The Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine

Fostering Caring Relationships Between Doctors and Patients

Russ Berrie watches a medical student don his “white coat” at the Gold Foundation Ceremony (1994)

The Russell Berrie Foundation is a long-time supporter of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which works to perpetuate the tradition of the caring doctor. The Gold Foundation’s inspiration emanates from the leadership of Dr. Arnold P. Gold, its founder, role-model physician, mentor and guiding force of its work. Dr. Gold’s vision places people and relationships at the center of every healthcare interaction.

Dr. Gold and his wife Sandra, faculty members at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University, created the Foundation in 1988 with a dedicated group of colleagues, medical educators and community leaders. Russ Berrie was one of these people – a close friend, admirer and supporter.

Over the last sixteen years, the Berrie Foundation has provided $2 million to support the work of the Gold Foundation, which has developed and pioneered programs to help physicians-in-training become doctors with the strong relationship-building skills of communication, empathy and compassion for their patients.

The Gold Foundation partners with medical schools and teaching hospitals to infuse humanism into medical training from the first day of medical school to the last day of residency. The Gold Foundation provides funding for innovative projects proposed by students, residents and faculty, and also creates and supports national nonprofit programs for which schools, teaching hospitals and other appropriate institutions may apply.

Today, students and faculty at 93% of American medical and osteopathy schools now participate in at least one Gold Foundation program.

http://www.humanism-in-medicine.org/