Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award

The Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award is named in honor of Mary Edwards Walker, MD (1832–1919), for her exemplary inspiration as the first female surgeon employed by the U.S. Army and the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor—the highest U.S. Armed Forces decoration for bravery. After the Civil War, Dr. Walker devoted her life to supporting women's suffrage and was a frequent lecturer on health care, temperance, and women’s rights. Most notably, Dr. Walker was unwavering in her commitment to service to her country and 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 female surgeons of today.

The nomination period for 2024 has closed.

Award Eligibility

The nominee must demonstration significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery and meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement and inspiration of women in surgery.
• Must be a member of the American College of Surgeons; either in active practice or retired.
• Current members of the Women in Surgery Committee are not eligible to be nominated for this award. Please review the WiSC roster to confirm your nominee is not a Committee Member.
• If selected, attend Clinical Congress to accept the award in-person at Convocation.

Required Documents for Nominations

All nominations must include the following documents:

• 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 (CV) of the nominee—not to exceed 5 pages.
• Self-nominations are acceptable and should include a letter of reference.

Award Notification

The Women in Surgery Committee notifies the award recipient and nominator in late June/early July of each year.

2023—Sujana Chandrasekhar, MD, FACS

2022—Ernestine Hambrick, MD, FACS

2021—M. Margaret Knudson, MD, FACS

2020—Susan Miller Briggs, MD, MPH, FACS

2019—Raquel C. Bono, MD, FACS

2018—Yeu-Tsu Margaret Lee, MD, FACS

2017—SreyRam Kuy, MD, MHS, FACS

2016—Mary E. Maniscalco-Theberge, MD, FACS

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact Jenny Mohan at jmohan@facs.org.