The Mavroudis/Urschel Award was established in 2006 to recognize and honor an STSA member who has not only made important contributions to the STSA scientific program, but who has also uniquely personified the social spirit, camaraderie and fun for which STSA is famous. The award is named for STSA Past Presidents Constantine Mavroudis and Harold Urschel, who both contributed significantly not only to the scientific value of the STSA Annual Meeting but also, and just as importantly, to the organization's high spirits (and high-jinx).
There is more to an organization than its bylaws, and there is more to its annual meeting than the slides and presentations. To many, STSA meetings are as much about social interactions as they are about new research findings in cardiothoracic surgery. Meeting highlights also happen at social events, such as the president's mixer, receptions, sports events and in the exhibit hall breaks. The Award goes to a member who has enhanced both aspects of the organization, scientific and social, and done so with a distinctive, even flamboyant, personal style - in the manner of its namesakes.
The Mavroudis/Urschel Award is made at the discretion of the President with input and recommendation from the double-secret Tiki and Osler-Abbott Committee Chairs. When given, the award is announced at the annual dinner/dance.
MAVROUDIS/URSCHEL AWARD WINNERS
2007 - Kit Arom...............................................................Bangkok, Thailand