• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Become a Member

Contact Us

  • Twitter
Society of University Surgeons (SUS)

Society of University Surgeons (SUS)

Supporting and advancing leaders in academic surgery.

  • About
    • Blog
    • Constitution and Bylaws
    • Committees
    • Executive Council & Representatives
    • Guidelines for Use of SUS Content
    • History
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
    • Trailblazer Award
    • Past Executive Council Members
    • Public Member Directory
    • Surgery Journal
    • SUS Joel J. Roslyn Lecture
    • Contact Us
  • Join SUS
    • Member Application Criteria
    • Online Membership Application
    • New Member Recommendations
  • Scholarship/Grants
    • Early Stage Investigator Award
    • George P. Yang, MD, PhD Underrepresented in Surgery Early Stage Investigator Award
    • Mid Career Award
    • Resident Research Scholar Award
    • KARL STORZ Resident Research Scholar Award
    • SUS Global Surgery Scholar Award
    • ASA Surgical Leaders Fellowship Grant
    • Spotlight on Award Winners
    • History of Awardees
  • Professional Development
    • AAS/ SUS JUMPSTART Program
    • Promising Leaders Program
    • Leadership Agility Program
  • Meetings
    • Academic Surgical Congress
    • Mid-Career Course
    • Surgical Investigators’ Course
    • Awards at ASC
    • Presidential Addresses
    • Past Meetings
  • Foundation
    • Donor Honor Roll
    • 2023-2024 SUSF Stepstone Fellowship Award
  • Members Menu
    • Member Panel
    • Change Contact Information
    • Change Password
    • Pay Dues
    • Private Member Directory
    • Member Certificates
  • Log In
DONATE

ASC 2024 Recap: Trailblazer Award Winner Dr. Carla Pugh

June 25, 2024

Dr. Carla Pugh is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 SUS Trailblazer Award. She was introduced by Dr. Mary Hawn as a unique leader, innovator, and pioneer—the first surgeon to obtain a Ph.D. in education, blazing a new trail in surgical sciences for future generations of surgeon-scientists.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Pugh expressed deep gratitude to her sponsors, igniters, and influencers who have supported and inspired her throughout her career. She thanked the SUS and Stanford for their nomination and support, acknowledging the countless individuals who have motivated her along this journey. Dr. Pugh emphasized the importance of personal passion and the support of others as key motivators in forging new paths.

Dr. Pugh highlighted several key individuals, such as Dr. LaSalle Leffall, Dr. John Skandalakis, Dr. Robert Chase, and Dr. Thomas Krummel, whose support and mentorship were instrumental in steering her career toward technology and education in surgery. She showcased her work in developing sensor technology for breast examinations and surgical procedures, innovations that have been validated across various medical specialties. Dr. Pugh also shared her excitement about using EEG sensors and motion metrics to enhance surgical training, providing real-time feedback and personalized training for residents.

Reflecting on the impact of imposter syndrome on career development, Dr. Pugh advocated for overcoming it by recognizing one’s worth and seeking out supportive mentors. Finally, she encouraged others to act as sponsors, igniters, and influencers for their colleagues, fostering an environment of support and growth in academic surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Pugh

Category iconNews