The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is accepting nominations for the annual Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award, which will be presented at Clinical Congress 2022. The award will recognize an individual’s significant contributions to the advancement of women in surgery. All nominations must be submitted online by 12:00 noon CT May 20, 2022.
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement and inspiration of women in surgery. Nominees must be members of the ACS, either in active practice or retired.
- Current members of the WiSC are ineligible for this award. (View the current WiSC roster).
Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted with your nomination to be considered:
- One letter of nomination outlining how the nominee has contributed to the advancement of women in the field of surgery.
- Please do not solicit and submit additional letters of reference and/or support for your nomination. One letter of nomination is sufficient.
- A current curriculum vitae of the nominee, not to exceed five pages.
- Self-nominations are acceptable and should include a letter of reference.
Submit your nominations. The awardee will be notified no later than June 30, 2022. Questions can be submitted to Jenny Mohan at jmohan@facs.org. To learn more about the award and past recipients, visit the ACS website.
About Mary Edwards Walker, MD
The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award is named in honor of Mary Edwards Walker, MD, for her exemplary inspiration as the first female surgeon employed by the US Army and the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest US Armed Forces decoration for valor. After the US Civil War, Dr. Walker devoted her life to supporting women’s suffrage and was a frequent lecturer on healthcare, temperance, and women’s rights. Most notably, Dr. Walker was unwavering in her commitment to service to her country and the surgical profession, and repeatedly excelled in the face of significant adversity. Through Dr. Walker’s example of perseverance, excellence, and pioneering behavior, she paved the way for the women surgeons of today.
