Dr. Marla Sacks Receives the Association of Women Surgeons Dr. Hilary Sanfey Award

Aug 26, 2024

The SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery is proud to announce that chief resident Dr. Marla Sacks is the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Dr. Hilary Sanfey Award from the Association of Women Surgeons Foundation. The Dr. Hilary Sanfey Award recognizes an outstanding resident who demonstrates potential as a future leader in surgery.

"Since medical school, I have been a member of AWS. The website has good resources for prospective surgery residents and seminars. During my early years in residency, I attended some virtual talks as part of their Signature Speaker Series. It was during this time that I first learned about the AWS Gala and where they presented the ASW Foundation awards. During my time in research, I started getting involved as a resident member in National/International associations as well as surgical mission trips. I grew a new passion: to spread surgical teachings and access to care around the globe. After my research fellowship, I returned to clinical years and continue to this path. One of mentors recommended I apply to the ASW foundation resident award. After looking into previous awardees, seeing several leaders in their field including the ACS Executive Director/CEO Dr. Patricia Tuner. The award is named after Dr. Hilary Sanfay, who was the first woman in Ireland to complete Higher Surgical Training in General Surgery, the first to be appointed as a Consultant General Surgeon in Scotland. Both of these women carved the path for a new generation of female surgeons. I am grateful for the opportunity to be amongst these leaders and strive to make a difference as I navigate my future path in surgery."

Please click here to read more about the Dr. Hilary Sanfey Award on the AWS website.