Established through an endowment, the AWS Foundation presents this award to a member or non-member surgeon in recognition of sustained, outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in surgery. The recipients show a lifetime of continued surgical excellence and support for women surgeons and trainees.

The endowment for the Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald Award was established by her husband, Dr. Eugene Braunwald. Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald was one of the first women to perform open heart surgery, the first woman to be certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, and the first to be elected to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. She developed several early mitral valve prostheses which bear her name. Thanks to the generosity of our members and our supporters, the AWS Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald Award is now fully endowed. 

Criteria:

• AWS members and non-members may be nominated.
• Submission of a letter of nomination or personal statement of nomination.
• Demonstration of sustained, outstanding contributions to the advancement of women in surgery.
• Completion of the online nomination form.
• Submission of two letters of recommendation that address the specific award criteria.
• Submission of an up-to-date CV/Biosketch.
• Nominees may self-nominate.

Each recipient will receive two tickets to the AWS Foundation Gala and a crystal award.  

Read more: Nina Braunwald: A Female Pioneer in Cardiac Surgery
Previous Award Recipients | About Nina Starr Braunwald, MD
2024 Award Winner: Mary E. Fallat, MD, FACS, FAAP

Nominate an Attending for this Award

This award is named in memory of Olga Jonasson, MD, who was the first female chair of an academic department of surgery and a leader in the American College of Surgeons. The award is given to an AWS member who, through outstanding mentorship, enables and encourages women surgeons to realize their personal and professional goals.

Previous Award Recipients | More about Olga Jonasson, MD

2024 Award Recipient: Clay Cothren Burlew, MD, FACS

Nominate an Attending for this Award

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The Dr. Sally Abston Association of Women Surgeons Distinguished Member Award

The Dr. Sally Abston Association of Women Surgeons Distinguished Member Award has been created by her colleagues and friends at University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston, to honor Dr. Abston (1934-2008) for the exemplary inspiration she gave to so many people throughout her career. She was a general, burn and trauma faculty surgeon at UTMB Galveston, who was beloved by her residents and patients alike. She gave her utmost to the betterment of her patients and was a staunch defender of her residents and students, insisting on collegial treatment for them in a time when there was less awareness of quality patient care and resident well-being. Her faculty colleagues knew her as a true and loyal friend who was always available when needed.

The award is given to an AWS member who, in addition to nationally recognized clinical expertise and providing outstanding mentorship, is a role model of "what I want my surgeon to be like." The recipient of this award will have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to encouraging and enabling women surgeons to realize their personal and professional goals.

Dr. Abston was awarded the AWS Distinguished Member Award in 1994.

Previous Award Recipients| More about Sally Abston, MD

2024 Award Recipient: Sareh Parangi, MD, FACS   

Nominate an Attending for this Award

This award is given to to members or non-members who are supportive of AWS’ goals and mission. It was renamed in 2011 in recognition of both the legacy and the generous endowment provided by our AWS Past Presidents. 

Nominate an Attending for this Award

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The Dr. Charles W. Putnam Distinguished Mentor Award

The Dr. Charles W. Putnam Distinguished Mentor Award will be given to an AWS member or non-member who has a sustained record of mentoring women surgeons and is a true agent of change to create an environment in which women surgeons can achieve their personal and professional goals.

Previous Award Recipients

2024 Award Recipient: Martha A. Zeiger, MD, FACS