Sharon M. Henry, MD, FACS, a trauma surgeon from Baltimore, Maryland, is among a group of 89 esteemed surgeon educators inducted into membership in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators on September 10, 2026, during a program event in Chicago. This is the ninth cohort of members inducted into this distinguished Academy.

Dr. Henry was inducted as a member of this highly selective Academy. She is the Anne Scalea Professor of Trauma Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Wound Healing and Metabolism at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.

Dr. Henry is a dedicated surgeon educator whose experience in the field includes serving as First Vice President of the American College of Surgeons (2025–2026), Chair and International Chair of the ACS Committee on Trauma ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Subcommittee, Course Director and instructor for ATLS, ATOM (Advanced Trauma Operative Management), and ASSET (Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma) courses. She has also directed clinical education for surgical residents and medical students for over three decades at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Her other honors and awards received as a surgeon educator include the Department of Surgery Medical Student and Resident Teaching Award (2006), the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Meritorious Service Award (2010), the Dean's Alumni Award for Diversity and Inclusion (2023), recognition as the first African American female inducted into the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (2000), and honorary international membership in the Brazilian College of Surgeons (2023).

“No one deserves this honor more than Dr. Sharon Henry,” said Thomas M. Scalea, MD, The Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor in Trauma at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Physician in Chief at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. “She is the quintessential educator who has the ability to teach every level of learner. Dr. Henry’s passion for education is palpable. Her work with the American College of Surgeons trauma courses is simply one example of how she has affected trauma care around the world.”

The ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators works to advance the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties. Individuals are selected as Members, Associate Members, or Affiliate Members following a stringent peer review process. This year’s class includes Members (45 Inductees) and Associate Members (44 Inductees). Inductees are from 27 states and they come from nine countries in addition to those from the United States. The first inaugural class was inducted in 2018 and the Academy has since grown to include 533 Members, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members who represent thirteen surgical specialties other than general surgery.

Once inducted, Academy members actively engage in advancing the Academy’s programs and goals, which are to advance the science and practice of innovative lifelong surgical education, training, and scholarship in the changing milieu of health care; foster the exchange of creative ideas and collaboration; support the development and recognition of faculty; underscore the importance of lifelong surgical education and training; positively impact quality and patient safety through lifelong surgical education and training; disseminate advances in education and training to all surgeons; and offer mentorship to surgeon educators throughout their professional careers.

“This year, we celebrate another cohort of distinguished surgeon educators who are pushing the frontiers of surgical education and making outstanding contributions to our field,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, Senior Vice President of the ACS Academy and Co-Chair of the Academy. “As we welcome these new members, we are excited to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in surgical education. Together, we will define the future of surgical education and inspire the next generation of educators to advance patient care and professional practice through impactful education.”

Academy members collaborate on and publish significant works of scholarship and participate in fireside chats, Grand Rounds Series, and the Academy Symposium, an annual conference that brings together Academy members to exchange best practices and discuss critical topics in surgical education. The Academy continues to focus on outreach and mentorship to surgeon educators from across the globe, with a special emphasis on engaging surgeon educators from low-middle income countries. With this year’s induction ceremony, the Academy includes 72 international members, representing 27 countries outside of the U.S.

“The Academy of Master Surgeon Educators continues to be a dynamic force, driving the evolution of surgical education through the dedication and expertise of its members,” said L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, Past President of the ACS, and Co-Chair of the Academy. “As we welcome the 2026 class of exceptional educators, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of surgical training and setting new educational benchmarks that ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes.”

To learn more about the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, please visit the Academy’s homepage.