Paul S. Rhoads Humanity in Medicine Award
Explore Reid Health’s Rhoads Humanity in Medicine Award: honoring doctors who blend clinical excellence with real compassion, inspired by Dr. Paul S. Rhoads.
Honoring compassion and excellence in medicine
The Paul S. Rhoads Humanity in Medicine Award celebrates physicians who combine outstanding medical skill with genuine compassion and service. This annual award recognizes those who embody Reid Health’s ideals: caring deeply for patients, lifting the standard of healthcare in our region, and acting with integrity, mercy, and leadership.
History and purpose of the award
Authorized by Reid Health’s Governing Board in 1983, the Rhoads Humanity in Medicine Award was created to acknowledge and perpetuate the spirit of humanitarianism in medicine within our medical staff.
It honors physicians who do more than treat disease: those who lead programs, build relationships, serve under-resourced populations, and inspire colleagues.
Over the years, past winners have represented every corner of medicine, each leaving a meaningful mark on patients and the community.
Physician careers
Meet the 2026 award winner
Donald Smith, MD, knew exactly what kind of physician he wanted to be.
Growing up the son of a pastor, his childhood was spent bouncing around towns mostly west of the Mississippi River before his family settled in Houston, Texas.
The doctors that took care of him and his siblings in the ’60s and ’70s were the kind of small-town physicians who treated people from birth to death, who made house calls, who knew everything about their patients’ lives, not just what physically ailed them.
It was good, honest work that he enjoyed for nearly 30 years, serving in smaller Indiana communities like Wabash, Columbia City, and French Lick.
2026 Paul S. Rhoads Humanity in Medicine Award winner
physician careers
Who was Paul S. Rhoads
Dr. Paul S. Rhoads played a pivotal role in shaping our legacy of care. He was the founding director of our Medical Education Department, and he helped establish the hospice program and the Wayne County adult clinic for patients without means.
His vision went beyond treating illness. He believed healthcare should be rooted in human dignity, access, and compassion.
Build a career that makes a difference
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or are ready for your next step, meaningful careers start here. Discover opportunities to grow, belong, and make a difference at Reid Health.