Ross-Shapiro selected as Leonard Tow Humanism Award recipient

The University of Iowa’s chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) recently held its annual spring celebration. There, Evelyn Ross-Shapiro, MD, MPH, was recognized with the Leonard Tow Humanism Award, an accolade given to one student and one faculty member at each GHHS member institution across the country. As an awardee, she will become a member of the national Gold Humanism Honor Society.  

The compassion and rapport for which Ross-Shapiro was recognized could be felt at UI Health Care well before she began her role as a primary care provider at Iowa River Landing. Ross-Shapiro has worked with Iowa patients since graduating from Carver College of Medicine and completing the internal medicine residency program in 2022.  

Reflecting on her work and award selection, Ross-Shapiro said, “Oftentimes, the clinical world can feel dominated by RVUs, productivity, and AI-generated tools. This award is a good reminder that human connection is still at the core of medicine.”  

This emphasis on connection has not only uplifted patients but also Ross-Shapiro’s colleagues. Katherine Harris, MD, clinical associate professor in Hospital Medicine, called Ross-Shapiro an “inspiration” to other colleagues. Similarly, Katherine White, MD, clinical associate professor in General Internal Medicine, described her as a “fantastic clinician, partner, and role model” for creating a comfortable, safe environment that encourages patients to continue seeking care.  

Wendy Fiordellisi, MD, clinical associate professor in General Internal Medicine, emphasized the reach she has in education.  

“She leads by example and demonstrates medical care that is grounded in compassion, scientific rigor, and collaboration across the healthcare team. Her commitment to her patients, learners, and colleagues makes her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.”  

Just as Ross-Shapiro has inspired colleagues, she feels her Iowa River Landing team empowers her philosophy of care—a philosophy grounded in curiosity, humility, mutual respect, and joy.  

“I work with an incredible group of mentors and colleagues…Our small group serves as primary care physicians for thousands of complex patients across the state,” she said. “Cooperation, transparency, and shared goals amongst the providers in our division have allowed us to maintain humanistic care at the center of our practice.”  

Zooming in on the physician-patient interaction, Ross-Shapiro considers each one as a “direct member of [her] own community.” She sees this as the foundation for a health partnership built to serve each patient entering the clinic.  

“I strive to know my patients as people,” she said. “This lays the foundation for mutual respect. I want to know what motivates each individual—their goals and dreams, as well as their limitations and sorrows. Knowing this context helps me build a partnership in health.”