We are deeply honored to have had the legendary Dr. Carlos Pellegrini visit Michigan State University, as he kicked off the Department of Surgery’s “Teaching with CARE” grant program with his address on finding joy, meaning, and purpose as a surgeon on Monday, May 13th, 2024.

Teaching with CARE is a pilot faculty development project funded by the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Medicine. Surgeons from Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine's Department of Surgery faculty and the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow's General Surgery Department will partner to reimagine what teaching and learning with an eye toward flourishing can look like in the practice setting. CARE stands for Teaching with Compassion, Attentiveness, Responsiveness, and Equity. Attention to CARE for BOTH attendings and learners are paramount to this program. CARE is not a soft skill- it is a stance of rigor and belief in the uniqueness of each learner that propels people to do their very best while maintaining meaning and purpose.

National consultants, along with Kern Network leaders spent time with Randi Stanulis, PhD, professor of surgery education, and Norman Beauchamp, MD, executive vice provost of MSU Health Sciences, this past weekend to begin developing the curriculum for the Teach with CARE project. The consultants included exceptional thought leaders such as surgeons, residents, and educational specialists including renowned surgeon, Carlos Pellegrini, MD. Dr. Pellegrini reported that The CARE project is “a fabulous program to radically improve humanization in the surgical residency program."

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRSCEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), is a surgeon with expertise on surgical education, simulation, professionalism, and leadership. He is a pioneer in the development of technological surgical advancements and a world leader in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery.

Dr. Pellegrini is a Past-President of the ACS and the American Surgical Association. Dr. Pellegrini is a Founding Member of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators and a member of the Academy Steering Committee. He participates in the highest leadership roles in regional, national, and international surgical societies. His bibliography lists more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, editorials, and books. He is a board member of The Joint Commission.

Thank you, Dr. Pellegrini, for your invaluable contributions to the surgical field and for reminding us of the significance of finding joy in our work and lives. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from a true pioneer.