The Department of Surgery’s clerkship was recognized on March 30, at the Distinguished Service Teaching Awards (DTSA) ceremony. The awards were presented at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC). A reception was held after the awards presentation. This student-led event honors faculty for their outstanding contributions to medical education.
The DTSA recognized Lindsay Kranker, MD, with the Humanism in Medicine award. She will serve as WashU’s nomination to the Association of the American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The award recognizes medical school faculty physicians who exemplify the qualities of a caring and compassionate mentor in the teaching and advising of medical students. In 2025, Kranker was inducted into the Academy of Educators at WashU Medicine.
“I am truly moved to receive the DTSA Humanism in Medicine Award,” Kranker said.
“While this recognition is a profound personal honor, the credit truly belongs to the students who invite me into their educational journeys every day. At WashU, we are fortunate to work with a group of medical students who are not only brilliant and motivated, but also deeply caring and empathetic. Their commitment to their patients and to one another is a constant source of inspiration for me. Being a mentor is easy when you are surrounded by such kind-hearted future physicians who lead with their humanity.”
Bethany Sacks, MD, MEd, an associate professor of surgery in the Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery, is the director of the integrated surgical clerkship. She accepted the award on behalf of the department. The surgical clerkship has been recognized several times in recent years.
“It’s the third time in the last four years. It’s such an incredible honor to receive this award from the medical students,” said Sacks.
“The residents, fellows and faculty are very invested in the students’ education and get them engaged and involved with the teams. We have such dedicated teachers – and our residents and fellows love what they do. The students see them as role models, which is why I think they value their time on the clerkship as much as they do.”
The DTSAs are divided into two broad categories – the first category is judged by phase one medical students, and the second category is judged by phase two medical students. During the second phase of medical education, students participate in clinical rounds with attending physicians.
The integrated surgical clerkship is an 8-week program in which medical students take part in two general surgery clinical rotations, providing students with opportunities to participate in the care of surgical patients, spend time in operating rooms, and attend educational sessions regularly.
The Distinguished Service Teaching Awards are presented by WashU Medicine medical students to faculty and house staff in appreciation of exemplary service in medical student education. Each year, medical students select the course directors, lecturers, clerkship directors, attendings, residents and clerkship coordinators who distinguished themselves most in their efforts, dedication and patience. Nominations and voting occur in the fall, and awardees are recognized annually in the spring.
Initiated by students and implemented with support from the Office of Medical Student Education, the awards honor WashU Medicine educators who have made the most significant contributions to the training of future physicians.