Simmons, Mohapatra earn ASA mentoring grants
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has awarded medical students Lauren Simmons and Shweta Mohapatra an ASA Mentoring Grant Award for their project, “Beyond the Mask: A Holistic Introduction to Anesthesiology Through Vertical Mentorship and Immersive Innovation,” which will launch at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston in 2026.
The ASA Mentoring Grant Award fosters mentorship within the society by supporting mentor-mentee pairs who propose projects advancing the mission of their Committee on Professional Diversity. Each award provides funding for initiatives in research, education, or advocacy that align with the committee’s commitment to inclusivity and professional development.
“Our goal with Beyond the Mask is to bridge gaps in exposure to anesthesiology by creating opportunities for students from different backgrounds to connect with mentors, learn technical skills, and grow professionally,” Simmons said. “This recognition from the ASA reflects the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of medicine.”
The Beyond the Mask initiative is an outreach component of the upcoming student-led Humanities, Ethics and Anesthesia Technical Skills (HEAT) Conference. The program will engage undergraduate students from underrepresented communities with didactic and hands-on sessions in airway management and basic life support, along with professional identity development discussions led by a tiered panel of medical students, residents, and faculty.
“This award is a testament to the power of mentorship and collaboration,” Mohapatra said. “We are grateful to our mentors, peers, and faculty at UTHealth Houston who supported us in transforming an idea into a project that will empower the next generation of physicians.”
The second annual HEAT Conference will take place in spring 2026 at McGovern Medical School.