Several Department of Surgery faculty were recognized by the College of Medicine for their excellent contributions and service.
We’re excited to congratulate Aditya S. Shirali, M.D., assistant professor of surgery in the Division Surgical Oncology, on receiving the University of Florida College of Medicine Rising Star Award.
Each year, the Rising Star Award is given to an exceptional early-career clinical faculty member.
Shirali was chosen from a field of department-level awardees from across the College of Medicine, each of whom was chosen for their exceptional skill and enthusiasm for patient care and their consistent dedication to quality measures and efficiency.
Shirali joined the Department of Surgery in 2022, and since then has already made a mark at the University of Florida, working to establish a research program focused on endocrine surgical diseases in older adults. He has recently been awarded a grant from the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center for his work titled, “Rescuing mobility function through surgical removal of the parathyroid gland.”
“If I’m rising, it’s because of the strong mentorship and support I’ve received in the department of surgery,” Shirali said. “The departmental leadership has been amazing at introducing me to other investigators and facilitating research, and the collaborations and communities that exist at the University of Florida have been wonderful.”
Shirali said that his best advice for physicians at the beginning of their research careers is to develop a community-minded approach.
“Think big, and recognize that you can’t do it alone. No research is out of reach, especially when you consider the advice and wisdom of all the people who have been in your shoes.” — Aditya S. Shirali, M.D.
“Wherever you start your academic career, think about what’s important to the community,” he said. “What need is there? How can you answer it? Melding your interests with the needs of your community helps position you to bring about change in the areas that are important to both you and to the people you serve.”
“Think big,” he added, “and recognize that you can’t do it alone. No research is out of reach, especially when you consider the advice and wisdom of all the people who have been in your shoes. Talk with them. Find out what worked and what didn’t. Leverage their experiences to enhance your ability to build successful clinical and research programs.”
Ian Driscoll, M.D., who passed away in March of this year, was honored with the David A. Paulus Award for Clinical Excellence. This award is given in recognition of excellence at every level of patient care.
Alicia Mohr, M.D., the Edward R. Woodward Professor of Surgery and chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgery, received her 10-year service pin at the assembly. Thomas Huber, M.D., Ph.D., the Edward R. Woodward Professor of Surgery, received his 30-year service pin.