Vikas Dudeja, M.D., Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been elected as the president-elect of the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS). Dudeja, a recognized leader in academic surgery, will begin his term as president in February 2026.
This honor adds to Dudeja’s impressive record of leadership roles, which include serving as past councilor and current secretary-elect of the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons, as well as past recorder for AAS.
"I'm deeply honored to have been voted as the president-elect of AAS," said Dudeja. "The AAS challenges us to continuously elevate our contributions to patient care and scientific research. I’m eager to lead the organization in advancing this mission and driving change that will impact the future of academic surgery."
Dudeja's election took place during the Annual AAS Meeting, held as part of the Academic Surgical Congress (ASC). The event serves as a critical platform for the exchange of innovative ideas, showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration among surgeons nationwide. It is here that discussions on key issues in science, leadership, and research unfold, encouraging the development of diverse perspectives from across the surgical community.
Dudeja’s term as president-elect will follow that of fellow UAB faculty member, Brenessa Lindeman, M.D., MEPH, who is currently serving as president until February 2026. Lindeman, an associate professor in the Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery and Vice Chair of Education in the UAB Department of Surgery, has led AAS with distinction and will be handing over the leadership baton to Dudeja.
A renowned researcher, Dudeja leads his own laboratory dedicated to advancing the understanding of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. His work, funded by key institutions such as the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focuses on the mechanisms behind these conditions and seeks to uncover new treatment avenues. His clinical trials are at the forefront of understanding pancreatic diseases, underlining his commitment to both scientific advancement and improving patient outcomes.
Founded in 1966, the Association for Academic Surgery has grown to represent over 4,700 members worldwide. The organization is dedicated to pioneering professional development, fostering networking opportunities, and promoting inclusivity in academic surgery. AAS remains a driving force in reshaping the future of surgical care, supporting innovation, and inspiring transformative change across the global surgical community.