Dr. V. Suzanne Klimberg has been honored with the Dr. Sally Abston Award from the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS). She was nominated for this prestigious recognition by Dr. Jennifer Den.
The AWS was founded in 1981 by Dr. Patricia Numann, who brought together women surgeons for informal networking during the American College of Surgeons meeting. Officially incorporated in 1986, the organization grew rapidly under the leadership of Dr. Tamar Earnest, reaching nearly 1,000 members by 1988. AWS has since launched key initiatives including a newsletter, professional development programs, and an annual meeting. A strategic plan in 1991 helped solidify its mission and earned AWS a representative seat within the American College of Surgeons.