2027 Shryock Medal Essay Contest

Graduate students are invited to enter the Shryock Medal Essay Contest. The medal honors Richard Harrison Shryock (1893–1972), a pioneer among historians interested in the history of medicine. The award is given for an outstanding, unpublished essay by a single author on any topic in the history of medicine.

The essay (maximum 12,000 words, including endnotes) must be the result of original research or demonstrate an unusual appreciation and understanding of problems in the history of medicine. The committee will judge essays based on the quality of writing, appropriate use of sources, and the ability to address themes of historical significance.

The winner will be invited to attend the annual meeting of the Association, where the medal will be conferred. Reasonable travel expenses for the winner will be provided, as well as a two-year complimentary membership in the AAHM. If the Shryock Medal Committee selects an essay for honorable mention, its author will receive a certificate and a two-year complimentary membership in the AAHM.

This competition is open to students enrolled in a graduate program in history or a related discipline at the time of submission. Medical students who have been enrolled in such a program should submit their essays to the Shryock competition. Essays must be in English. No student should submit an essay to both competitions in the same year.
Essays that have been awarded an Honorable Mention are not eligible for resubmission.

Complete contest information may be viewed on the AAHM website or obtained from the Shryock Medal Committee chair. Essays must be submitted according to the stated submission guidelines.

DEADLINE: January 1, 2027

Shryock Medal Essay Guidelines

Past Shryock Medal Winners

Shryock Medal Committee, 2026-2027

Michelle L. LaBonte, Chair ([email protected])

Kristin Brig-Ortiz

Stephen Pemberton

Hugh Shapiro

Jiemin Tina Wei