Mehra Golshan, MD, MBA, a professor of surgery at Yale School of Medicine and executive vice chair in the Department of Surgery, will be awarded a 2025 Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the Ellis Island Honors Society. The medal recognizes Golshan’s contributions to breast cancer treatment and research, his dedication to patient care, and his commitment to mentorship.
“Beyond his medical expertise, [Golshan] is deeply committed to charitable initiatives that expand access to quality health care worldwide,” the society said in an announcement. “This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to medicine and humanity, reflecting the very spirit of compassion, excellence, and service.”
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor “celebrates inspiring Americans who are selflessly working for the betterment of our country and citizens,” says the society. Winners are selected across fields and industries, with past awardees including eight U.S. presidents, Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and William Rehnquist, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, among other artists, politicians, business leaders, and philanthropists.
Scientists previously recognized include Gianrico Farrugia, MD, president and CEO of Mayo Clinic; Ronald A. DePinho, MD, a professor of cancer biology and former president of MD Anderson Cancer Center; and Peter Salovey, Sterling Professor of Psychology and former president of Yale.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for this singular honor reflecting a career in oncology research and patient care,” said Golshan, who is also a member of the Yale Cancer Center and serves as deputy chief medical officer for Surgical Services at Smilow Cancer Hospital.
Golshan has more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, has led numerous clinical trials, and has trained and mentored over 100 breast surgical fellows and international surgeons throughout his career.
The Ellis Island Honors Society has presented the Ellis Island Medal of Honor annually since 1986. The award commemorates the “indefatigable spirit of those who immigrated to the United States during the Ellis Island era,” and is given to “those who have shown an outstanding commitment to serving our nation either professionally, culturally, or civically, among other criteria.”
Golshan will receive the medal at a ceremony hosted by the society on Ellis Island in May 2025.
