Our H.E.R.O. Award -Honoring Excellent Resident Observations – was launched to highlight the personal sacrifices and educational commitment during a medical resident’s professional adult life. We realize, considering the fast moving changes in healthcare, how courageous medical residents are to embark upon a career in medicine with such an uncertain future. This award is our way of recognizing that courage.
If you know a resident that deserves to be recognized, please nominate your candidate here.
We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to our nominees individually:
Katie Van Abel
Mayo Clinic/Rochester, MN – Rochester, MN
Katie went to Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, where she had to transition from a professional downhill skiing career to one filled with studying, taking tests and caring for patients. She made the transition easily serving others became the focus of her career. Otolaryngology fits Katie perfectly because of her passion for research, surgery and most importantly the care of the patient. She is incredibly motivated to advance the field of otolaryngology through research, yet does not lose focus on the patients behind the medicine. Growing up as an athlete and competing at a professional level, Katie was no stranger to the being on the patient side of the doctor-patient relationship. Her interaction with physicians through her various sports related injuries introduced her to the culture of medicine and instilled a deep love for patient care. Katie gave up a career in professional downhill skiing to pursue a career in medicine. Vote for Katie here.
If you know a resident that deserves to be recognized, please nominate your candidate here. 
