Madison Seman receives Pat Fedeles Award for Compassion in Physical Diagnosis

Second-year medical student Madison Seman was honored with the 2025 Patricia “Pat” Fedeles Award for Compassion in Physical Diagnosis. The award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates compassion, friendliness and a caring attitude toward patients, peers, faculty and staff.

Patricia Fedeles served as coordinator for the West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Introduction to Clinical Medicine and Physical Diagnosis courses from 1992 until her retirement in 2006, as she battled cancer. She passed away in January 2007. Fedeles was known for her fairness, warmth and deep commitment to students. She emphasized the importance of empathy and human connection in patient care, believing that every patient should be treated with dignity, not just as a number. She modeled that same compassion and understanding in her relationships with students. Her example remains a powerful model for future generations of medical professionals to follow.

Seman was nominated by her peers and received a certificate and a WVU Bookstore gift card in recognition of the award.

"Madison can always be found surrounded by admiring peers and having a happy demeaner. She is a very kind and caring person who always makes sure she is prepared for whatever situation she is in. I believe she will be a great physician," said Devanie Carpenter, administrative assistant for Physical Diagnosis and Clinical Integration.