SAGES Congratulates Eric Etchill, Hasina Maredia, and Kristin Partain!
To read the winning essays and to learn more about the award, visit
https://www.sages.org/essay-series-sages-2016-medical-student-scholarship-award-program/.
Here’s what our winners had to say on receiving a free registration to SAGES 2016:
Eric EtchillUniversity of Pittsburgh
This award allowed me to attend the SAGES conference, where I was exposed to a wide range of clinical and academic topics relating to minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. I was exposed to many fascinating endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques, surgical procedures, skills training, and state of the art training tools and equipment. I was also paired with motivated young surgeons who were eager to serve as mentors and provide advice about how to excel in medical school, residency, and beyond. None of this would have been possible without this award. I greatly benefited from attending SAGES and as a result plan to be involved with this impressive organization for many years to come.
Hasina MarediaJohns Hopkins UniversityI am grateful to SAGES for providing me with an immersive experience at the meeting. Attending as a first year student has improved my understanding of a career in surgery. A session on Barrett’s esophagus allowed me to apply the pathology and anatomy knowledge I’ve gained in my first year. In addition, I’ve identified further research questions that I hope to pursue in a project on esophageal cancer this summer and present at SAGES next year. The hands-on experience at the learning center gave me an appreciation for the evolving technology in the field, and I’ve familiarized myself with laparoscopic skills that I hope to continue practicing in preparation for the wards in my second year. Finally, through mentorship and networking at SAGES, I’ve met incredible surgeons in the field who have further inspired me to pursue a career in surgery.
Emory UniversityI had an absolutely wonderful time at SAGES 2016! The conference date fell on Match Day, and I shared the important moment of being notified of my Match with new friends. I was very happy to be able to meet and network with many people that share my dream of becoming a surgeon. Who knows what blessings will arise by expanding my network at SAGES 2016!
Congratulations again to our winners!