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.

Ralph G. Dacey Jr., MD

Ralph G. Dacey Jr., MD


Professor of Neurosurgery

Former Chair of Neurosurgery

Dacey Scholar Award Recipients

2025-2026

Michelle Connor, MD

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

Derek Li, MD

PGY7 Resident

MD, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine

BS, Johns Hopkins University

Hometown: Troy, MI

2023-2024

Diane Aum, MD

Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellow, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

2022-2023

Rupen Desai, MD

Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Froedtert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin.