2025 AWSF Trainee Award Nominations Open through May 22!

Submit a Nomination

Help AWSF recognize exceptional women surgeons and supporters by nominating a deserving individual whose character and accomplishments reflect the mission of AWSF and meet the criteria listed below. Selected awardees will be honored at the AWSF Awards Dinner and Gala on Sunday, October 5, 2025, held in conjunction with the AWS 2025 Annual Conference.

Dr. Patricia Numann Medical Student Award

Gala photo of Nancy Gantt, Cheryl Zogg, Patricia Numann, and Kristalyn Gallagher

Named in honor of the founder of AWS, this award was established to encourage and support female medical students pursuing a career in surgery.

One recipient is chosen annually based on their potential leadership qualities or research contributions to the field of surgery, personal statement (in lieu of a nomination letter), and two letters of recommendation. Nominees must be in the fourth/final year of medical school at the time of nomination and have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing a career in surgery and matched into a surgical training program. Nominees are not required to be active AWS members.

Personal statement should be limited to 250 words and discuss the candidate's part experiences which led her to a career in surgery and her goals for a career in surgery. 

Criteria:

  • Must be a fourth/final year as a medical student at the time of nomination.
  • AWS members and non-members can apply.
  • Demonstration of potential leadership qualities or research contributions.
  • Completion of the online nomination form.
  • Submission a personal statement discussing the candidate's part experiences which led her to a career in surgery and her goals for a career in surgery (250 word limit)
  • Two letters of recommendation that address the specific award criteria.
  • Submission of an up-to-date CV/Biosketch.
  • Medical Students may self-nominate.

Each recipient will receive two tickets to the AWS Foundation Gala and a plaque.  Additionally, the medical student recipient of the Dr. Patricia Numann Medical Student Award will receive reimbursement of up to $1,000 towards travel and lodging to attend the conference and Gala. 

Previous Award Recipients | More about Patricia Numann, MD 
2024 Award Winners: Cheryl K. Zogg, MD, PhD, MSPH, MHS

Trainees Apply HERE

 

Dr. Hilary Sanfey Outstanding Resident Award

Gala photo of Nancy Gantt, Marla Sacks, and Kristalyn Gallagher

Formerly the AWS Outstanding Resident Award, this award was renamed to reflect the generous endowment established by Dr. Sanfey. Nominees will be surgical trainees who are in primary residency training in either general surgery or a surgical specialty at the time of nomination, and who demonstrate potential as future leaders in surgery. Nominees are not required to be active AWS members. Nominees must provide a personal leadership vision with their application. 

Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, the Dr. Hilary Sanfey Outstanding Resident Award is now fully endowed. 

Criteria:

  • Must be in primary residency training in either general surgery or a surgical specialty at the time of nomination.
  • AWS members and non-members can apply.
  • Demonstration of potential as future leaders in surgery.
  • Completion of the online nomination form.
  • Submission of two letters of recommendation that address the specific award criteria.
  • Submission of a personal leadership vision statement.
  • Submission of an up-to-date CV/Biosketch.
  • Candidates may self-nominate.

Each recipient will receive two tickets to the AWS Foundation Gala and a plaque.  Additionally, resident recipients of the Dr. Hilary Sanfey Outstanding Resident Award will receive reimbursement of up to $1,000 towards travel and lodging to attend the conference and Gala.

Previous Award Recipients | About Hilary Sanfey, MD
2024 Award Recipients: Marla A. Sacks, MD

Trainees Apply HERE