.
• The first-prize poem will be submitted to a major medical periodical for consideration for publication.

Submissions should be sent to:

F. Charles Brunicardi, M.D., F.A.C.S.
DeBakey/Bard Professor and Chairman
Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery DeBakey Medical Student Poetry
Award Baylor College of Medicine
1709 Dryden, Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77030