Ara Feinstein inducted into Academy of Master Surgeon Educators
Ara Feinstein, MD, MPH, an associate dean of clinical affairs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and a physician executive with Banner – University Medicine, was inducted into the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators at the American College of Surgeons.
Ara Feinstein, MD, MPH (center) is flanked by co-chairs of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, L.D. Britt, MD, MPH (left), and Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD (right).
Photo courtesy of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators
“Someone once told me that awards and accolades are like shadows — if you chase them, you will never catch them. But if you stay on your path, they will always follow you,” said Feinstein. “I see this as a milestone and recognition of a career spent educating students, residents and fellows. It was humbling to see the company I was in and be considered part of a group I have so much respect for.”
Feinstein’s path to a career in surgical education began by watching his father, a community general surgeon, who demonstrated that making time to teach was a sacred duty despite his demanding practice. Feinstein’s father passed away a few years ago, but he accepted the honor on behalf of them both.
Feinstein has an extensive background as a surgeon educator. After completing general surgery residency training at Harvard Medical School and trauma/critical care fellowship training at Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, he wanted to return to Phoenix to begin his medical education journey. At the time, Phoenix was the largest city in the country without a medical school. Feinstein, a native Phoenician, wanted to bring the knowledge he gained to serve the community as an academic surgeon. He was the inaugural director of the surgery clerkship with the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix and a trauma surgeon at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. He has been a strong advocate for medical education and the college’s growth ever since.
In his role as associate dean of clinical affairs, he oversees all aspects of the clinical practice side for medical students, residents and fellows.
“The college is grateful to have such a strong ally in Dr. Feinstein. He shares our commitment to training outstanding physicians and providing quality health care in the communities we serve,” said Fredric Wondisford, MD, MS, MBA, dean of the College of Medicine – Phoenix. “We are pushing the frontiers of innovation to make outstanding contributions in the field of medicine.”
Admission to the academy follows a rigorous and competitive process. Established members evaluate nominees who have demonstrated significant commitment and contribution to surgical education.
“As we welcome these new members, we are excited to continue fostering innovation, collaboration and excellence in surgical education. Together, we will define the future of surgical education and inspire the next generation of educators to advance patient care and professional practice through impactful education,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, director of the American College of Surgeons’ Division of Education and co-chair of the academy.
As part of the seventh cohort of members inducted into the academy, Feinstein will work with colleagues to advance the science and practice of innovative lifelong surgical education training and scholarship across all surgical specialties.
This story originally appeared on the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix website.