GenSurg Trainees, Faculty, and Staff Recognized at 2026 GME Awards

May 14, 2026

Several members of the Division of General Surgery were recognized at the 2026 Graduate Medical Education (GME) Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13.


Carlie Arbaugh, MD — Resident, General Surgery
GME Award for Promoting Health Equity
This annual award recognizes one resident and one fellow who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing health equity through research, community engagement, and/or social advocacy for marginalized communities at the Stanford School of Medicine.

"Thank you so much for this honor. I am very humbled to receive these nominations and award and grateful for the support to pursue health equity work through many different avenues in these past 11 years as a medical student and resident here at Stanford. It’s continued to be my internal compass during the long clinical days of training and finding strength and hope in the larger social and political challenges we have all been facing. I hope we can continue to uphold these values and build this kind of work as an institution and community and I am always happy to collaborate in these efforts as an alum in the years to come."


Grace Klaris — Resident, General Surgery
Kelley Skeff Professionalism Award
Named in honor of Dr. Kelley Skeff, the GME Kelley M. Skeff Professionalism Award recognizes exemplary professionalism, integrity, and collaboration in working with peers, faculty, and staff across Stanford Medicine.


Nicole Tomimatsu — Senior Residency Coordinator, General Surgery Residency Program 
Outstanding GME Program Coordinator Award 
This award recognizes outstanding educational leadership, mentorship, and innovation in your program and at Stanford. 

"I truly appreciate this and am very grateful to be part of our residency program."


Dr. David Spain — General Surgery Residency Program Director 
Outstanding GME Program Director Award 
This award recognizes outstanding educational leadership, mentorship, and innovation in your program and across GME.

"I’m lucky to have such a great team and awesome support."

Anish Jain — Resident, General Surgery
GME Well-Being Award
The GME Well-Being Award honors residents and fellows who actively support trainee well-being, address systemic contributors to burnout, improve mental health access, and foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Jain was recognized for his continual support of the PGY-1s and organizing pickup games every week. "Through these activities, he has allowed residents to engage in fun physical activity while fostering a platform for residents to meet one another and grow interdepartmental relationships," wrote the awards committee. 

"I feel extremely humbled and grateful to receive this award, especially since I was nominated by my colleagues. It’s been awesome to build many new friendships and a strong multidisciplinary community through the group. This coming academic year, I look forward to more great runs with the crew and new members!"

Media Contact

Rachel Baker
Rachel Baker
Director of Communications
(650) 723-2301
rebaker@stanford.edu

Bio

As the Director of Communications for Stanford Surgery, Rachel Baker tells the stories of her department's faculty, staff, and trainees. With the help of an amazing team of content creators, she produces and curates original articles, photos, videos, graphics, and podcasts. She works with each division, center, program, and lab within her purview to define their audience and reach their goals while maintaining a consistent brand voice. She also offers both 1:1 and group education on a variety of topics including media training, using social media to advantage, and presentation refinement. Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus on photography from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland.

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research, 
• developing the next generation of leaders, and 
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion. 

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu

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