03/25/2025
The past two days have been incredibly meaningful for me, as I had the privilege of honoring the legacies of two remarkable mentors who shaped my journey.
Pr. Alain Carlier – Not everyone in medicine is fortunate enough to have a true mentor, someone who influences you in profound and diverse ways. Pr. Carlier has been that guiding figure for me since our paths first crossed 23 years ago. Under his mentorship, I evolved into the anatomist, doctor, and surgeon I am today. While I’ve had many exceptional teachers throughout my 20+ years of training, Pr. Carlier will always be my “surgical father.” Watching him receive the “Pioneer in Hand Surgery” award from was a deeply special moment for me. Congratulations, Professor! What an incredible honor.
Dr. Richard Berger – When I began my training at Mayo Clinic, I was fortunate to meet Dick and connect with him on a personal level. We had countless conversations, covering everything from surgery to life itself, and I learned so much just by listening to him. He, along with his wife Evelyn and daughter Andrea, welcomed me like family from the moment I arrived in Rochester, Minnesota. Dick’s passing left a deep void for so many of us. He was a giant in hand surgery, and I’m sure he would have been proud of the “Pioneer in Hand Surgery” recognition he received from . May his memory always be cherished.
