Education Day 2025, sponsored by the Academy of Educators, is a special event celebrating education-focused award recipients and new inductees to the Academy of Educators.
The event was held on Tuesday, October 14, in the main auditorium at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC). This year, three surgeons were recognized: Lindsay Kranker, MD, assistant professor of surgery being newly inducted, Kerri Ohman, MD, assistant professor of surgery receiving the Rising Star Award, and L. Michael Brunt, MD, the Pruett Family Professor of Surgery being recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lindsay Kranker, MD, an assistant professor of surgery in the Section of Acute and Critical Care surgery, has been recognized by trainees and honor societies. She was recognized by general surgery residents at the 2023 graduation, where she was presented with the Evarts A. Graham Teaching Award. This award is presented to faculty members as deemed by surgery residents who have the greatest commitment to education and training of the surgical residents.
“I am honored and excited to join the Academy of Educators,” Kranker said. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow physicians from various disciplines to promote educational excellence, innovate teaching, and transform medical learning experiences, starting with another successful year of surgery competing in the TeachFest Royale!”
L. Michael Brunt, MD, a renowned figure in surgical education, has made significant strides in surgical education, particularly in minimally invasive surgery. His work has been pivotal in advancing educational methodologies that improve surgical skills and patient outcomes, including, along with Thomas M. De Fer, MD and Michael M. Awad, MD, PhD, MHPE, co-founding the capstone internship preparation course for 4th year medical students. Brunt’s dedication to teaching and innovation in surgery sets a high standard for both peers and students.
“I am incredibly honored by this award and am so fortunate to have spent my entire career at Washington University, where I have had the support and encouragement to embark on an academic career path largely focused on education and training,” says Brunt. “I can’t imagine having done this or had the opportunities available to me at any other institution that I have had here.”
Brunt served as president of the Fellowship Council in 2021-22 and has been recognized by trainees with the Jeffrey F. Moley Mentorship Award. He served as the chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery from 2014 until passing the torch to Jeffrey Blatnik, MD, in July 2024.
Dr. Kerri Ohman, an assistant professor of surgery in the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, received the Rising Star Award, which distinguishes a faculty member who has shown exceptional promise as an educator through contributions in two or more domains of educational service, leadership, or scholarship.
Ohman was recognized for her contributions to surgical education and commitment to mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Her efforts in curriculum development and student engagement have significantly enhanced the learning experience for medical students and residents alike.
Congratulations to all the new Academy of Educators inductees and honorees!