Congratulations to Dr. Mark Baratz on being the recipient of the first Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) “He for She” Award. The RJOS had planned on presenting the award to Dr. Baratz at the RJOS Annual Meeting until it had been cancelled due to the CORID-19 coronavirus.
The RJOS He for She Award recognizes a male orthopaedic surgeon who serves as a strong mentor and sponsor for women in orthopaedics, supporting and empowering females at all stages of their careers to achieve their professional goals. The criteria for selection include: being an open advocate for women in orthopaedics; demonstrating continued support, mentorship and sponsorship for various women; and being a forward-minded, inclusive thinker. Dr. Baratz was one of eleven candidates nominated for the award.
Dr. Baratz was nominated by Dr. Julie Adams, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga. Dr. Adams’ five page nomination highlighted and provided numerous examples of Dr. Baratz’s exceptional and ongoing efforts to support women in orthopaedics.
Dr. Baratz (ortho alum '90) is a Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and serves as the Program Director of the UPMC Hand Fellowship Program. Receiving this award continues the strong tradition of diversity within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Pitt. The tradition began with Dr. Albert Ferguson (Chairman ’53-86) who trained and mentored the Department’s first woman, Mary Clark (67-72). Dr. Fu remains committed to continuing the tradition and oversees one of the top and most ethnically and gender-diversified orthopaedic residency training programs in the country. For this, Dr. Fu received the 2011 AAOS Diversity Award. Pitt Ortho is proud to continue to attract and train women to join an impressive group of women alumni -- Gloria Beam, Robin West, Vonda Wright, Alexis Colvin, and Carolyn (Cis) Engle, to name a few.