Incoming general surgery resident Dr. Mary Smithson is named the 2018 recipient of the Robert J. Cerfolio Award for Outstanding Medical Student in General Surgery and the Mary T. Hawn Award for Outstanding Woman Medical Student at the May 18 UAB School of Medicine Birmingham campus awards luncheon at the UAB National Alumni Society House. (Photo by Dustin Massey)

At last Friday’s UAB School of Medicine Birmingham campus awards’ luncheon, recent UAB medical school grad and incoming general surgery resident Mary Smithson, M.D., was awarded both the 2018 Department of Surgery medical student awards, the Robert J. Cerfolio Award for Outstanding Medical Student in General Surgery and the Mary T. Hawn Award for Outstanding Woman Medical Student.

"I am very grateful to have received both the Mary T. Hawn and the Robert J. Cerfolio awards," Smithson said. "Both these surgeons have contributed so much to the field of surgery and UAB, and it is an honor to be recognized in their name. I can't wait for the next 7 years here at UAB!"

Smithson has worked alongside many Department of Surgery faculty who said that her early success in the field is no surprise.

Dr. Richard Stahl (left) and Dr. Britney Corey (right) present Mary Smithson (middle) with both 2018 Department of Surgery medical student awards at the May 18 UAB School of Medicine Birmingham campus awards' luncheon at the UAB National Alumni Society House. (Photo by Dustin Massey)

“Mary is an excellent medical student,” said Associate Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery Melanie Morris, M.D. “She is very bright, dedicated and caring and is a pleasure to work with. I am confident she will be a highly successful surgeon.”

Smithson was one of two UAB medical students who matched into the UAB General Surgery Residency Program at this year’s Match Day on March 16.

“Mary is one of the most outstanding medical students that I have ever worked with,” said Assistant Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery Daniel Chu, M.D. “She exemplifies all the characteristics of a committed and patient-focused surgeon. We were lucky to have matched her, and we are excited that she will begin her surgical career at UAB.”