Karen Brasel’s (91MD) national leadership reflects her steadfast advocacy for the value of education and mentorship in the field of surgery. As vice president of the American Board of Surgery (ABS), she has spearheaded the transition to competency-based assessment in training, which promises better preparedness for the next generation of surgeons. Her research on evidence-based teaching methods, quality of life after traumatic injury, and the incorporation of palliative care has led to numerous publications and international lectures. Prior to her role with ABS, she served as assistant dean for graduate medical education, surgery program director, and vice chair of education and professional development at Oregon Health Sciences University.