The students are nominated by their peers via a series of questions provided via survey.
Some of the questions consist of the following: “What classmates would you like to have work at your side in a medical emergency? Or The classmate you would want to tell your closest friend that they have terminal cancer.”

Finalists are selected based on peer votes.

A secondary vetting process that reviews the candidates for academic success and professional behavior is done by a selection committee. The Selection Committee is typically comprised of faculty, administrators, past two award winners, and/or GHHS student and resident members. Students nominated in the primary process are evaluated during this step on the basis of academic eligibility, program director evaluations, and an additional essay, interview or other indication of the nominee's willingness, interest and motivation to serve, work, and lead. To make clear the responsibility for service as part of GHHS membership, consider an essay prompt such as, “If selected to GHHS, how will you encourage your peers to practice compassionate, patient-centered care at our institution?” From this group, the final 10-15.0% of the class are selected to become GHHS members.

The values of GHHS closely align with the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU’s Empathetic Scholar® Model. Having a chapter helps to reinforce the model and encourages students to strive towards this ideal.

With the support of the Gold Foundation and GHHS supporters, GHHS funds educational events, supports research, promotes professional growth and creates opportunities for GHHS members to network with others who share their values and beliefs.

Benefits include:
- International recognition of humanistic achievement
- Special recognition on the ERAS residency application form
- Leadership development opportunities
- Chapter awards and grants
- Networking and mentoring connections
- Professional conferences, lectures, and workshops
- Resources to promote humanistic care in their community