James A. O’Neill, Jr. Global Pediatric Surgery Scholarship

Named after pediatric surgeon Dr. James A. O’Neill, Jr., the Global Research Scholarship Program promotes the development of meaningful research approaches in resource-constrained environments. The program offers an opportunity for APSA members to respond to the pediatric surgical needs of low- and middle-income countries.

Dr. Jim O’Neill, a brief history.

Dr. Jim O’Neill, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.

Dr. O’Neill’s initial experiences with international medical service were in Guatemala, where he provided pediatric surgical care, and in China with Project Hope, where he helped establish a children’s hospital in Shanghai. After stepping down as chair of the Section of Surgical Services at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, O’Neill dedicated more time to the development of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and to international humanitarian medical work.

He became active in the American College of Surgeon’s Operation Giving Back Program and was a key player in both the clinical arena as a pediatric surgeon and in the education of surgical residents at two hospitals in Kenya — the Naivasha District Hospital and AIC Kijabe Hospital. He sits on many editorial boards and has authored more than 300 publications and edited one of the classic textbooks, the two-volume Pediatric Surgery.

Dr. O’Neill is a member of many professional societies and has held numerous leadership positions, including chair of the AAP Section on Surgery executive committee, president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and director of the American Board of Surgery. He sits on many editorial boards and has authored more than 300 publications, including the two-volume Pediatric Surgery. Dr. O’Neill’s research interests include trauma and burns, neonatal physiology, oncology, biliary disorders, conjoined twins, vascular disorders and workforce issues. He has received honors from seven universities and has given lectures throughout the world.