
Dacey Scholar Program
The Dacey Scholar Program, established and recently expanded through the support of Dr. Ralph G. Dacey, Jr., MD, honors his extraordinary commitment to excellence in neurosurgical education, clinical care, and scientific discovery. The award is designed to recognize and promote the development of a neurosurgery resident who exemplifies the highest standards as both an outstanding clinician and a promising scientific investigator.
Reflecting Dr. Dacey’s distinguished career as former Chair of Neurosurgery at WashU Medicine and an internationally recognized leader in neurovascular and cerebrovascular surgery, the program embodies his lifelong dedication to mentorship, academic leadership, and advancing the field of neurosurgery. Through this award, Dr. Dacey’s enduring impact on resident education and innovation continues to shape the next generation of neurosurgical leaders.
Dacey Scholar Award Recipients
2025-2026
Michelle Connor, MD
PGY6 Resident
MD, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California
BS, Vanderbilt University
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
2024-2025
Derek Li, MD
PGY7 Resident
MD, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine
BS, Johns Hopkins University
Hometown: Troy, MI
2023-2024
Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellow, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
2022-2023
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Froedtert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
