Cary B. Aarons received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He then completed his general surgery training at Boston University Medical Center, followed by his colorectal surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After fellowship, he began his practice at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. He then transitioned to the University of Pennsylvania, where he became an Associate Program Director, and ultimately the Program Director for the General Surgery Residency. He helped implement initiatives focused on creating and maintaining a culture of inclusion and support in the Department of Surgery. Most notably, Dr. Aarons championed holistic review methods that have drastically increased the diversity of surgical trainees at Penn. He also implemented life coach sessions for junior residents and safe spaces for residents to discuss their experiences with hardship and build community with each other. His commitment to his residents knows no bounds.
Dr. Aarons was and continues to be invested in surgical education, receiving a master’s degree in Medical Education from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Residents often praised the instruction they received from him while on his rotation, citing both the autonomy he allowed them and the meaningful feedback he gave. He has also been involved in medical education on a larger scale, serving on numerous committees, and is nationally recognized for his contributions to surgical education. He was promoted to Professor of Clinical Surgery in 2022 and held important roles in the Perelman School of Medicine, serving as the Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education and Director for Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Affairs.
Dr. Aarons transitioned to Columbia University in 2023, where he is the Program Director for the General Surgery Residency and the Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Surgery. Although he is no longer at Penn, his legacy of commitment to equity, inclusion, and education remains a shining example for our trainees and faculty to aspire to build.