Graduating medical student Oscar Zepeda was honored by his fellow students and by the medical faculty at the June 7 hooding ceremony.

His classmates presented him with the Ellen Griep Award. The award recognizes the graduating student who inspires classmates, staff, and faculty by successfully managing both the academic demands of medical education and continued excellence in other endeavors.

Throughout medical school, Zepeda was an active volunteer in the Multicultural Affairs programs that encourage high school and college students interested in medical careers.

Zepeda also received a Robert S. Evans Award for exemplifying the best qualities of a physician: understanding, compassion, and concern for the needs of others. Zepeda is known for his calm, attentive manner in caring for patients. An Evans Award is also given to a resident. This year second-year internal medical resident Scott Stuart was selected.

In July Zepeda will enter the primary care internal medicine residency program at UW Medical Center.