Dr. Goldberg Tapped for Academy of Master Surgeon Educators

Ross F. Goldberg, MD, FACS, an associate professor in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Department of Surgery, was recently inducted into the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators.

“I appreciate being recognized and that they felt I was worthy to be within their ranks to provide insight on surgical education,” said Dr. Goldberg, who is one of 65 surgeon educators in the 2022 cohort. “It’s a way to distinguish what we’ve contributed to the educational world and, in another way, acknowledge the work that’s been done.”

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The ACS has recognized Master Surgeon Educators since 2018. According to its website, the ACS is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment. More than 300 ACS members work to achieve the academy’s goals, which include advancing the science and practice of innovative life-long surgical education, training and scholarship in health care.

Dr. Goldberg, who has been teaching medical students since he was a resident, joined the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix faculty in 2012.

“I knew from the beginning I wanted to be in the academic world versus private practice for a variety of reasons,” Dr. Goldberg said. “One of the benefits is I get to teach residents, and it’s a different expectation when you’re in that environment. Not everyone can do it, and you must have a lot of patience. But it’s a rewarding experience to help be involved with someone’s training and to watch them succeed in the future.”

Natasha Keric, MD, an associate professor of surgery and the director of the Surgery Clerkship at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, said Dr. Goldberg is devoted to helping students grow as professionals.

“Dr. Goldberg’s dedication to teaching students about what it means to be a surgeon is palpable,” Dr. Keric said. “He engages his audience through carefully crafted lectures that incorporate knowledge, expertise, compassion and humor.”

Medical students have an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on their professor’s performance as an instructor. One student noted, “Dr. Goldberg always asked the right questions and helped me stretch my knowledge and abilities during this rotation. I appreciated his kindness while teaching, and he showed that he really cared about his patients.”

“I got the impression that he really wants his students and residents to succeed,” another student wrote. “I appreciated that he would explain his actions and thought processes and was always receptive to questions.”

Dr. Goldberg earned a medical degree from New York Medical College, after which he spent nine years training at various residencies and fellowships.

A version of this story originally appeared on the College of Medicine – Phoenix website.