OUR VISION
The Department of Surgery will create and maintain structures and processes to promote inclusive excellence and increase belonging, psychological safety, and well-being for all Department of Surgery faculty, staff and trainees.
Why Wisconsin Surgery: Culture
Social Impact, Belonging and Well-Being Committee
The Social Impact, Belonging and Well-Being Committee is a broadly inclusive group of faculty, staff, and trainees that meets quarterly to communicate updates on initiatives and opportunities for involvement with interested individuals and gather feedback. The committee is led by the Vice Chair of Social Impact and Belonging, Elise Lawson, MD, MSHS, and the Vice Chair of Well-Being, Jacqueline Israel, MD.
Well-being Survey
The Department of Surgery participates in an institutional well-being survey. Our well-being initiatives directly reflect data received from that survey.
Social Impact, Belonging & Well-Being Leadership
Elise Lawson, MD
Vice Chair for Social Impact and Belonging, Department of Surgery
Jacqueline Israel, MD
Vice Chair of Well-Being, Department of Surgery
Sample Initiatives
Cultural Complications Curriculum
A longitudinal educational series integrated into M&M, as well as quarterly staff meetings, that uses real-world scenarios to foster reflection, dialogue, and skill-building around culture in surgical practice.
DOS Book Club
A forum that promotes shared learning, reflection, and community through facilitated small-group discussions, including participation in the UW Go Big Read each fall and spring book selections chosen by members of the Department of Surgery.
Peer Support
A confidential support program that connects surgeons and trainees with trained peers following adverse events, stressors, or challenging professional experiences.
Surgical Career Pathways Outreach
Engagement events for high school and college students designed to increase early exposure to careers in surgery and strengthen the future surgical workforce.
Visiting Professorships
Annual Social Impact & Belonging Visiting Professorship and Wellbeing Visiting Professorship provide opportunities for faculty, trainees, and staff to engage with national leaders through a Grand Rounds presentation and structured time for discussion, mentorship, and professional connection.
Institutional Memberships
The UW Department of Surgery is proud to support several surgical societies as an institutional member.
Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Student Scholarship Program
Sponsored by the Department of Surgery, this scholarship supports qualified 4th year medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine in developing their clinical skills, abilities, and potential through a visiting rotation, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Open Feedback Channels
Ongoing mechanisms that encourage transparent communication and provide opportunities for faculty, staff, and trainees to share concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improvement.
Institutional Resources
UW-Madison Inclusive Excellence Resources
Read policies, initiatives and an archive of reports
UW Health Social Impact and Belonging
Read about engagement in social impact work
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Social Impact and Belonging
Learn about programs, initiatives and resources
UW School of Medicine and Public Health Building Community
Read about the Building Community program
DOS Social Impact and Belonging News
Welcome Arslan Mohamed, URiM Participant!
The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Department of Surgery, supports qualified 4th year medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine in developing their clinical skills, abilities, and potential through …
August 31, 2026Welcome Claudy Sarpong, URiM Participant!
The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Department of Surgery, supports qualified 4th year medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine in developing their clinical skills, abilities, and potential through …
August 31, 2026Welcome Molly Armstrong, URiM Participant!
The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Department of Surgery, supports qualified 4th year medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine in developing their clinical skills, abilities, and potential through …
July 21, 2026Wisconsin Surgery Faculty and Residents Participate in 2026 Healthcare Disparities Conference
The AHANA-MAPS Pre-Health Society, a UW–Madison student organization for African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students, hosted its 14th annual Healthcare Disparities Conference on April 12, 2026. The theme of the conference was “Healing Beyond …
April 20, 2026Department of Surgery Partners with HOPE Program for Surgical Skills Workshop
On March 7, 2026, the Department of Surgery hosted a surgical skills workshop in partnership with the HOPE Program. This workshop gave hands-on learning experiences to high school students. To start the sessions, students learned …
March 30, 2026- More Social Impact and Belonging posts
Well-Being at UW Health >>
UW Health values each employee and provides evidenced based programs and initiatives to support personal well-being and a culture of well-being throughout the organization.