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.
