Signature Speaker Series

The AWS mission is "to inspire, encourage, and enable women surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals." To support this mission, AWS has developed an exciting program to develop and promote mid-career surgeons. The AWS Signature Speaker Series continues to develop a cadre of dynamic speakers who will represent AWS and serve as a resource for Departments of Surgery, surgical societies, and conference panels. The goal of this program is to enhance the visibility of AWS members as experts in their fields and to accelerate their path to promotion.

"Thanks to your program, I have not only gained new skills but also found renewed confidence and enjoyment in public speaking. This shift has been pivotal in my recent efforts to raise awareness and support for infant blindness in Uganda. I’m thrilled to share that the strategies I learned through your coaching played a key role in helping me successfully raise funds for this important work. Thank you once again for your developing such an important and impactful program. It has made a significant difference in both my personal growth and professional impact."

The application process is now CLOSED for the 2025 program.

WHAT DOES THE SIGNATURE SPEAKER SERIES INCLUDE?

Photo of Patrick Combs

Selected AWS Signature Speakers will attend two 2-hour virtual sessions, where they will receive coaching from Patrick Combs, a Hall of Fame inspirational speaker, a Best Selling Author, and a highly acclaimed comedic entertainer.

During the sessions, new AWS Signature Speakers will develop their presentation skills, their individual branding and increase their marketability. This small group workshop will be enhanced by 1-on-1 sessions with Patrick Combs to provide feedback and suggestions after reviewing a recorded session. The program also includes exclusive group training from a graphics and slide expert.

AWS will also provide funding up to $1000 towards defraying travel costs for a sponsored speaking engagement at either a national or regional event outside the speaker’s current location. Additionally, a database of AWS Signature Speakers will be made available to the surgical community in order to promote long-standing speaking opportunities.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

All surgical specialties who are AWS members in good standing.
Must be at Assistant or Associate Professor level, and have been in practice for 5 to 10 years.
Applicants must be able to attend all three virtual training sessions.
Applicants must be committed to obtaining at least one national or regional speaking engagement.
Applicants will be asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of the program and contribute to a written blog or record content towards a podcast in conjunction with the AWS communication committee.