Freischlag, Meredith and Velazquez Admitted to ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators

Congratulations to Julie Ann Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), DFSVS, Chief Academic Officer of Atrium Health Enterprise, CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Health and Dean of the Wake Forest School of Medicine, and J. Wayne Meredith, MD, FACS, MCCM, Richard T. Myers Professor and Chair of General Surgery, who were recently admitted as members, and Gabriela Velazquez, MD, FACS, Associate Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, who was admitted as an affiliate member, into the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™. 

 

The 84 esteemed surgeon educators (34 members, 44 associate members, and 6 affiliate members) were inducted this year during the Academy’s fourth induction ceremony which occurred during a virtual ceremony on October 15, and bring the Academy’s total membership to 302. The names of new Academy members will also be announced during the annual Convocation on October 24 that precedes the opening of the virtual ACS Clinical Congress, which is one of the largest educational meetings of surgeons in the world. 

 

“One of the Academy’s founding principles is to advance the science and practice of surgical education and training. In the past year and a half, its members have also shown stellar leadership in another key area. Responding during a crisis. The work the Academy has put forth in identifying novel educational resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to teach and assess surgical trainees during this crucial time is very important and highly commendable,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, MAMSE.  “We welcome the class of 2021 to this unique group of surgeon educators.” 

Developed by the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members, Associate Members, or Affiliate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety. 

In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. Visit the ACS for a listing of all surgeons and other professionals honored with selection into the Academy.