Dr. Trevor Sytsma, a CA-1 with the Duke Anesthesiology Residency Program, has been honored with a 2025-26 Appleseed Resident Teaching Award, recognizing his exceptional teaching and mentorship to second-year medical students (MS-2) during their clinical clerkships.
“When I was a Duke medical student, I had the privilege of working with several thoughtful, compassionate and exceedingly patient anesthesiology interns on their off-service rotations. They were fish out of water, and yet they still built me up, pushed me when I needed pushing, and indelibly shaped the way I practice medicine,” says Sytsma. “What a joy (and relief) to learn I got to do the same for some truly outstanding medical students during my own intern year.”
Created by Duke medical students in 2008, the Appleseed Award Program recognizes the profound impact interns and residents have on medical education. These awards are entirely voted on by the MS-2 class to acknowledge house staff who demonstrate a genuine passion for training the next generation of physicians.
As noted in the official nominations:
Dr. Sytsma receiving his Appleseed lapel pin.
“Trevor was, without a doubt, the best intern I worked with all year. His positive outlook and genuine enthusiasm made him an absolute joy to work alongside. Even during the busiest and most stressful moment on the wards, he remained deeply engaged both as a patient advocate and as a mentor. He truly exemplified what it means to put patients first.”
“What stood out most was his remarkable ability to balance encouragement with challenge – he consistently supported me while also pushing me to step outside my comfort zone, try new things, and grow as a learner. Our medical school community has already gained so much from his leadership…and we will continue to benefit from his incredible teaching and mentorship for years to come. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned so much from him during my rotation.”
The Appleseed award is highly competitive; it is presented annually to the top 10 percent of residents and interns in each core rotation. Award recipients are presented with a gift certificate and an apple-themed lapel pin for their white coats in recognition of their dedication to teaching.
