Women surgeons’ group honors VUSM student Mainthia
Rajshri Mainthia, a third-year student at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, has been named to receive of the Association of Women Surgeons’ (AWS) Patricia Numann Medical Student Award.
Rajshri Mainthia
Mainthia’s unanimous selection by the AWS committee was supported by Ron Eavey, M.D., director of the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center and Guy M. Maness Professor in Otolaryngology, and James Netterville, M.D., Mark C. Smith Professor and director of the Division of Head and Neck Surgery.
“Otolaryngology and the Bill Wilkerson Center are extremely honored that the AWS has chosen Rajshri to be this year's medical student recipient,” Eavey said. “Rajshri exemplifies the highest possible professional talents — wrapped up in a very special person. She demonstrates exceptional promise to positively impact health care for the future.”
Mainthia had spent a year doing research in Otolaryngology with support from the Vanderbilt Medical Scholars Program. She says Patricia Numann, for whom the award is named, is one of her biggest role models. The award was established to encourage and support female medical students pursuing a career in surgery.
“I feel incredibly humbled to receive this award and attribute this honor largely to my research and service mentors and family who have encouraged me to think creatively and lead projects I am passionate about,” Mainthia said.
Mainthia won’t be the only Vanderbilt award recipient at the association’s October annual meeting.
The AWS Past Presidents’ Honorary Member Award will be presented to John Tarpley, M.D., professor of Surgery, assistant chief of Surgical Service and coordinator of the General Surgery Residency, and his wife, Margaret Tarpley, MLS, senior associate in Surgery. This award is given to an individual or individuals who are supportive of the goals of the association.