Department of Surgery Endocrine Research Fellow Polina Zmijewski, M.D., MA, was selected for an appointment as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS).

Through initiatives like the DEI Committee, the AAS is committed to developing, mentoring and promoting young surgeon-scientists of differing race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin or any other characteristic for which prejudice exists. The AAS proudly celebrates these differences and thrives on inclusive excellence.

Zmijewski’s position is a two-year term, beginning now through the end of the 2024 Academic Surgical Congress. She is looking forward to supporting the AAS in their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all its national and international collaborations.

“This is an honor to join the AAS DEI Committee,” said Zmijewski. “Now more than ever emphasis on DEI initiatives are needed to promote empathy and understanding amidst our differences. The field of surgery is only strengthened by our DEI efforts.”