Dr. Carlos Pellegrini Receives ACS Icon in Surgery Honor

Dr. Carlos Pellegrini
Image courtesy of the Archives of the American College of Surgeons

October 13, 2019

Dr. Carlos Pellegrini, Professor Emeritus, former UW Medicine Chief Medical Officer and UW Vice President for Medical Affairs, was honored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as an “Icon in Surgery” at the ACS annual Clinical Congress in October 2019.

“I was honored and humbled by the ACS decision to confer this honor to me,” expresses Dr. Pellegrini. “I am the first one to recognize that my designation reflects in great part the dedication and the work of every member of the Department of Surgery at the University of Washington with whom I have had the privilege to work with. And, for that, I am particularly thankful. While the ceremony was impressive, what really touched my heart were the words of all those who reflected on their special relationship with me…those expressions of gratitude are permanently engraved in my memory – and in my soul.”

“Dr. Pellegrini is a role model, colleague, and friend for all of us in UW Surgery,” states Dr. Douglas Wood, The Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair. “His accomplishments and recognitions are legendary, but this most recent honor as an ‘Icon in Surgery’ by the ACS is a rare and singular celebration of Dr. Pellegrini’s long influence in surgery, and on the people he has touched. Although Dr. Pellegrini is a renowned surgical leader, what holds him apart is his strength of character, integrity, kindness, and his deep understanding and love for people. Dr. Pellegrini is the type of surgeon, and person, that we all aspire to be.”