Virginia Mason Surgical Association

The Virginia Mason General Surgery Residency program is the oldest accredited surgical residency in the Pacific Northwest. It was founded in 1920 and has carried a long legacy of excellence in surgical training. Our alumni association, Virginia Mason Surgical Association, has a strong membership with faculty and graduates who continue to support our program well after graduation. The VMSA promotes surgical education, fosters mentorship and camaraderie, celebrates accomplishments of its members, and encourages philanthropy.

In 2015, we established the Richard Coller Thirlby Fund for Surgical Resident Education at Virginia Mason in honor of Dr. Thirlby’s extraordinary 23 years of service as program director for the general surgery residency program. The robust endowment fund provides additional resources to enhance resident education and training including research support, meeting attendance, books, online materials and other needs. The gratitude that our alumni have for their training at Virginia Mason is evident in their generosity back to the program.