The Yale Surgical Society (YSS) held its annual alumni dinner on May 21 at New Haven Country Club, honoring residents, faculty, and alumni for achievements in surgery, research, leadership, and service. The event was led by YSS President Cassius Iyad Ochoa Chaar, MD, MPH, MS.
Award recipients included:
- Barbara Ward, MD, chair of surgery at Greenwich Hospital and a graduate of the general surgery residency program, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes lifetime career achievements and impact on both the surgical field and the broader community.
- Robert Schlessel, MD, a graduate of the General Surgery Residency program and past president of YSS, received the Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes an active YSS member for contributions to the Society.
- Sarah Loh, MD, a vascular surgery resident, received the Deepak Narayan Award. The Deepak Narayan Award is presented annually by YSS to a chief resident in the surgical specialties who, through their professional development, distinguishes themselves as an exemplary physician, outstanding colleague, engaged scholar, and well-rounded individual—qualities that reflect the core values of Yale Surgery.
- Daniel Kerekes, MD, a general surgery resident, received the Sam Harvey Award. The award is presented annually by YSS to chief residents who, in their career development, distinguish themselves in the eyes of their peers as excellent physicians, dedicated colleagues, engaged scientists, and well-rounded individuals, embodying the ideal Yale surgeon.
The evening also featured the Inaugural YSS Resident Research Awards, which recognize outstanding scholarly work by surgical trainees presented or accepted for major surgical meetings during the 2025–2026 academic year. Submissions were reviewed by a peer committee organized by YSS to support academic surgery and recognize trainee achievement.
Award recipients included:
- Justin “Jay” Bader, MD, general surgery research resident, for Validation and Establishment of the Contrast Volume Prediction Model for Optimizing Renal Insufficiency in EVAR (the FORE-EVAR calculator), focused on improving perioperative outcomes and reducing renal risk in endovascular aneurysm repair.
- Shahyan Rehman, MD, general surgery research resident, for Antigen Agnostic Targeted Delivery of Cytotoxic Therapy in Pediatric Solid Tumors, highlighting translational pediatric oncology research focused on targeted therapeutic delivery strategies.