Divisions and Sections Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Section of Thoracic Surgery Division of General Surgery Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery Education General Surgery Residency News Stories Recognition

SAFE accolade recipients – February/March 2026

In the March-April cycle, Department of Surgery trainees and faculty were recognized with Supporting a Fair Environment (SAFE) accolades for their professionalism in learning, clinical and professional settings.

Congratulations to recent Department of Surgery SAFE accolade recipients:

Britta Han, MD
Thoracic Surgery Clinical Fellow
Alex Richard, MD, PGY-2
General Surgery Resident
Paul Kepper, MD, MS
Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellow
Ifeanyichukwu Okereke, MD, PGY-4
General Surgery Resident

SAFE

In 2021, the School of Medicine established the SAFE initiative, which aims to improve the learning environment among trainees at WashU Medicine by promoting positive behaviors and managing concerns about mistreatment and unprofessional behaviors.

In 2021, the School of Medicine established the SAFE initiative, which aims to improve the learning environment among trainees at WashU Medicine by promoting positive behaviors and managing concerns about mistreatment and unprofessional behaviors.

We aspire to an environment that is inclusive and free from harassment or intimidation, with respect and collegiality for all. Professionalism consists of altruism, compassion, empathy, respect for patients and health care workers, commitment to excellence, honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, accountability, recognition of limits, collaboration, and duty to society. All members of our community are responsible for modeling and pursuing these goals in all facets of our community.

WashU Medicine and the Department of Surgery strive to maintain an environment conducive to learning, research, and high-quality patient care.