EAST Oriens Award for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Fellows and Residents

About this program

The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), supported by an unrestricted grant from the Polk Family Charitable Fund, offers the Oriens Award essay competition for aspiring trauma and acute care surgeons. One resident and one fellow will receive complimentary registration to the 2027 EAST Annual Scientific Assembly, up to $1,500 in travel and lodging reimbursement, and an opportunity to present the winning essay orally. Applicants must be currently enrolled in residency or fellowship through at least June 2027, submit an anonymous one-page personal statement addressing why they want a career in trauma and acute care surgery, and identify an EAST Active or Senior member as a sponsor. Essays are due by 11:59 p.m. CDT on September 1, 2026.