In 2010, the Stanford University Medical Center Alumni Association Board of Governors established an award to recognize the lifetime achievements of Stanford University School of Medicine alumni in the biomedical sciences. This award carries the names of Arthur Kornberg, MD, and Paul Berg, PhD, in recognition of their pioneering contributions to medicine and their service to Stanford.

In 1959, Dr. Kornberg came to Stanford as chair of the newly established Department of Biochemistry. In the same year, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine along with Severo Ochoa for their work in elucidating how DNA is built. These basic studies paved the road to recombinant DNA and genetic engineering, now important elements in the treatment of cancer and viral infections.

Dr. Berg also came to Stanford in 1959. His work with recombinant DNA, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980, helped launch the biotechnology industry.

Drs. Berg and Kornberg brought to Stanford a passion for discovery, groundbreaking research, and a strong spirit of excitement and cooperation. They helped forge an environment that has produced generations of highly successful students and postdoctoral fellows, and in so doing, shaped the future of the School of Medicine. This lifetime achievement award honors their legacy.

View past Arthur Kornberg and Paul Berg award winners here.

In the summer of 1953, J. E. Wallace Sterling, president of Stanford University, persuaded the university trustees to move the School of Medicine from San Francisco to the main Palo Alto campus. The school was moved in 1959, and was transformational in its bringing together, in one location, the resources and pioneering breakthroughs of the School of Medicine, Stanford Hospital, and Stanford University. Stanford Medicine grew steadily in national stature until it attained and now holds a respected place in the front ranks of medical education, scientific achievement, and clinical medicine.

Many years following the move to campus, retired faculty surgeon Gunther W. Nagel, MD ’21, proposed that the school establish an award in Sterling’s name to recognize a distinguished graduate. In 1983, the Stanford Medicine Alumni Association Board of Governors conferred the first J. E. Wallace Sterling Lifetime Achievement Award, now presented annually to a Stanford University School of Medicine MD graduate in recognition of exceptional lifetime achievement in medicine.

View past J.E. Wallace Sterling winners here.

Who can nominate?

• Anyone affiliated (alumni, staff, or faculty) within the Stanford community can nominate. They may also nominate multiple nominees at a time.

How are recipients selected?

• All award recipients are selected by a committee of members from the Stanford Medicine Alumni Association’s Board of Governors as well as a member of the Stanford Biosciences faculty.

What happens if my nominee is not chosen for the award?

• Every nominee that has not been chosen will automatically be considered in the pool of nominees for the next two years. There is no need for you to submit another nomination. If you wish to have your nomination withdrawn for additional consideration, please email us at medalumni@stanford.edu. 

What are the criteria for nominations?

• A full list of criteria for each award is displayed on top of the nominations forms above.

What do I need to submit a nomination?

• In order for a nomination to be considered, each submission must include a minimum of two letters of support.  A maxinimum of three letters of support will be accepted. It is strongly recommended that the nominee’s CV also be included in the nomination.

   

Who should write a letter of support?

• Key individuals with close professional and/or personal association with nominees are encouraged to be letter writers.  Consider mentors, mentees, and other professional colleagues who can speak to the nominee’s career journey, impact in the field, and professional achievements.

When is the deadline for nominations?

• The 2025 Alumni Awards nominations process is currently closed. Information for the next cycle will be available in 2026.