PD Member of the Month

Anna Boniakowski, MD

Program Director

Maine Medical Center

What is your personal background in vascular surgery education (how long have you worked in the vascular field, why did you choose vascular surgery, etc.)?

I graduated from an integrated vascular surgery residency at the University of Michigan in 2020 and have been at Maine Medical Center since that time. I've always had a particular interest in surgical education and began my role as Associate Program Director in 2021 and became Program Director in 2023.

I think vascular surgery is a field like no other. I enjoy being able to tailor the management of vascular disease to each individual patient's needs and priorities, and really having the privilege to be their doctor/surgeon for many years of their life.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? as a vascular surgery Program Director? What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job as PD is watching a learner grow during the course of their residency and seeing what leadership attributes and style they choose to incorporate into their role as a leader of the team. It is rewarding to then see them teaching junior residents and taking others through cases on their own.

The most challenging part of my job is learning all the ways of how each trainee is different. If I can understand the nuances of each trainee's learning style, I can work to optimize their learning environment. Each learner has their own strengths and areas for growth, as well as a unique trajectory of improvement over the course of their training, and it is my job as an educator to ensure I am creating the space to challenge each learner on their strengths while providing the resources to foster improvement where necessary.

What are your personal goals within the vascular field?

I strive to take excellent care of my patients while educating and inspiring the future generation of vascular surgeons. I hope to enhance the pipeline of vascular surgeons, both in number and diversity, to address the deficit within our field by contributing to recruitment efforts and earlier exposure for students.

If you had a blank check to change medical education in America, what would you do first?

Make it free!

From your perspective, what qualities make a successful vascular surgery applicant?

An applicant that is hardworking, adaptable, motivated, and demonstrates commitment to activities they are passionate about with evidence of follow through will go a long way.

What is a "fun fact" about yourself that you would like others to know?

Despite having lived on the coast of Maine for the last several years, I have only swam in the ocean once due to my extreme fear of sharks.