Orthopaedic residency manager, Cancer Center recognized for excellence
Published on Monday, February 24, 2025
By: Gary Pettus, gpettus@umc.edu
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide.
Kraus earns national award as ‘model of professionalism’
Amy Kraus, manager of health education for the orthopaedic surgery residency and fellowship programs at UMMC, has received the Coordinator of the Year Award for 2025 from the American Orthopaedic Association Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors.
“This award honors coordinators whose dedication strengthens their residency programs through a deep understanding of the complex accreditation process, exceptional communication and impactful improvements,” the AOA states.
Among those who nominated Kraus for the honor were Dr. Matthew Graves, professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery; Dr. Izuchukwu Ibe, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and program director of the orthopaedic surgery residency; current residents and alumni.
“If I could clone her, I would have done so years ago,” Graves wrote in his nomination letter. “She consistently goes unreasonably beyond normal expectations for the good of the department.
“Her institutional memory and attention to detail are mind-blowing. Her compassion, dedication and enthusiasm seem otherworldly.
“She is a model of professionalism, but she is not the distant, unemotional type. She leans into relationships and is commonly referenced as the program mom for all the right reasons. She treats her position as a calling rather than a job, and this is evidenced by the way she approaches every single issue or request.”
Kraus, whose hometown is Jackson, earned a business administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has worked at the Medical Center for more than 30 years and, for the past 21 years, has been an orthopaedic residency program coordinator – a title that recently changed to “manager.”
“[The AOA/CORD award] is a great honor and wonderful recognition,” Kraus said. “Resident education is incredibly important and I take pride in the role I play.
“I also know that I am lucky to work with my ortho and UMMC family. The support, encouragement and guidance provided me throughout the years has helped me learn and grow.
“Program coordinators do not do this job alone, and I value the teams around me.”
— — —
CCRI doubly honored by American College of Surgeons’ Commission
The Cancer Center and Research Institute at UMMC has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has also earned distinction as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner.
By awarding accreditation, the ACS commission recognizes the CCRI for its dedication to meeting the highest standards in cancer care. Surgical Quality Partner status acknowledges the CCRI for its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
“We are proud to align with their mission and incorporate these vital areas into our own practices,” said Dr. Shannon Orr, division chief of surgical oncology at UMMC.
“This accreditation serves as an affirmation of our efforts and fuels our determination to maintain and elevate the standards of cancer care.”
The CoC is a coalition of professional organizations that focus on improving survival rates and the quality of life for cancer patients, as well as ensuring nationwide excellence in cancer treatment.
“We are extremely pleased to be granted accredited status by the Commission on Cancer. This represents an ongoing dedication to providing the highest level of oncologic care to our diverse group of patients,” said Dr. Wade Christopher, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology at UMMC.
“Our goal is to continue implementing the most current standard of care practices to better serve our patients.”
The CoC was established in 1922. Its members include representatives from the ACS and approximately 60 national, professional organizations engaged in cancer care.
“I am proud and honored to work with UMMC’s Clinical Cancer Committee,” said Kristi Durham, regulatory affairs specialist for the Cancer Center.
“This accreditation highlights the team’s commitment to providing top-quality care and continuously improving cancer care.”