Nita Ahuja, MD, MBA

Nita Ahuja, MD, MBA, is the dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and UW–Madison’s vice chancellor for medical affairs. She also serves as rotating chair or vice chair of the board of the UW Hospitals and Clinics Authority and is a professor in the Department of Surgery. Ahuja holds the Robert Turell Distinguished Chair in Medical Leadership. A renowned surgeon-scientist, she has held top roles at some of the nation’s leading research universities and health systems.
Ahuja is a cancer-care innovator whose treatment approaches and research have garnered international recognition. She is an expert in the treatment of sarcomas and complex gastrointestinal cancers, and her innovative surgical and heated chemotherapy approaches have drawn patients from around the world seeking treatment for difficult metastatic cancers.
A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to medicine and translating discoveries into treatments, Ahuja has a long history of leading collaborative and cutting-edge research aimed at improving cancer outcomes. Her research laboratory identifies and develops biomarkers to allow early detection of pancreatic and colorectal cancers using patients’ genetic information. She has published more than 300 scholarly articles and book chapters to advance both the surgical and basic science fields.
In May 2025 Ahuja became the tenth dean of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. She is the first woman to serve in this role.
Prior to joining the school, she was the chair of the Department of Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine for seven years. She also served as the surgeon-in-chief for the Yale New Haven Health System. A skilled and respected leader, Ahuja greatly advanced the mission of Yale’s Department of Surgery. Under her leadership, research funding tripled to more than $17 million, improving its Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research ranking from 47 to 16. As a champion of a positive organizational culture, she instituted multiple initiatives aimed at increasing collaboration, celebrating the successes of faculty, staff and learners, and fostering an inclusive environment. Prior to her time at Yale, Ahuja was a faculty member and leader in the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University.
Ahuja is chair-elect of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) board of directors. The AAMC is the representative body serving all accredited U.S. and Canadian medical schools and teaching hospitals. Previously she served as chair of the AAMC’s Council of Faculty and Academic Societies. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is also a member of several of the nation’s most prestigious academic societies, including the American Surgical Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, and Society of University Surgeons. Among other accolades, she has earned the William J. Reinhoff, Jr. Scholar Award, the American Surgical Association Fellowship and the Society of Surgical Oncology Clinical Investigator Award.
Ahuja earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in biology and mathematics and received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed a general surgery residency and surgical oncology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Ahuja also holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.

Maria Altieri, MD, MS

Maria Altieri, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Surgery and the Section Chief of GI Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Altieri’s clinical interests include bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. She has presented at national meetings, published in peer reviewed medical journals and authored book chapters in these areas. Her additional interests include graduate medical education, clinical outcomes research, and disparities. Dr. Altieri is an active member and holds leadership positions in several organizations including the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the Association of Women Surgeons, amongst other societies. She completed her residency at SUNY Stony Brook and then went on to complete her fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Maureen Ayral, MBA
Senior Financial Advisor
Wells Fargo Advisors

Maria Benjamin, MD, MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at Rutgers University Hospital in Newark. She focuses on Breast Surgical Oncology. Dr. Benjamin completed a combined MD / MPH program at Boston University School of Medicine, where she focused on epidemiology. Dr. Benjamin has particular expertise in medical genetics, and this extends from her initial training at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Benjamin then completed her general surgical residency at Northwell Health in NY, where she was Education chief resident. She then pursued a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in NYC. She specializes in the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the breast. She also treats high-risk patients and/or those with genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. Dr. Benjamin currently serves on the AWS publications committee, and she is an Assistant Clerkship Director for the general surgery clerkship.

Dr. Bonne is a professor of surgery at Wake Forest University school of medicine and primarily practices at Advocate Christ medical center in Chicago. She received her undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College, completed medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of medicine and science, residency in surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago and fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Bonne is an experienced trauma medical director, educator, and researcher in trauma and public health. Her academic interests are in injury and violence prevention, trauma quality and systems, and advocacy for injured patients. She serves as a vice chair for the American college of surgeons committee on trauma, the chair of the injury prevention committee for the American association for the surgery of trauma, and the secretary of the association of women surgeons.

Dr. Lindsay Boyle has spent nearly two decades at Medtronic, working across operations, service, quality, post-market surveillance, chief of staff roles, business strategy, and commercial leadership. Over that time, she has contributed to global supply chain initiatives, helped shape cross-functional strategies for large and complex portfolios, and most recently supported the growth of the U.S. commercial organization for Digital Technologies—always with a focus on improving safety and outcomes for patients.

Outside of work, Lindsay is married to John, a pastor in Boulder, Colorado, and is a mom of three—McKenna (17), Cooper (14), and Beckett (11). She enjoys mountain biking and skiing, considers herself a subpar trail runner, and spends much of her time cheering from the sidelines of her kids’ activities. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Alisa M. Coker, MD, FACS
Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgeon
UT Health Austin

Alisa M. Coker, MD, FACS is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and serves as Director of Robotic Surgery and Education. She is a nationally recognized leader in robotic surgery with a focus on hernia and foregut, surgical education, and program building. Dr. Coker is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and advancing women in surgery.

Tanuja Damani, MD
NYU Langone Health

Dr. Tanuja Damani is the Chief of the Surgical Service at NYU Langone Health as well as the Chief of Division of General Surgery and Surgical Director of the Center for Esophageal Health. She is also the Program Director for the Robotic Surgery Fellowship at NYU Langone and Clinical Professor of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Damani is a national proctor and case observation surgeon in the field of robotic foregut surgery and is one of the four national mentors for robotic foregut surgery selected by the American Foregut Society. She also sits on the Surgeon Advisory Board for Intuitive Surgical. Dr. Damani is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is the co-Chair of Foregut Committee and the Telepresence Committee for the Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). She has several publications in peer-reviewed journals on robotic and esophageal surgery.

Lucy M. De La Cruz, MD, FACS
Chief of Breast Surgery
Georgetown University

I’m Dr. Lucy De La Cruz—a breast surgical oncologist, educator, and pioneer in structural mastectomy. My passion is guiding women through the uncertainty of a breast cancer diagnosis with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of women not only undergo surgery but truly understand their diagnosis, options, and outcomes. I specialize in structural mastectomy and oncoplastic breast surgery—advanced, patient-centered approaches that preserve the natural shape and function of the breast while prioritizing oncologic safety and healing with dignity.

I also care deeply about high-risk patients, including those with genetic mutations or family history. I offer comprehensive counseling and surgical options such as prophylactic mastectomy, helping women make empowered decisions about their bodies and their future.

Dr. Dionigi obtained her medical degree with highest honors from the University of Pavia, Italy. After a surgical internship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, she completed her general surgery residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School in Boston. During this time, she also did a two-year translational research fellowship related to mesenchymal stem cells at Boston Children Hospital. She then completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the Salvati Fellowship Program at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson in New Jersey, followed by two years of advanced training in complex reoperative colorectal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. Dr. Dionigi then joined the Division of Colorectal Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center as Assistant Professor of Surgery.

Since her arrival at NYP/Columbia, she has created the Women in Surgery Association (WINGS) first of its kind at Columbia with the goal of promoting women in leadership, she has served as Associate Program Director of the General Surgery Residency Program, and she is the founder and co-Chair of the collaborative translational project on Early Onset Colon and Rectal Cancer within the Columbia Research Cancer Center. Her dedication to the education of surgery residents was recognized with the 2023 Teacher Award.

She is the author of several publications, received national and international awards for her research, and has been an invited speaker to national and international meetings.

Rahila Essani, MD, FACS, FASCRS
AdventHealth

Rahila Essani, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is board-certified colorectal surgeon. Dr. Essani earned her medical degree from the Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. She completed three research fellowships at the University of Southern California, where she also completed her internship and residency in surgery. She finished a second residency in general surgery. She completed her colorectal surgery fellowship program at Grant Medical Center, Ohio. She also completed a fellowship in advanced management of rectal cancer at Lankenau Hospital, PA. Dr. Essani developed the rectal cancer program and the robotic general and colorectal program at Baylor Scott and White Clinic in Temple, Texas. She serves on both SAGES and ASCRS (colorectal, program and fundamentals of rectal cancer surgery committee). Dr. Essani is the author of numerous papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Bio coming soon.

Julie Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), DFSVS, MAMSE
Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), DFSVS, MAMSE, retired in 2025 as Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice President of Advocate Health, CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Wake Forest University. Now an Ambassador for Advocate Health, she leads advisory, professional development and fundraising initiatives to advance medical education and improve health. Freischlag serves on the executive board at IRCAD North America and holds leadership roles in national and international organizations, including the AAMC, American College of Surgeons, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Aga Khan Board of Trustees and the Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies. In her previous roles, she oversaw research and education across Advocate Health and led all clinical, academic and innovation programs at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. A nationally recognized vascular surgeon specializing in thoracic outlet syndrome, Freischlag has more than 30 years of clinical experience and over 15 years of surgical education leadership, previously serving as professor and chair of surgery at Johns Hopkins and other leading academic medicine institutions nationwide.

Scott F. Gallagher, MD, FACS
Gastrointestinal Surgeon
Duke Health

I am a gastrointestinal and general surgeon with subspecialty experience in endocrine and bariatric surgery, focusing on emergency general surgery and conditions of the GI tract (like bowel obstructions, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, and appendicitis). I initially trained and practiced at USF Health in Tampa, for nearly 15 years. In 2012, I was recruited to the NC Triad, where I developed the Acute Care Surgery Program. In 2018, I joined the faculty at Duke University as the lead physician to build the Acute Care Surgery Program at Duke Raleigh Hospital. It is an honor and privilege to care for patients while training the next generation of surgeons and surgical thought leaders at Duke. When not in the hospital or doing research, I can be found with my family and dog or horse–or maybe you’ll catch me enjoying a college football game with my son.

Wendy R. Green, MD
Professor of Surgery
Emory Healthcare

Dr. Wendy R. Greene is a Professor of Surgery and Critical Care at Emory University and serves as a Board of Governor for the American College of Surgeons representing the National Medical Association. She is a founding member of the African American Women’s Collaborative and the “RIGHT Path Health Equity Research Scholars Program”, where she champions inclusive excellence and creates pathway programs that impact over 200 individuals annually. Her work fosters collaboration across disciplines to advance research and education that benefits all populations. Dr. Greene’s mission is to improve patient outcomes through transformational, translational, AI-enabled healthcare strategies guided by a strong bioethical lens. She is developing innovative tools to reduce hospital readmissions by addressing health literacy, social determinants of health, and patient learning styles. These solutions integrate multilingual support, chatbot assistance, and discharge workflow optimization, ensuring equitable and ethical application of technology in healthcare. Recently, Dr. Greene has issued a “call to action on rural surgery needs”, describing them as a “canary in the coal mine” for the healthcare system. She advocates for strategies that restore trust and deliver skilled care to all communities, emphasizing that healing must be inclusive and sustainable. Beyond her technological and policy contributions, Dr. Greene is a passionate advocate for system-wide improvement programs aligned with organizational missions. Her leadership in operationalizing quality improvement initiatives and mentoring future healthcare leaders underscores her commitment to excellence and equity. A nationally recognized thought leader, Dr. Greene continues to inspire innovation at the intersection of surgery, ethics, and technology—driving forward initiatives that transform care delivery and promote trust across all populations.

Monique Hassan, MD
Baylor Scott & White Clinic

Dr. Hassan is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive Bariatric Surgeon. She was an Army surgeon and the Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at Fort Sill, OK, from 2013-2017. Dr. Hassan holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences from Drexel University. She completed her residency in General Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA, in 2012 and completed a Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Her clinical areas of expertise are laparoscopic bariatric surgery and revisional bariatric surgery. She specializes in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, and she has experience with the management of duodenal switch, upper endoscopy and intragastric balloon placements surgeries. Dr. Hassan has been published in multiple peer-reviewed surgical journals and has presented her work at national meetings. She is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hassan is married and enjoys spending time with her family traveling the world and participating in CrossFit.

Pamela J. Hodul, MD
Surgical Oncologist
Moffitt Cancer Center

Dr. Pamela Hodul is a surgical oncologist with over 20 years of experience specializing exclusively in pancreatic and periampullary cancers. She is recognized as a leading expert in the multidisciplinary management and surgical treatment of complex pancreatic cancer. She is a Senior Member at Moffitt Cancer Center, Professor of Surgery at the University of South Florida, and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for the GI Program. She recently received a Master”s Degree in Healthcare Management from MSU. She also serves as Section Chief for Pancreatic Surgery and Medical Director for the GI Clinic.
A nationally recognized researcher, Dr. Hodul has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented at major conferences. Her funded research focuses on remote exercise and nutrition pre-habilitation, and postoperative malnutrition prevention to enhance recovery and treatment success. Dr. Hodul has been honored with Tampa Magazine’s Top Doctor Award (2022–2025) and Moffitt’s Physician of the Year for her compassionate, patient-centered care and surgical expertise.

Caitlin Houghton, MD
Keck Medicine of USC

Dr. Houghton is an esteemed member of the Upper GI and General Surgery Division and serves patients at Keck Medicine of USC in Los Angeles and Orange County locations. She graduated with honors from Wayne State Medical School in Detroit. She then completed her surgical residency at UC Irvine before heading to UC San Diego, where she completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Advanced Endoscopic Surgery. Dr. Houghton has a particular interest in treating diseases of the esophagus and stomach, including Acid Reflux, Hiatal hernias, achalasia and cancer of the esophagus and stomach. She is the program director of the esteemed MIS Foregut fellowship at USC and is responsible for the development of growth of the residency robotic surgery program at USC, serving as the Director of Robotic Residency Training and the Directory of Robotic Surgery for the General Surgery Department. She is committed to building programs for the future of surgery. As a leader within the foregut community, she frequently trains and proctors surgeons implementing new technologies and techniques into their practice around the country. She proctors the implantation of LINX and the adoption of robotics. She is one of five mentors chosen nationally by the American Foregut Society for their formal mentorship program. She is an active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, The American Foregut Society, The Society for Robotic Surgery and sits on the board for the Institute of Surgical Excellence. Her expertise is often utilized nationally and internationally as a speaker and moderator for society meetings, focusing on Surgical technique, medical devises and robotic surgery.

Marybeth Hughes, MD, FACS, joins EVMS Surgery as Chief of Surgical Oncology. Previously, she served as a Surgical Oncologist at The Surgery Branch and the Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda Maryland. There she also was Director for the Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship Program.

Dr. Hughes is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor and DaVinci Robotic Console Surgeon. She often serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Surgical Oncology, Endocrine-Related Cancer, World Journal of Surgery, Surgery, Annals of Surgery, Clinical Endocrinology, The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, The Cancer Journal: The Journal of Principles & Practice of Oncology.

Dr. Hughes has served as principal investigator and associate investigator for various clinical trials at NIH on cancer related protocols. Her work has been published in numerous journals and books on surgical oncology topics most notably related to neuroendocrine tumors, melanoma liver metastases, pancreatic cancer, adenocarcinoma of the appendix, colorectal cancers, and breast cancer. Dr. Hughes is a national and international presenter on surgical oncology topics and continues to teach and mentor medical students, residents and fellows in surgical oncology. While at the NIH, Dr. Hughes re-developed the curriculum, for the Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship Program and taught Advanced Trauma Life Support for the Department of Defense.

Matthew M. Hutter, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS, is a general and gastrointestinal surgeon who focuses on advanced laparoscopic, foregut and bariatric surgery. He currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He trained and worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) until 2025, where he served as the Director of the Codman Center for Clinical Effectiveness in Surgery at MGH, as an executive director of the Department of Surgery Quality and Safety Program, and as a Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hutter was elected as president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) in 2019-20. He has been the chair of the Data Committee for the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) and has helped to lead the development and implementation of the national data collection system for bariatric surgery since its inception in 2005. Dr. Hutter has served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, as chair of the Health Care Quality and Outcomes Committee for the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and currently serves on Executive Committee of the Fellowship Council as the Secretary/Treasurer. Dr. Hutter graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, completing his surgical residency and a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at MGH. He earned a master’s in public health (MPH) from Harvard’s School of Public Health and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the MIT Sloan School of Management. His overall academic focus is on the development, implementation, and responsible use of data collection systems in surgery, with a focus on assessing and improving the quality of surgical care

Darla Hutton, MSN
Non-Executive Director
Aroa Biosurgery

Darla is a Non- Executive Director of Aroa Biosurgery, She is a resident of the United States and has been a director of Aroa Biosurgery since March 2024. She has more than 25 years of medical technology experience, including global leadership expertise in commercial strategy, operations, sales, marketing, healthcare analytics, lean and enterprise consulting.

Darla is currently Vice President, Asia Commercial Operations and Marketing at Intuitive, pioneers in the field of robotic-assisted surgery and maker of the da Vinci surgical and ION diagnostic robot systems.

Throughout her tenure at Intuitive, Darla has held commercial roles of increasing responsibility including Regional Sales Director, Vice President of Corporate Accounts-US, and Vice President Marketing, Market Access & Custom Hospital Analytics. In these roles, she has contributed to the expansion of Intuitive’s commercial operations capabilities and range of global offerings. In addition, Darla has served as a member of Intuitive’s Inclusion and Diversity Executive Council.

Prior to Intuitive, Darla held commercial positions at other successful medical technology, pharmaceutical, and biotech companies, including Boston Scientific and GlaxoSmithKline, and spent her early professional career in the cardiac-thoracic nursing field.

Darla holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the University of Tampa.

Lisa Jane Jacobsen, MD, MPH, MSHPEd
Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Curricular Innovation
University of Buffalo

Lisa Jane Jacobsen, MD, MPH, MSHPEd, is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the former Associate Dean for Curricular Innovation at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Jacobsen has led the creation and implementation of the school’s transformational WellBeyond Curriculum which is designed to create inquisitive, knowledgeable, patient-centered, research-ready, physician leaders who have the skills to succeed in the complex healthcare environment of the 21st Century. She is committed to ensuring students receive the most up-to-date medical knowledge using evidence-based teaching techniques.

Her clinical practice is in obstetrics, gynecology and pediatric and adolescent gynecology. She is passionate about teaching students and residents across all years of training in the classroom as well as the clinical setting. She is a Course Director for the reproductive pathophysiology module at the medical school and is actively involved in designing and implementing innovative Interprofessional Practice Education curricula with the IPE Leadership team. Dr. Jacobsen received her medical degree, master’s in public health and completed her obstetrics/gynecology residency and pediatric and adolescent gynecology fellowship at Tufts University School of Medicine. She also holds a master’s degree in health professions education from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions.

Laura S. Johnson, MD, FACS, FCCM, FCCP
Medical Director
Grady Memorial Hospital

Laura S Johnson, MD FACS FCCP FCCM, is the Chief of the Burn Service, and Medical Director of the Walter L. Ingram Burn Center at Grady Memorial Hospital. She is board certified in general surgery, surgical critical care and neurocritical care, and is Professor of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, as well as adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University and Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Johnson received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Southern California. She completed her residency training at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and then completed her fellowship training at Grady Memorial Hospital, part of the Emory University Department of Surgery. She was on faculty at Medstar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC), and Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) in Washington DC before returning to Grady in her current position. Dr. Johnson is passionate about teaching and is a regular faculty member or course director for Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Burn Life Support, Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma, and other burn and trauma education opportunities. Her trainees are her proudest achievements, and she mentors medical students and residents across a range of disciplines. Dr. Johnson has received several awards for teaching, including in 2020 the Dr. Sally Abston Association of Women Surgeons Distinguished Member Award, as nominated by her residents, given to a 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.’” She received the 2022 ACS Residents and Associates Society Outstanding Mentor of the Year award. She has also been recognized by her nursing staff with multiple MedStar Nurses Choice award for Physician Collaboration, and her nomination for the John J Lynch, MD Center for Ethics Moral Courage award in 2018.When she is not in the hospital, Dr. Johnson is an avid saber fencer, competing around the country and the world, and is part of the National Tournament Committee for the United States Fencing Association.

Kandace Kichler, MD, FACS, FAACS
Slim, Inc.

Dr. Kandace Kichler, widely known as The Slimming Surgeon, is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon and obesity medicine specialist recognized for her expertise in awake liposuction and body contouring. As founder of Slim, Inc., she has performed over one thousand awake liposuction procedures, blending surgical artistry with a patient-centered, wellness-based approach. Dr. Kandace completed her General Surgery residency at the University of Miami in Palm Beach followed by fellowships in Bariatric Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida and Hass Plastic Surgery, giving her a unique understanding of both surgical precision and long-term body transformation. Based between Miami and Palm Beach, she is also the host of The Slimming Surgeon Podcast, where she shares insights on aesthetics, confidence, and modern beauty innovations.

Bio coming soon.

Anne Lidor, MD, FACS
Professor of Surgery
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Anne Lidor, MD, MPH is a Professor of Surgery at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with a clinical practice focusing on minimally invasive foregut surgery and bariatric surgery. After finishing her general surgery residency training at George Washington University SOM, she went on to complete a fellowship in MIS and Bariatric Surgery at Johns Hopkins, where she also obtained her MPH degree. She then stayed on there as faculty for over 12 years before moving to Wisconsin as the Chief for the Division of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery. Her research has mainly focused on health services outcomes in benign and malignant esophageal disorders. She also has a significant commitment to medical education and served as the Clerkship Director for the Dept of Surgery at JH for many years, had acted in the role of Director of the Advanced GI/MIS fellowship for 16 years (first at JH and now at UW), is active in the ABS and is the immediate past President of the Fellowship Council.

S. Julie-Ann Lloyd, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Baylor College of Medicine

S. Julie-Ann Lloyd, M.D., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery with clinical expertise in Minimal Invasive and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Lloyd received her undergraduate and advanced education (S.B., Chemistry, and S.M., Bioengineering) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and earned joint graduate degrees (M.D. and Ph.D., Cellular and Molecular Medicine) from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she also served as Clinical Instructor. As a specialist in Minimally Invasive, Robotic, and Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Lloyd utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to treat obesity-related diseases, and employs a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care plan for her patients. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Lloyd is a dedicated researcher and educator. Her research interests include understanding the pathophysiology of obesity and improving patient outcomes through optimization of perioperative care. Dr. Lloyd also serves on national committees and holds active membership in professional societies, namely, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

Dana Manzi, is a compassionate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with nearly 20 years of experience in caring for oncology surgical patients.

She was raised in Tampa, Florida, and is an alumnus of the University of South Florida, where she received her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology.

She began her career in trauma and surgical intensive care as an RN then received her master’s degree in nursing before becoming a proud member of AdventHealth in Tampa’s Digestive Health Institute team.

Dana has been a dedicated provider at AdventHealth Tampa’s foregut/reflux center as well as the pancreatic and liver cancer center for over a decade. Additionally, her commitment to the community has helped in the building of the esophageal and pancreatic cancer center. She is fueled by her dedication to whole person care, ensuring quality care for her patients’ bodies, minds, and spirit.

Martin A. Martino, MD
Gynecologic Oncologist
Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s

Martin A. Martino, MD, FACS, FACOG, is a gynecologic oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Martino is double board-certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, with specialized expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. His advanced robotic surgical expertise allows for less invasive options, often performed through smaller incisions with a faster recovery time.

Dr. Martino has a special interest in caring for patients with gynecologic malignancies and complex benign gynecological conditions. He also has special expertise in reproductive surgery (fertility-enhancing surgery), endometriosis, as well as robot-assisted/minimally invasive surgery. His care goals are to take care of patients as if they are part of his family.

When not caring for patients, Dr. Martino enjoys traveling, teaching, and spending time with his family and friends.

Sallie Matthews
Executive Director
SAGES

Ms. Matthews has worked with SAGES for more than 30 years, serving as Executive Director since 1998. Her areas of expertise include Board and committee administration, project management, consensus building, organizational guidance and direction, conference management, budget oversight, international relations, staff supervision, contract negotiation, skillful communication, diplomacy, team building, strategic planning and leadership. She also serves as President & CEO of BSC Management, the management company for SAGES and sixteen other professional medical associations and foundations. A graduate of Indiana University, Ms. Matthews resides in Los Angeles, CA. Past honors include: Member of Forbes Non-Profit Council, SAGES Storz Lecturer 2021, JSES International Honorary Membership recipient 2023.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Kellie McFarlin is a Senior Staff Surgeon at Henry Ford Health. She completed her general surgery training at Wayne State University Department of Surgery and MIS/Foregut Fellowship at Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida. She currently serves as Chair of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Interprofessional Education and Practice and represents ACS on the Board of Directors for the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). She is the Wayne Sate University School of Medicine surgery clerkship M3 site director for Henry Ford-Detroit.
Dr McFarlin is past president of the Detroit Surgical Society and Michigan Chapter of American College of Surgeons.
Active in SAGES for more than a decade, Dr. McFarlin has served on both the Communication/Advocacy and Health Policy Committees and was elected to the SAGES Board of Governors in March 2025. She is Program Co-Chair for the SAGES 2026 Annual Meeting. Previously, she served as Co-Chair and then Chair of the SAGES Communications Committee, helping shape national messaging around minimally invasive surgery and innovation.

Dr. Lauren McTaggart, MD is a board-certified general surgeon. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She returned to pursue a career in medicine obtaining her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. She completed her internship and residency in General Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She also completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Advanced GI and Bariatric Surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.

Dr. McTaggart’s surgical interests include: Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foregut, Bariatric, and General Surgery. She has experience in bariatric and revisional bariatric surgery, foregut surgery, advanced endoscopy, benign gallbladder disease, and abdominal and inguinal hernias. She utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques through a robotic and laparoscopic approach.

Dr. Lauren McTaggart is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the American Hernia Society.

Lauren B. Nosanov, MD is an Assistant Professor of Surgery specializing in the surgical and critical care management of Burn injury at Grady Memorial Hospital. She is a graduate of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, completed her General Surgery residency training in Washington, DC, at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital / Washington Hospital Center, and completed fellowships in Burn Surgery and Surgical Critical Care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, NY. Her research interests center on clinical outcomes after burn injury, with an emphasis on psychosocial and patient-centered outcomes.

Lynn M. O’Connor, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCRS
Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Mercy Medical Center & St. Joseph Hospital

Dr. Lynn M. O’Connor is a nationally recognized colorectal surgeon, physician leader, and advocate for health equity. She serves as Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre and St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage, New York, and is also the first Black female Colorectal Police Surgeon for the New York City Police Department.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. O’Connor earned her MPH in Epidemiology and Public Health from Yale University and her medical degree from Temple University. She completed her surgical training at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and advanced fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery in Atlanta.
Dr. O’Connor is board-certified in both general and colorectal surgery. She has published extensively, serves as a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and is a sought-after national speaker and media contributor on colorectal health. She has been featured in many media outlets including Good Morning America, NBC News, CBS, FOX 5, Sirus/XM, and TodayShow.com
She is a founding member of the Society of Black Colon & Rectal Surgeons and co-founder of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force. Her work has focused on expanding access to screening, advancing surgical innovation, and mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Her mission is to provide patients with the foremost treatment, technology and information related to preventative public health issues and colon and rectal health.
In recognition of her leadership and community impact, Dr. O’Connor has received numerous honors and awards, including the 2024 MLK Collegiate Drum Major Award and the 2024 Black Women of Long Island Power Award.

Andrea Pakula, MD, MPH, FACS
Medical Director of Robotic Surgery
Simi Valley Adventist Hospital

Andrea Pakula MD, MPH, FACS is the Chair of the Department of Surgery and the Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital, that is recognized as a Robotic Center of Excellence. Following graduation from St. George’s University School of Medicine, Dr. Pakula completed her internship and residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California, and a Fellowship in Trauma & Surgical Critical Care at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. She then went on to get additional training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Her clinical interests include all aspects of General Surgery with extensive expertise in Hernia and Abdominal wall reconstruction as well as Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care surgery. She applies robotic assisted techniques in all aspects of her elective and emergency surgery practice. Dr. Pakula enjoys training surgeons from around the world and educating on building a best-in-class, Robotic Surgery program.

Melissa Phillips, MD, FACS
Professor
University of Tennessee College of Medicine Knoxville

Melissa Phillips, MD, FACS, is a Professor at University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Knoxville. She earned her M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her residency in general surgery at the University of Virginia Health System followed by fellowship at University Hospitals, Case Medical Center in Cleveland in minimally invasive surgery and surgical endoscopy. With regards to her clinical practice, Dr. Phillips’s surgical focus includes minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery, hernia repair, and general surgery. She is active in national surgical societies including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Phillips has been awarded the Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the James Ernest Kindred Award, and the Faculty Teaching Award by the University of Tennessee. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time kayaking, water skiing, and tubing, and she has been a certified scuba diver since 2000. With her three young children, she has backpacked across Europe, camped in the Appalachians, and hiked glaciers in Alaska.

I began my healthcare career 25 years ago serving in the United States Air Force. I completed her Physician Assistant training at the University of Washington and have been part of MultiCare Health System for the past decade. My career started in general surgery, then transitioned to colorectal surgery. I am passionate about advancing surgical care, supporting robotic-assisted procedures, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes, and advancing leadership opportunities for APP’s.

Alia P. Qureshi, MSc, MD, FACS, FRCSC
Associate Professor of Surgery
Oregon Health and Science University

Alia P. Qureshi, MD, MSc, FACS, FRCSC, is an Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). A dual board–certified surgeon in both Canada and the United States. Within the United States, Dr. Qureshi is a nationally recognized expert in esophageal and minimally invasive foregut surgery, with a high-volume clinical practice focused on minimally invasive and robotic approaches for esophagogastric malignancies.
Dr. Qureshi’s academic mission centers on advancing the early detection and biological understanding of Barrett’s esophagus and its progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Her research integrates spatial proteogenomics, phosphoproteomics, and AI-based risk stratification to identify pathway-level molecular alterations that precede malignant transformation. She is a key investigator and co-developer of PREVAIL, a multi-cohort, multi-institutional NIH P01 program designed to definitively validate spatial proteogenomic biomarkers and progression classifiers in Barrett’s esophagus. Her work has been supported by the KUNI Foundation, OHSU’s Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), and multiple intramural and national awards.
Dr. Qureshi has contributed extensively to national guideline development in foregut surgery. She served on the American College of Surgeons High-Risk GI Cancer Task Force, helping shape the 2025 ACS Cancer Surgery Standards for complex GI and esophageal cancer. She is a long-standing leader within SAGES and SSAT, serving as Chair of the SAGES Leadership and Professional Development Committee, Co-Chair of Foregut Committee, Vice Chair of the SSAT DEI Committee, and a member of multiple international consensus working groups.
Internationally, Dr. Qureshi is the founding Chair of WISE-ISDE (Women in the Service of the Esophagus) within the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, where she leads global efforts to elevate women in esophageal and foregut surgery. She is also an invited visiting professor and frequent plenary speaker on esophageal cancer surgery, surgical leadership, and diversity in academic surgery.
Throughout her career, Dr. Qureshi has combined high-volume oncologic surgery, translational research, and national leadership to advance excellence in esophageal cancer care. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to improving outcomes through innovation, precision science, and strengthening the academic pipeline for women and underrepresented groups in surgery.

Care Philosophy
My favorite teacher always told me that the secret to caring for a patient is to actually care about the patient. This philosophy guides everything I do. I believe that listening to the patient is the first step in the successful treatment of any disease and that teamwork between doctors and patients can achieve the best solution to any problem.

Specializing In
Robotic Surgery

• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• hiatal hernia/paraesophageal hernia
• achalasia
• gastric tumors
• small bowel tumors
• diseases/tumors of the appendix
• disorders/tumors of the adrenal gland and spleen
• inguinal and umbilical hernia
• Gallbladder Disease

Laila Rashidi, MD, FACS, FASCRS
MultiCare

Laila Rashidi, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon practicing Multi-care Health Care System. Dr. Rashidi interests lie in providing minimally invasive treatments for conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus through the use of robotic (Single port , multiport) , trans anal and natural orifice techniques for sphincter preservation.
Dr. Rashidi is the Program director for National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), medical director of colorectal surgery , and she is a program director of Minimal Invasive colorectal surgery fellowship at MultiCare Health System.
Dr. Rashidi interests include education, minimally invasive surgery for complex colorectal diseases, and she is an ardent advocate for women in surgery. Her research interests are in rectal and colon cancer, force feedback (less traumatic operation), same day discharge colectomy, surgical education, quality, and financial outcomes.

Education and Training

• Medical School: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
• Internship: General Surgery – Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ
• Residency: General Surgery – Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ
• Fellowship: Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery – Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary / Harvard University, Boston, MA

• Surgery

• American College of Surgeons
• Society of Black Academic Surgeons
• Association of Women Surgeons

Dr. Daniela Rega is a colorectal oncologic surgeon at the IRCCS Fondazione Pascale in Naples, one of Italy’s most renowned comprehensive cancer centers. She serves as the surgical lead for the anorectal unit and as the surgical referent of the Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (GOM Retto), coordinating clinical pathways, decision-making processes, and organ-preservation strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Her clinical and academic activity focuses on complex colorectal disease, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches, transanal surgery, anastomotic reinforcement, and functional outcomes. She is actively involved in evidence-based innovation, with specific interest in high-resolution imaging, structured reporting, and digital platforms for surgical decision support.
Dr. Rega collaborates with multiple academic institutions, including the Universities of Padova and Humanitas Milan, and internationally with the University of Aston, Birmingham (UK), developing multicenter projects on rectal preservation, biomarkers, and integrated patient pathways. She has contributed to several national and European studies on total neoadjuvant therapy, real-world outcomes, and surgical quality improvement.
She is strongly committed to standardizing clinical evaluation and reporting in rectal cancer. She leads the Italian Delphi-based validation of structured high-resolution rectoscopy, and contributes to the development of digital tools for patient follow-up, imaging analysis, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Dr. Rega is deeply engaged in professional societies. She serves on the extended board of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO) as the colorectal oncoteam representative, and is an active member of SICE, SICCR, and CIC, where she currently serves as board councillor. She is frequently invited as speaker, moderator, and panelist at national and international surgical congresses.
She is also President of Women in Surgery Italia, where she promotes gender equity, leadership development, and mentorship in surgery. Under her direction, WIS Italia has launched national programs for junior surgeons, networking initiatives, and confidential support pathways in collaboration with legal and psychological experts. Her work in this field aims to strengthen representation, improve workplace culture, and support sustainable surgical careers for women.
Her mission brings together technical excellence, structured multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered values. She believes that high-quality oncologic surgery arises from rigor, innovation, and empathy, ensuring that every patient receives both the best science and the best care.

Chantal Reyna, MD, MHA, FACS, FSSO is a fellowship trained, board certified surgeon, specializing in diseases of the breast. She completed general surgery residency at the University Of Nevada School Of Medicine and her breast surgical oncology fellowship at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida. She has experience practicing in a variety of clinical settings and is the current Oncology Clinical Lead of Breast Oncology and the Section Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology at Loyola University Medical Center. Her experience provides a unique perspective in clinical program building in both academic and community settings. She speaks nationally and internationally about career development, including professional identity and branding. She is currently on the executive council for the Association of Women Surgeons and the Latino Surgical Society. She is an avid soccer fan, musical theater fan, enjoys reading and traveling internationally.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Christen M. Russo, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the non-operative and operative care of pediatric orthopedic patients, from pre- natal to adolescent care and consultation. She has particular interests in bone health and nutrition, conservative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and trauma.

Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Russo is focused on quality improvement, mentoring, and community engagement & outreach in surgery. She is a skilled networker and helps to connect her mentors with giants in the field, navigating opportunities that many of her mentees would otherwise not have access to. Dr. Russo serves as the Chair of Quality & Patient Safety for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NewYork- Presbyterian/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. She is on the Board of Directors for the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgery (NYSSOS), representing District 1 (Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island). Dr. Russo has been an active Association of Women Surgeon’s (AWS) member for five years and now serves as c-chair of the Outreach Committee. She is also a Past President of the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society (RJOS), and now serves as the Historian of RJOS. She is a member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), currently serving as the Social Media Chair of POSNA. Dr. Russo is also active with the Pediatric Bone Health Committee, a study group of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), which works towards guidelines and recommendations regarding calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in the pediatric orthopedic population.

Dr. Russo is the co-founder of “Distance Traveled,” a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to early orthopedic exposure towards those underrepresented in medicine. She is a Brooklyn, New York native, and currently lives, works, and parents in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, who is also a physician, and their two children. An avid foodie, she enjoys both cooking and visiting the New York restaurant scene and balances her lifestyle with as much fitness as she can squeeze in.

Bio coming soon.

Tamika Scott, DNP, FNP-C is a Family Nurse Practitioner with nine years of clinical experience in bariatric and metabolic medicine. She specializes in preoperative and post-operative care of bariatric surgery patients, as well as comprehensive medical weight management. Her clinical expertise includes long-term follow-up, complication management, patient education, and optimizing outcomes for individuals undergoing metabolic and bariatric interventions.

Dr. Scott earned her Master of Science in Nursing from South University in 2016 and went on to obtain her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in May 2024 from Prairie View A&M University. Her practice is grounded in evidence-based care, and patient-centered counseling.

With a deep commitment to improving quality of life for her patients, Dr. Scott combines clinical excellence with compassionate care to support patients throughout every stage of their bariatric and weight loss journey.

Prof. Mina Ming-yin Shen is serving as the Vice Superintendent at China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital in Taiwan, alongside her role as an Assistant Professor at National Tsing Hua University and China Medical University, Taiwan. Prof. Shen”s expertise lies in the field of minimally invasive colorectal surgery and the treatment for anal disease. She has served as a proctor of da Vinci Robotic Colorectal Surgery in Taiwan and was designated as a da Vinci Case Observation Epicenter. She has conducted over two thousand laparoscopic colorectal surgeries and typically performs around 700 hemorrhoidectomies annually. Since the launch of the da Vinci Xi system in her hospital in late 2021, she has gained experience from over 500 cases. International fellows or surgeons are welcome to arrive at her hospital to observe minimally invasive colorectal surgery, conducted either by laparoscopy or the da Vinci robotic system. In recognition of her contributions to the field, Prof. Shen has been elected or appointed as a board member of Taiwan Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, ELSA (Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia), ISUCRS (International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons), and APELS (Asia Pacific Endo-Lap Surgery Group).

Laura Stafman, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She also serves as an Associate Scientist in the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Dr. Stafman earned her MD from the University of Florida and her PhD in cancer biology from UAB. She completed her general surgery residency at UAB and her pediatric surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Stafman’s clinical interests include robotic and minimally invasive surgery, surgical oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, and neonatal surgery. Her research focuses on the basic and translational study of pediatric solid tumors. In addition to her laboratory research, she participates in multi-institutional studies aimed at improving the surgical care and outcomes of pediatric patients with cancer. She is principal investigator on multiple funded projects, including awards from the American Pediatric Surgical Association and the Kaul Pediatric Research Institute, and participates in the NIH-supported Early-Stage Surgeon Scientist Program.

Sharon L. Stein, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a colorectal surgeon at MetroHealth Hospitals and Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine. She has served as the President of the Association of Women Surgeons, as Chair of the American College of Surgeons Women in Surgery Committee and on the Executive Council of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. She has worked for Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) as a surgeon in both South Sudan and Haiti. As an academician, Dr. Stein has published over 150 articles, editorials and chapters on a variety of topics from minimally invasive surgery to diversity in surgery. She has written extensively on minimally invasive surgery, colorectal cancer and enhanced recovery protocols as well as gender disparities in surgery including pay equity, pregnancy in surgery, and intimate partner violence and is the senior author on a landmark trial on coaching. In recognition of her contributions to scholarship, she has been invited to serve as a reviewer for several prestigious journals, to write several book chapters, and has published a book on laparoscopic colectomy. She has been invited to deliver hundreds of CME lectures and contribute to scientific publications both nationally and internationally. She was the first women to receive an Honorary Fellowship from the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland.
Additionally, Dr. Stein works as professional development and leadership coach through her program The Intentional Surgeon. She speaks on coaching, leadership and professional development nationally and internationally and regularly works with Societies and Institutions to deliver professional development content to their staff and trainees. You can catch her podcast “The Intentional Surgeon” via her website or podcast portals.
Social media
@slsteinmd
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonsteinmd
http://www.facebook.com/sharon.stein.355
@IntentionalSurgeon.bsky.social

I am a comprehensive financial advisor focused on helping women understand their money and make the most of it. I am incredibly passionate about my work because I believe gender parity requires us to be confident in our finances.
I spent many years as a management consultant before leaving to run an early stage fintech. While there, I saw the investment gap between men and women firsthand, and realized this is the problem I care most about solving.
I work for a firm called Strategies for Wealth out of its New York City office.
Disclosures:
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 437 MADISON AVENUE, 29TH FLOOR, NEW YORK NY, 10022, 212-7017900. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. New York RHB, LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License Number – 4437108. 8653748.1 Exp 12/27.

Dr. Patricia Sylla graduated from Cornell Weill Medical College and completed her surgical residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital followed by a colorectal fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. She completed a second fellowship in MIS at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where she practiced for 7 years. Dr. Sylla is an innovator with particular interest in minimally invasive approaches to rectal diseases and pioneered transanal endoscopic surgery and transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). Dr. Sylla is currently Professor of Surgery and System Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital. She also serves as director of clinical trials and Vice Chair of DEI for the Department of surgery. She is the past president of SAGES. Her clinical practice focuses on minimally invasive treatment of IBD, diverticular disease and colorectal cancer.

Nova Szoka, MD (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Surgery and the Program Director of the Bariatric Surgery Fellowship at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Her education includes a medical degree from UC Davis School of Medicine, general surgery residency at the University of New Mexico, and fellowship in advanced minimally invasive/bariatric surgery at Duke University. Dr. Szoka performs bariatric/metabolic and foregut surgery using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Her research interests include obesity & bariatric outcomes, healthcare disparities and surgical innovation. She is also the founder of Endolumik, Inc., a company developing fluorescence guided surgical tools.

Dana A. Telem, MD, MPH is the Lazar J. Greenfield Professor and Chief of General Surgery at the University of Michigan, where she leads seven surgical divisions with more than 50 surgeons and 100 staff. A practicing abdominal wall, foregut, and bariatric surgeon, Dr. Telem is a nationally recognized surgeon–scientist whose work bridges implementation science and policy.
Her research focuses on improving the quality and efficiency of surgical care specifically by developing and testing implementation strategies through hybrid effectiveness trials. She serves as Principal Investigator on NIH/NIDDK-funded R01 work that integrates implementation science and policy to promote evidence-based approaches to abdominal wall hernia repair.
Dr. Telem has authored over 220 peer-reviewed publications and serves as Associate Editor for Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Surgical Endoscopy, American Journal of Surgery, and Hernia, as well as on the Annals of Surgery editorial board.
A committed leader and mentor, Dr. Telem is President-Elect of SAGES, founder of the Michigan Women’s Surgical Collaborative, and directs the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Core Optimization Hernia Registry (MSQC-COHR), advancing statewide quality improvement across 70 hospitals. She also advises the Food and Drug Administration and Leapfrog Group and is an elected member of the American Surgical Association.

A native Californian, Dr. Jennifer F. Tseng earned degrees in English and biological sciences at Stanford University, followed by an MD from the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Tseng then served as a general surgery resident and as the Super-Chief (junior faculty) at Massachusetts General Hospital. She completed a molecular medicine postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School (HMS) in Boston and a clinical fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. In 2005, Dr. Tseng joined the faculty at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center; she earned an MPH at the Harvard T.H. Chan School in 2007. In 2011, Dr. Tseng was recruited to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical School as Chief of Surgical Oncology and Clinical Co-Director for Surgery of the BIDMC Cancer Center; she rose to the rank of Professor of Surgery at Harvard, being the first woman to earn this distinction at BIDMC. From 2017-2024, Dr. Tseng served as the James Utley Professor and Chair of Surgery at Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the Surgeon-in-Chief at Boston Medical Center. At BU, Dr. Tseng accomplished ambitious objectives including improving medical student education; leading her department to increased regional, national, and international prominence; recruiting and sponsoring talented faculty and trainees, including establishing programs to foster military surgeons in partnership with civilian health systems; and measurably increasing clinical quality, research scholarship, and extramural funding.
Dr. Tseng is a surgical oncologist specializing in upper GI surgery. For her scholarly work, which focuses on reducing cancer disease burden and minimizing surgical risk, Dr. Tseng has received grants from the American Cancer Society, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institutes of Health, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Surgeons, and others. Dr. Tseng founded Surgical Outcomes Analysis & Research (SOAR) in 2007 at UMass Worcester, subsequently moving SOAR to Boston. Dr Tseng is a Past President of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT) and a founder and Past President of the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS). She recently served as Director and Councilor of the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and a Director of the ABS Complex General Surgical Oncology Board (2019-2025). Dr. Tseng is a deputy editor for JAMA Surgery and serves on numerous editorial boards. She is also involved in philanthropic, advocacy, and foundation work, serving as the long-term medical advisor for the PRIA pancreatic cancer research foundation, as well as on NIH and private study sections, including chairing the 2024 Lustgarten Foundation-American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scientific Research Committee. Dr Tseng has advised and served as a board director for scientific corporate entities and has advocated at local, state, and national levels for research and treatment of cancer and GI diseases, as well as for patient and physician concerns. As BU as Professor of Surgery Emerita, as principal of SOAR Enterprises LLC, and as Clinical Professor at Creighton University (Omaha, Nebraska), Dr. Tseng is focused on longitudinal work including improving nationwide, rural, and urban access to expert medical care, service to medical and philanthropic organizations, and consulting and writing projects. In 2025, Dr. Tseng succeeded Michael Zinner, MD as co-editor-in-Chief for the historic textbook Maingot’s Abdominal Surgery; became a section editor for UpToDate, the leading health care evidence-based clinical decision support system; and was honored to join the Ben and Rose Cole Charitable PRIA Foundation as a full trustee, succeeding the founder Mrs. Rose Cole as one of three individuals leading a 501(c)(3) organization that by 2026 is anticipated to oversee more than $200 million to promote pancreatic cancer care and research.

Amy Vertrees, MD is a board-certified general surgeon, Army veteran, certified coach, author and founder of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series. She served 17 years in the Army, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel, and deploying 3 times to Afghanistan and Iraq as a general surgeon. After leaving the military, she was an employed surgeon then created Columbia Surgical Partners, a private practice general surgery group. She discovered there were lessons that she was never taught in residency that were necessary for a successful surgical career. She created the BOSS Business of Surgery Series to fill in that gap and has used everything that she has learned to become a successful private practice general surgeon. The BOSS series includes a highly rated podcast, group coaching and 1:1 coaching and the book “Become the BOSS MD: Success Beyond Residency.”

Website: https://www.bosssurgery.com/

Facebook: “Become the BOSS MD Coaching” https://www.facebook.com/groups/249619353796932

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebosssurgeon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vertrees-md-20192a8b/