Third-Year Medical Student Receives Association of Women Surgeons Inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
Navya Nair MD, MPH, FACOG
Assistant Professor
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Third-year medical student Anwei “Polly” Gwan was recently recognized as a recipient
of the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) Inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Conference Award. This award is presented to 16 medical students and residents from
around the country who have demonstrated a strong interest in a surgical specialty
in alignment with the mission of the AWS and its partner organizations.
Polly has received this award on behalf of both the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) and The Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS). As part of the award, she will receive complimentary registration to the upcoming AWS 2020 conference and the opportunity to participate in a welcome session with leadership from AWS and partner organizations.
“Polly is deeply committed to advocating for equity in medicine and is on the board of advisors for this student group at the School of Medicine. She has worked with her colleagues to implement systemic changes across the institution to advocate for minorities both in medicine and in the community at large,” said Dr. Navya Nair, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We are so proud of the work that Polly has done at LSU and thrilled to have her represent LSU on the national stage.”
Dr. Amelia Jernigan, Division Chief, Gynecologic Oncology, said, “Polly has demonstrated commitment and follow-through when it comes to advocating for health equity. She has worked tirelessly to enhance research opportunities for her colleagues and elevate women's health research as a leader in the Women's Health Research Consortium. She has spearheaded a project evaluating disparities in health education with regards to vulvar conditions. She's a team player and a fearless advocate for a more equitable healthcare culture. She makes me hopeful for the future of medicine."