Brett Barker nominated for Gold-Headed Cane Award

Brett Barker is among the six finalists for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's School of Medicine's 2012 Gold-Headed Cane Award.

Brett Barker is among the six finalists for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's School of Medicine's 2012 Gold-Headed Cane Award.

"All of these students have demonstrated a passion for patient care, academic excellence and community service," said Dr. Donald S. Prough, interim vice president and dean of the School of Medicine, in a press release. "I am proud of their commitment to the healing profession."

The finalists are chosen by their peers in the graduating class to receive the prestigious award, a longtime tradition at UTMB. Nominees are chosen for their dedication to the health and welfare of patients. The award was established in 1960 by Dr. Charles T. Stone Sr., professor emeritus of internal medicine. A gold ring with the winner's name is added to the staff of the cane to commemorate the award, with the cane on permanent display at the Moody Medical Library.