Herbert Chen, M.D., FACS, Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief of the UAB Hospital and Health System has been named a member in the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™. He was inducted at a ceremony on Oct. 15, and his membership will last for a period of five years.
As the Chair of the UAB Department of Surgery, Chen oversees 10 fellowship programs, five residencies, and numerous high school and internship opportunities. He has mentored over 125 faculty, post-doctoral fellows, residents, medical students, and undergraduates in the clinical space as well as in his lab. In fact, one main areas of focus for the lab is education research.
Chen sets an example for his surgical mentees and also invites them into the field of surgery through his publications and research. In fact, Chen has published over 540 original research and review articles and has edited 25 textbooks. He has been recognized for his passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of surgical leaders.
“Dr. Chen has not only made trainee education a priority, but he also values education opportunities of the Department of Surgery faculty and staff through continuing medical education,” said UAB Senior Vice President of Medicine and Dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Selwyn Vickers, M.D., FACS. “I look forward to seeing the ways that Dr. Chen continues to prioritize education across his department and improve surgical education standards across the nation."
Chen says he is honored to be inducted into this year’s class.
“The Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™ is an outstanding organization that represents many values of our own department here at UAB,” said Chen. “This network of surgeons is a truly accomplished group of individuals who I look forward to working alongside to generate more surgical education opportunities.”
Developed under the auspices of the ACS Division of Education, the academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as members or associate members following stringent peer review. The academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons.