Barbara Berci Memorial Award

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to accelerate leadership growth and career development of young surgeons nationally and within SAGES.  The award will be given annually to one or two individuals by the SAGES Awards Committee based on merit and leadership potential.

The award supports either attendance at a designated leadership course OR participation in a formal coaching program to challenge thought processes and optimize leadership skills to effect change in the surgical world.  

Additionally, the awardee will participate in a longitudinal mentorship program with a current SAGES leader (committee chair/co-chair, Board or Executive committee member) who will serve as their mentor for the duration of the award. The mentorship program intends to facilitate SAGES committee, Board of Governors, and Executive committee activities, speaking and teaching opportunities at SAGES courses, and participation in the annual SAGES meeting. 

Criteria

The award is available to young SAGES members who are within 7 years of completion of training or in a Fellowship Council or ACGME approved post-residency fellowship program in surgery.   The applicant must be a candidate or full member of SAGES.  A letter of support from the applicant’s Department Chair (or Program Director if a fellow) is required.

Award Reimbursement

Up to $5000 in total expenses for EITHER:

• Registration and travel expenses to attend a leadership course approved by their SAGES mentor.  Examples of such courses include the ACS Surgeons as Leaders course, SUS Leadership Agility Program, or similar.
• Professional coaching by a trained expert with focus on individualized development of leadership skills. A list of possible coaches is available.
• SAGES annual meeting registration & 2 nights of hotel stay will be comped for the year the award is given.

Requirements

• The leadership course or coaching program is to be completed within two years of receipt of the award.
• The awardee and SAGES mentor meet at least quarterly in the year following the award. The mentor will help guide their professional and SAGES career development that includes recommendations for committee involvement, participation in the annual SAGES meeting, and other aspects.
• The awardee will attend the annual SAGES meeting (inclusive of the preceding spring committee meetings) and meet in person with their SAGES mentor at the conference.·   The awardee provides the SAGES Board of Governors and the SAGES Foundation Board a written summary (c. 500 words) of the award year within 2 years of the granting of the award. The report should include leadership course/coaching program description, number of awardee-mentor meetings, SAGES committee participation, and participation in the annual SAGES meeting.   The impact of the award on the individual’s SAGES engagement, professional growth, and future SAGES involvement should be included.