The Department of Surgery gathered to honor its 2026 graduates last Saturday, June 27. The graduation ceremony and dinner, along with an awards ceremony on June 26, honored not only the amazing residents who are embarking on the next steps of their careers but also to the many outstanding physicians, educators and mentors we have here at the UF Department of Surgery.
Our graduating residents were Perez Agaba, M.D., Evan Barrios, M.D., Gwendolyn Gillies, M.D., Jonathan Krebs, M.D., and Valerie Polcz, M.D.
Dr. Agaba is heading to the University of Pittsburgh to complete a vascular surgery fellowship.
Dr. Barrios is heading to UT Southwestern, Parkland Health to complete a burn/surgical critical care fellowship.
Dr. Gillies is going to the University of Louisville to complete a surgical oncology fellowship.
Dr. Krebs will remain at the University of Florida to begin his vascular surgery fellowship.
Dr. Polcz will also be remaining here at the University of Florida as she begins her vascular surgery fellowship.
Medical Student Awards
The Robert R. Donahoe Memorial General Surgery Award was established to recognize a senior medical student who has chosen a career in the field of general surgery and who has exhibited superior skill and dedication to patients.
- Philip Mackie, M.D.
The Edward R. Woodward Surgical Award was established to recognize the senior medical student who best demonstrated strengths of moral and ethical fiber, social consciousness and the traits of intelligence, tenacity and perspicacity.
- Griffin Stinson, M.D.
Academic Achievement Awards
Given to a resident in each clinical year for superior achievement on both the ABSITE and level-specific didactic course.
- PGY1 – Austin Coale, M.D.
- PGY2 – Noah Rutherford, M.D.
- PGY3 – James Montgomery, M.D.
- PGY4 – Michelle Dugan, M.D.
- PGY5 – Valerie Polcz, M.D.
Gold Humanism Honor Society 2025 Inductees
Awarded to residents and nominated by UF medical students for their demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service.
- Elizabeth Hansen, M.D.
Gold and Silver Weck Awards
In recognition of a resident who embodies the spirit of Burn Surgery.
Silver Weck Award
- Bailey Richardson, M.D.
Golden Weck Award
- Noah Rutherford, M.D.
Teacher of the Rotation Awards
Chosen by UF medical students and awarded to faculty and resident educators
Best Faculty Teacher of the Rotation
- Lisa Spiguel, M.D.
- Amalia Cochranm M.D.
- Mazen Al-Mansour, M.D.
- George Sarosi, M.D.
- Salvatore Scali, M.D.
Best Resident Teacher of the Rotation
- Pavel Mazirka, M.D.
- Katharine Tracy, M.D.
- Jonathan Krebs, M.D.
Student Teaching Awards
Given based on teaching evaluations of residents and fellows, as completed by medical students.
- Stephanie Diaz, M.D.
- Jonathan Krebs, M.D.
- Heather Liebe, M.D.
Peer-nominated Awards
The Ray Bierstedt Memorial Award is given each year by housestaff and faculty in recognition of an outstanding surgical intern.
- Austin Coale, M.D.
The Hugh A. Walters Humanitarian Award is given to a general surgery resident, as nominated by their fellow residents, who embodies Dr. Walters’ qualities of compassionate care and selfless dedication to excellence.
- Valerie Polcz, M.D.
The Outstanding Teaching Resident Award is presented in recognition of academic excellence in service to housestaff, students and faculty.
- Evan Barrios, M.D.
The Edward R. Woodward Surgical Resident’s Award is awarded to the general surgery resident who embodies outstanding qualities in scholarship, teaching and patient care.
- Jonathan Krebs, M.D.
Faculty Awards
The Lester R. Dragstedt Physician-Scientist Award is presented by the chief residents to the attending surgeon who exemplifies Dr. Dragstedt’s idea of the surgeon-physiologist.
- Tyler Loftus, M.D., Ph.D.
The Edward M. Copeland Faculty Award is presented to a surgical faculty member in recognition of academic excellence, leadership and lifetime mentorship.
- George A. Sarosi, M.D.
The Outstanding Faculty Award General Surgery is presented in recognition of academic excellence in service to housestaff and students.
- Jessica Taylor, M.D.
