The Association of VA Surgeons (AVAS) is reinforcing its commitment to achieving its complete mission by engaging diverse populations of exceptional surgeons. The aim of the AVAS D&I Visiting Professorship is to attract highly accomplished early career VA surgeons from underrepresented groups who are making significant contributions within their fields. Visiting Professors will contribute as ambassadors for AVAS to various VA Medical Centers and University affiliates through lectureship, education, and programming aligned with their academic missions.

The AVAS D&I committee and EC solicit nominations for the AVAS Visiting Professorship and AVAS will name 4 VA surgeons to serve as the 2024 AVAS D&I Visiting Professors. This Professorship includes opportunities for grand rounds presentations, invited lectureships, meetings with hospital and departmental leadership, surgical trainee panels, etc.

Eligibility: Faculty members at the Assistant or Associate Professor level that are within the first 10 years of their faculty appointment. VA Surgeons who identify as female, nonbinary, LGBTQ, or underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in medicine (https://extramural-diversity.nih.gov/diversity-matters/underrepresented-groups) are eligible.

Award: A reimbursement of up to $2000 to cover travel and accommodation expenses. An additional honorarium can be provided by host institution. 

2024 - 2025 Host institutions:

• Portland VA
• Loma Linda VA
• Boston VA

Host Site Department of Surgery/ VA Medical Center Responsibilities include coordination of travel, itinerary, grand rounds/ presentation as well as providing opportunities for interaction between the Visiting Professor and local women and minority surgical faculty, residents, and students. Providing the Visiting Professor with an honorarium would be at the discretion of the host institution.

Nomination applications can be completed here with a statement of interest (750 words) and submitted by May 10, 2024. Curriculum vitae and a letter of support from the candidate’s VA Chief of Surgery Service Line or University affiliate Chair of Surgery will be uploaded with the application. Submit your order of preference for host institution.

Note the AVAS Diversity Statement below:
The Association of VA Surgeons is pleased to announce the formation of a new ad-hoc committee: Diversity and Inclusion committee. The AVAS is committed to improving patient care, education and research in surgery within the VA healthcare system. To achieve that goal we have to advocate for diversification and promotion of equity. The mission of the newly formed D&I Committee is to ensure diverse representation in membership, governance and programming for the AVAS and keep matters of diversity and inclusion front and center during regular deliberations and decision making of the Executive council. The committee will examine the current status of diversity and minority representation in AVAS across its spectrum of activities. The eventual goal is to develop programs to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in AVAS and provide avenue for safe and meaningful dialogue on issues of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, financial or social status.

Any questions should be directed to Sue Lentz at vasurgeons@gmail.com or call 206-794-7022.

Deadline May 10, 2024 at 5 pm ET.