The Spokane County Medical Society’s (SCMS) Medical Education Committee is pleased to announce this year’s three $500 award winners for their “The Human Connection in Medicine” Art, Poetry & Essay Contest held this spring, with prizes generously funded by the Spokane County Medical Society Foundation’s Thomas F. Heston, MD, Scholarship. 

The Medical Education Committee (MEC) hosted its 6^th annual arts and humanities contest in a continuing effort to help promote wellness and social wellbeing among our Spokane medical/PA students and residents, receiving 13 submissions this year. This contest is one way to show these individuals the supportive nature of the Spokane Medical Community, allowing for a platform to engage all the schools involved in UME and GME that exist in the community.

All current Spokane-based medical residents, medical students and physician assistant students were invited to submit an entry by April 30, 2026, on the topic of “The Human Connection in Medicine” in one of three categories: Best Poem, Best Essay, and Best Image (unpublished original art, photograph, or video). The winning entries were chosen by the committee’s contest judging panel and were blinded to the entrants’ names and programs.

Best Poem “What Blood Teaches” winner Emma Hietala provided insight on her inspiration for her entry. "I am deeply honored to receive the Best Poem award in the Spokane County Medical Society's "The Human Connection in Medicine" contest. As a PA student, I have come to appreciate that medicine is built not only on science and clinical knowledge, but also on empathy, compassion, and meaningful human connection. Writing provides an opportunity to reflect on those experiences and the privilege of walking alongside patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I am grateful to the Spokane County Medical Society for creating a space that celebrates the humanities in medicine and reminds us of the importance of preserving our humanity as healthcare professionals. Thank you for this recognition and for supporting students as we grow into the next generation of medical providers.”

Noelia A. Torres Resto, MD, Best Essay “But I’m A Virgo, Doctor” winner, stated, "This essay reflects my experience moving through medical training while rediscovering the importance of genuine human connection (both with others and oneself) in clinical work. Writing it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the ways medicine teaches us to listen for symptoms, and the growth one makes in clinical practice as our patients teach us to listen for people. I am grateful to SCMS for creating a space where these reflections can be shared."

“I am honored to receive "The Human Connection in Medicine" Arts & Humanities Award for my video submission showcasing my experiences volunteering with the Special Olympics community here in Spokane that continues to inspire my journey in medicine,” expressed Maurice Devers, DO, Best Image “POV: The Cure to Depression is Volunteering for Special Olympics” winner. As a physical medicine & rehabilitation resident physician, I get no greater satisfaction than being able to help restore the function and improve the physical capabilities of the special needs community in Spokane, while the videos I create serve to create significant exposure to this community.”

“The members of the contest judging panel were moved and impressed by the heartfelt words and images expressed in all the submissions,” stated committee chair Dr. Geoff Jones, “but selected the entries which most closely captured the essence of the goals of the contest.”

 We’re pleased to present all submissions in the SCMS “The Human Connection in Medicine” Art, Poetry and Essay Contest digital book here.