Washington, DC Surgeon Mary Maniscalco-Theberge, MD, FACS, Receives Inaugural ACS Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award

Newswise — WASHINGTON, DC : Mary Maniscalco-Theberge, MD, FACS, received the inaugural American College of Surgeons (ACS) Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award last night during the Convocation ceremony that preceded the opening of the College’s 2016 Clinical Congress. Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge is Interim Medical Inspector, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and clinical professor of surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The award was developed by the ACS Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) and recognizes significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery.
Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge was recognized for her work as a champion for the advancement of women in surgery and for being an inspiration throughout her career to women surgeons in the Washington, DC, area. In presenting her with the award, the WiSC noted, “Though her academic excellence is remarkable, it is her constant commitment to the women marching behind her that inspires others. She encourages every woman surgeon to get involved with their local chapters of ACS and [the Association of Women Surgeons]. She is known for saying ‘you can't ask for change if you're not ready to do the work to make it happen.’”
“The Women in Surgery Committee is very proud to announce that our inaugural Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award recipient is Dr. Mary Maniscalco-Theberge,” said Rosemary Kozar, MD, FACS, Chair of the WiSC. “We felt that Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge embodies the unwavering commitment of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker to her country, her profession, and her success in the face of adversity.
In her capacity as an ACS Fellow, Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge has served as the President of the Metropolitan Washington, DC, ACS Chapter and Vice-Chair of the ACS Committee on Resident Education, in addition to her involvement in other ACS activities. She has also held numerous leadership positions with the Association of Women Surgeons Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter.
Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge received her medical doctorate from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va. She went on to complete general surgery residency training at the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, a Trauma/Critical Care Fellowship at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center and a Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A retired Army Colonel, Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge has received the Legion of Merit, Order of Military Merit, and the "A" Proficiency Designator.
“At VA, we are privileged every day to work with Dr. Maniscalco-Theberge, and to benefit from her leadership, advocacy and expertise on behalf of veterans,” said Carolyn Clancy, MD, Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Organizational Excellence, VHA. “We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. It is a well-deserved recognition.”
The Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award is named for Mary Edwards Walker, MD, the first female surgeon to be employed by the U.S. Army and the only woman in the 1855 graduating class of Syracuse Medical School. Dr. Walker is the only woman to have received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Her extensive commitment to the surgical profession has helped pave the way for the women surgeons of today.
Editor’s note: A photo is available from the Office of Public Information of the American College of Surgeons, email: [email protected].
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About the American College of SurgeonsThe American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 80,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. Its annual Clinical Congress is one of the largest international meetings of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org