PHOENIX (Jan. 20, 2025) -- Ara Feinstein, MD, a physician executive with Banner – University Medicine and associate dean of clinical affairs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, was inducted into the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators at the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
“Someone once told me that awards and accolades are like shadows – if you chase them, you will never catch them, but if you stay on your path, they will always follow you,” said Dr. Feinstein. “I see this as a milestone and recognition of a career spent educating students, residents and fellows. It was humbling to see the company I was in and be considered part of a group I have so much respect for.”
Feinstein’s path to a career in surgical education began by watching his father, a community general surgeon, who demonstrated that making time to teach was a sacred duty despite his demanding practice. He learned from his father how important it was to repay the debt of gratitude owed to those who educated us. Feinstein’s father passed away a few years ago, but he accepted the honor on behalf of both of them.
Feinstein has an extensive background as a surgeon educator. After completing general surgery residency training at Harvard Medical School and trauma/critical care fellowship training at Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, he looked to Phoenix to begin his medical education journey. At the time, Phoenix was the largest city in the country without a medical school. A native Phoenician, Feinstein was anxious to return home and bring the knowledge he gained to serve this community as an academic surgeon.
He accepted a role as the inaugural director of the surgery clerkship with the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix and trauma surgeon at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.
He has been a strong advocate for medical education and dedicated partner to the college’s growth ever since. In his role as associate dean of clinical affairs, he oversees all aspects of the clinical practice side of the medical students, residents’ and fellows’ experience.
“This prestigious and rare honor requires extensive testimonials from past and current trainees, mentees and peers, in addition to a giant dossier of impactful teaching contributions,” said Mira Milas, MD, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix endocrinology surgeon and University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix professor and vice chair of the department of surgery. “Dr. Feinstein is one of only few surgeons in Arizona to hold this honor. It comes as no surprise given the trailblazing contributions to surgical education.”
Admission to the academy follows a rigorous and competitive process. Established members evaluate nominees who have demonstrated significant commitment and contribution to surgical education.
“The college is grateful to have such a strong ally in Dr. Feinstein. He shares our commitment to training outstanding physicians and providing quality health care in the communities we serve,” said Fredric Wondisford, MD, dean of the College of Medicine – Phoenix. “We are pushing the frontiers of innovation to make outstanding contributions in the field of medicine.”
As part of the seventh cohort of members inducted into the distinguished academy, Feinstein will work with colleagues to advance the science and practice of innovative lifelong surgical education training and scholarship across all surgical specialties.
About Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is a large teaching hospital that has provided medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. It is part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. The institution, which has trained thousands of doctors over decades as a teaching hospital, is the academic medical center for The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. The hospital, recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals, specializes in heart care, cancer care, high-risk obstetrics, neurosciences, organ transplants, medical toxicology and emergency care, including a Level I trauma center. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health care system with 33 hospitals in six states. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/universityphoenix.
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