Division of Surgical Oncology Assistant Professor and Section Chief of Melanoma/Sarcoma Surgery Ashley Holder, M.D., FACS, has been named the recipient of the one of the most prominent awards in surgical research. Holder was awarded the 2022 American College of Surgeons’ George H. A. Clowes, Jr., M.D., FACS, Memorial Research Career Development Award.
According to the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the objective of the Clowes Award is to provide financial support for a young, bright surgical investigator through an annual stipend of $45,000 for the next five years. The award is supported through the generosity of The Clowes Fund, Inc.
This prestigious award is bestowed upon a Fellow or an Associate Fellow of the College who has completed an authorized residency program within the last seven years. As the 2022 recipient, Dr. Holder will attend the ACS Clinical Congress at least every other year to present reports to the Scholarships Committee.
Holder joined the UAB Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, in 2020. Her clinical focus is surgical treatment of skin and soft tissue malignancies, directly linking her practice to this project.
“I am honored to have received the Clowes award, and I look forward to using the grant to further melanoma research in the UAB Department of Surgery,” said Holder.
Holder is exploring the lymphatic transport of immune cells between primary cutaneous melanoma and the sentinel nodal basin to understand how macrophages facilitate lymphatic metastasis. Her research aims to build our understanding of the metastatic process, ultimately culminating in the development of innovative therapies for cutaneous melanoma and other cancers.
Holder was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, where she developed a passion for fishing and playing piano. From her love of biology and working with her hands, she ultimately discovered her calling as a surgeon.
The American College of Surgeons was established in 1913 by Dr. Franklin H. Martin MD, FACS. The ACS is devoted to “improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.” It is the biggest medical organization in the world, which includes 6,600 fellows, 3,200 Associate fellows, and more than 82,000 event attendees.