Photographs courtesy of Young Gifted and Black
It was with great honor and appreciation that I journeyed to NYC Queens, Terrace on the Park to receive the Young Gifted and Black Lifetime Achievement Award this past February 25. It was with great surprise that I encountered an unknown gem from the Mohawk Valley among the many outstanding examples of Black Excellence being recognized that evening.
Her beauty and lovely dress caught the eye of my escort before I was aware of her or her association with MVHS. As I scrolled through the program of the 21st Anniversary YGB Entrepreneurial Awards at our dining table, I was shocked to find that Dr. Afia Wilson, of MVHS, was seated aside our dining table, and was being honored with the Medical Excellence Award.
What??!! Phoenix Radio and the Utica Phoenix have been pounding at the door of MVHS for years to be included in the marketing and sales of MVHS and suddenly I am in the presence of a Hollywood version of a surgeon who should have been the standard bearer for advancement.
What??!!
It was clear that Dr. Wilson should be featured in the uticaphoenix.net and interviewed on the Hot Seat. So look for more information on our shining star. Here is her story.
Biography:
Dr. Afia Wilson, MD, MPH, is an accomplished general surgical resident and an aspiring colorectal surgeon and public health scholar whose career exemplifies innovation, compassion, and excellence in medicine. She stands at the forefront of a new generation of surgeons redefining what is possible in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
A rising leader in colorectal surgery, Dr. Wilson has been at the forefront of introducing and refining the NICE procedure (Natural Orifice Intracorporeal Anastomosis with Transrectal Specimen Extraction)—a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique that eliminates the need for large abdominal incisions — with the guidance of her mentor Dr. Jonathan Stahl. To date, they have successfully completed more than 25 of these pioneering procedures, setting a new standard for patient recovery, postoperative pain reduction, and cosmetic outcomes. Her work not only enhances surgical outcomes but also represents a profound shift toward more dignified and equitable patient care.
Beyond her technical mastery, Dr. Wilson currently sits as the chair of general surgery resident research at her home institution, the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, NY. Her research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to advancing the science of surgery. Her passion for research began during her undergraduate years at Howard University, where she was first introduced to rigor and creativity of scientific investigation. That curiosity was deepened when she began her work in a research and development lab conducting research on vaccinations for tuberculosis, rapidly advancing to the interim supervisor of the lab. It was there that she honed her skills as a researcher and continues to shape her as a physician-scientist today. Her current studies explore robot-assisted approaches in complex colorectal disease, rib and sternal plating innovation, and predictive modeling for surgical outcomes optimization. Each project underscores her mission to improve both the precision of surgical practice and the humanity of surgical experience.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Wilson is a dedicated clinical researcher, educator, and mentor driven by the belief that innovation and compassion must advance together. She is especially passionate about expanding advanced surgical access and training in community-based hospitals. She brings a broader, population-level understanding to her surgical practice which acknowledges that excellence in surgery is not only measured in the operating room, but also in the systems and communities that support patient recovery and wellness.
A proud alumna of Howard University, St. George’s University (MD), and George Washington University (MPH), Dr. Wilson continues to forge a path defined by integrity, courage, perseverance, and transformative leadership. Dr. Wilson’s commitment to excellence has earned recognition for blending technical excellence, academic rigor, and human connection. Through her groundbreaking contributions to colorectal surgery and unwavering dedication to equitable healthcare, she embodies the spirit of the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards: innovative, driven by purpose, and anchored in service.
Ten points of Achievement:
- Innovative leadership
- Pioneer in the field of colorectal surgery
- Rising leader in colorectal surgery, Dr. Wilson has been at the forefront of introducing and refining the NICE procedure – a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique that eliminates recovery time for patients
- Current chair of General Surgery Resident research at MVHS
- Research excellence: active studies in robotic surgery, rib plating, and improvement in surgical outcomes.
- Bachelors of Science at Howard University
- Doctor of Medicine at St. George’s University
- Masters of Public Health from George Washington University
- Public Health advocate for expansion of surgical access in community and underserved healthcare settings
- Inspirational Legacy: continues to forge a path defined by integrity, courage, perseverance, and transformative leadership.
