User login
Dr. Bowyer to Receive Robert Danis Prize from ISS/SIC
Mark W. Bowyer, MD, FACS, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma’s Surgical Skills Committee, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Robert Danis Prize.
Mark W. Bowyer, MD, FACS, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma’s Surgical Skills Committee, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Robert Danis Prize awarded by the International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC). This award is presented to a surgeon who has made important contributions to the fields of trauma, burns, or critical care. Dr. Bowyer was selected for his lifelong commitment and broad contributions to the field of trauma and surgical simulation.
Dr. Bowyer, the Ben Eiseman Professor of Surgery and surgical director of simulation, division of trauma and combat surgery, department of surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)–Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD, spent more than 22 years as an Air Force trauma and combat surgeon. He has taught trauma skills to thousands of medical students and physicians around the world in the last three decades and is one of the chief architects of the Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposures in Trauma course, which has been presented in more than 100 course sites in 11 countries in the last six years. Dr. Bowyer served as the Air Force’s “trauma czar” while serving Iraq, where he directed and coordinated all care provided to combat trauma patients.
In addition, he is the surgical director of the USUHS Val G. Hemming Simulation Center, where he has been on the forefront of using simulators to teach advanced trauma and acute care surgical skills and where he works to develop and validate augmented and virtual reality, as well as trauma, laparoscopic, acute care surgical, triage, and critical care-based simulators. At present, Dr. Bowyer is working on simulation projects to improve patient safety.
Dr. Bowyer will receive the Danis Prize during the ISS/SIC 2017 World Congress of Surgery, August 13−17 in Basel, Switzerland. (Read more about the World Congress of Surgery at www.wcs2017.org/.) Read more about Dr. Bowyer at bit.ly/2qcpETa.
Mark W. Bowyer, MD, FACS, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma’s Surgical Skills Committee, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Robert Danis Prize.
Mark W. Bowyer, MD, FACS, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma’s Surgical Skills Committee, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Robert Danis Prize awarded by the International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC). This award is presented to a surgeon who has made important contributions to the fields of trauma, burns, or critical care. Dr. Bowyer was selected for his lifelong commitment and broad contributions to the field of trauma and surgical simulation.
Dr. Bowyer, the Ben Eiseman Professor of Surgery and surgical director of simulation, division of trauma and combat surgery, department of surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)–Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD, spent more than 22 years as an Air Force trauma and combat surgeon. He has taught trauma skills to thousands of medical students and physicians around the world in the last three decades and is one of the chief architects of the Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposures in Trauma course, which has been presented in more than 100 course sites in 11 countries in the last six years. Dr. Bowyer served as the Air Force’s “trauma czar” while serving Iraq, where he directed and coordinated all care provided to combat trauma patients.
In addition, he is the surgical director of the USUHS Val G. Hemming Simulation Center, where he has been on the forefront of using simulators to teach advanced trauma and acute care surgical skills and where he works to develop and validate augmented and virtual reality, as well as trauma, laparoscopic, acute care surgical, triage, and critical care-based simulators. At present, Dr. Bowyer is working on simulation projects to improve patient safety.
Dr. Bowyer will receive the Danis Prize during the ISS/SIC 2017 World Congress of Surgery, August 13−17 in Basel, Switzerland. (Read more about the World Congress of Surgery at www.wcs2017.org/.) Read more about Dr. Bowyer at bit.ly/2qcpETa.
Mark W. Bowyer, MD, FACS, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma’s Surgical Skills Committee, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Robert Danis Prize.
Mark W. Bowyer, MD, FACS, Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma’s Surgical Skills Committee, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Robert Danis Prize awarded by the International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC). This award is presented to a surgeon who has made important contributions to the fields of trauma, burns, or critical care. Dr. Bowyer was selected for his lifelong commitment and broad contributions to the field of trauma and surgical simulation.
Dr. Bowyer, the Ben Eiseman Professor of Surgery and surgical director of simulation, division of trauma and combat surgery, department of surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)–Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD, spent more than 22 years as an Air Force trauma and combat surgeon. He has taught trauma skills to thousands of medical students and physicians around the world in the last three decades and is one of the chief architects of the Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposures in Trauma course, which has been presented in more than 100 course sites in 11 countries in the last six years. Dr. Bowyer served as the Air Force’s “trauma czar” while serving Iraq, where he directed and coordinated all care provided to combat trauma patients.
In addition, he is the surgical director of the USUHS Val G. Hemming Simulation Center, where he has been on the forefront of using simulators to teach advanced trauma and acute care surgical skills and where he works to develop and validate augmented and virtual reality, as well as trauma, laparoscopic, acute care surgical, triage, and critical care-based simulators. At present, Dr. Bowyer is working on simulation projects to improve patient safety.
Dr. Bowyer will receive the Danis Prize during the ISS/SIC 2017 World Congress of Surgery, August 13−17 in Basel, Switzerland. (Read more about the World Congress of Surgery at www.wcs2017.org/.) Read more about Dr. Bowyer at bit.ly/2qcpETa.
ACS Board of Regents approves new Foundation officers teaser
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents approved new officers of the ACS Foundation Board of Directors at the Regents’ February meeting in Chicago, IL. The new officers, who began their two-year terms in February, are Chair Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS, professor of surgery, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); Vice-Chair Charles E. Lucas, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; and Secretary Ruth L. Bush, MD, JD, MPH, FACS, deputy director, the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, a partnership between the Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Houston, TX.
Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. McGrath is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO, and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver. She then trained in plastic surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, and has made outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of plastic surgery, especially in the areas of breast and hand surgery, wound healing, introduction of new technology, and workforce issues. 
Dr. McGrath’s career as an academic surgeon started at Yale in 1978 with a position as assistant professor of surgery in the school of medicine’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery. In 1980, she attained the position of assistant professor of surgery, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. In 1984, she moved to the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she began as chief, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and director, residency training program, ultimately ascending to professor of surgery. She has held her present position at UCSF since 2003. She has served in many national positions in plastic surgery and is the present president of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
A Fellow of the College since 1983, Dr. McGrath has provided exceptional service to the ACS and has served for 25 years in leadership roles, including First Vice-President (2007–2008); Vice-Chair, Board of Regents (2005–2006); member, Executive Committee, Board of Regents (2002–2006); Regent (1997– 2006); and Chair, Committee on Ethics (2003–2006). She served on the Board of Governors (B/G) Executive Committee and as a Governor-at-Large representing the District of Columbia.
In 2009, the ACS appointed her to serve on the Board of Commissioners of The Joint Commission. She is currently serving her third term in this capacity.
For this remarkable record of service, Dr. McGrath received the College’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2011. She received the ACS Foundation’s Distinguished Philanthropist Award in 2016 for her generous contributions to the College and service to the larger philanthropic community.
Charles E. Lucas, MD, FACS
A native of Detroit, Dr. Lucas has dedicated his surgical career to his hometown. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit and his doctor of medicine degree from Wayne State University (WSU). After completing his residency at WSU, he accepted a position on the WSU surgical faculty, specializing in trauma and surgical critical care.
Dr. Lucas conducted his clinical and academic activities at Detroit General Hospital until its closure in 1980. He then moved to the Detroit Medical Center (DMC), practicing at the new Detroit Receiving Hospital (DRH), the Harper University Hospital (HUH), the Hutzel Hospital, and the Karmanos Cancer Hospital. A renowned trauma surgeon, Dr. Lucas was instrumental in securing DRH as the first ACS-verified Level I trauma center in the U.S. He has trained hundreds of medical students and residents, and his research efforts have resulted in the publication of more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters.
An ACS Fellow since 1970, Dr. Lucas has served in several ACS volunteer roles for more than 35 years, including member, B/G (1984–1990, 1998–2004); President, ACS Michigan Chapter, (1981–1983); and member, Committee on Trauma (1993–2003). He has also been active in a number of surgical organizations, including the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American Surgical Association, Central Surgical Association, Midwest Surgical Association, Society of University Surgeons, and Western Surgical Association.
Ruth L. Bush, MD, JD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Bush received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, in 1992. She completed her general surgery residency at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center, where she also spent two additional years as a vascular research fellow. She then finished her vascular surgery fellowship at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. Serving in several academic positions over her career, Dr. Bush was most recently vice-dean and professor of surgery at Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX.
Dr. Bush has received several research support funding awards to conduct studies on vascular disease and improved treatment and has published broadly on an array of topics. In addition to service on the ACS Foundation Board, Dr. Bush has been a member of the ACS B/G (2007–2010). She is active in several surgical associations including American Venous Forum, Association of Women Surgeons, and the Society for Vascular Surgery. She has been honored with a number of awards, including Distinguished Fellow (2007) and Presidential Citation (2014), Society of Vascular Surgery; Distinguished Fellow (2015), American Venous Forum; and Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards, Texas A&M College of Medicine in 2014 and 2015. She continues to practice vascular surgery at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
For more information on the ACS Foundation, contact Shane Hollett, ACS Foundation Executive Director, at 312-202-5506 or shollett@facs.org, and visit facs.org/acsfoundation.
Ms. Klein is Director, Donor Relations and Communications, ACS Foundation, Chicago, IL.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents approved new officers of the ACS Foundation Board of Directors at the Regents’ February meeting in Chicago, IL. The new officers, who began their two-year terms in February, are Chair Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS, professor of surgery, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); Vice-Chair Charles E. Lucas, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; and Secretary Ruth L. Bush, MD, JD, MPH, FACS, deputy director, the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, a partnership between the Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Houston, TX.
Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. McGrath is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO, and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver. She then trained in plastic surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, and has made outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of plastic surgery, especially in the areas of breast and hand surgery, wound healing, introduction of new technology, and workforce issues.
Dr. McGrath’s career as an academic surgeon started at Yale in 1978 with a position as assistant professor of surgery in the school of medicine’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery. In 1980, she attained the position of assistant professor of surgery, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. In 1984, she moved to the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she began as chief, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and director, residency training program, ultimately ascending to professor of surgery. She has held her present position at UCSF since 2003. She has served in many national positions in plastic surgery and is the present president of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
A Fellow of the College since 1983, Dr. McGrath has provided exceptional service to the ACS and has served for 25 years in leadership roles, including First Vice-President (2007–2008); Vice-Chair, Board of Regents (2005–2006); member, Executive Committee, Board of Regents (2002–2006); Regent (1997– 2006); and Chair, Committee on Ethics (2003–2006). She served on the Board of Governors (B/G) Executive Committee and as a Governor-at-Large representing the District of Columbia.
In 2009, the ACS appointed her to serve on the Board of Commissioners of The Joint Commission. She is currently serving her third term in this capacity.
For this remarkable record of service, Dr. McGrath received the College’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2011. She received the ACS Foundation’s Distinguished Philanthropist Award in 2016 for her generous contributions to the College and service to the larger philanthropic community.
Charles E. Lucas, MD, FACS
A native of Detroit, Dr. Lucas has dedicated his surgical career to his hometown. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit and his doctor of medicine degree from Wayne State University (WSU). After completing his residency at WSU, he accepted a position on the WSU surgical faculty, specializing in trauma and surgical critical care.
Dr. Lucas conducted his clinical and academic activities at Detroit General Hospital until its closure in 1980. He then moved to the Detroit Medical Center (DMC), practicing at the new Detroit Receiving Hospital (DRH), the Harper University Hospital (HUH), the Hutzel Hospital, and the Karmanos Cancer Hospital. A renowned trauma surgeon, Dr. Lucas was instrumental in securing DRH as the first ACS-verified Level I trauma center in the U.S. He has trained hundreds of medical students and residents, and his research efforts have resulted in the publication of more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters.
An ACS Fellow since 1970, Dr. Lucas has served in several ACS volunteer roles for more than 35 years, including member, B/G (1984–1990, 1998–2004); President, ACS Michigan Chapter, (1981–1983); and member, Committee on Trauma (1993–2003). He has also been active in a number of surgical organizations, including the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American Surgical Association, Central Surgical Association, Midwest Surgical Association, Society of University Surgeons, and Western Surgical Association.
Ruth L. Bush, MD, JD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Bush received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, in 1992. She completed her general surgery residency at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center, where she also spent two additional years as a vascular research fellow. She then finished her vascular surgery fellowship at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. Serving in several academic positions over her career, Dr. Bush was most recently vice-dean and professor of surgery at Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX.
Dr. Bush has received several research support funding awards to conduct studies on vascular disease and improved treatment and has published broadly on an array of topics. In addition to service on the ACS Foundation Board, Dr. Bush has been a member of the ACS B/G (2007–2010). She is active in several surgical associations including American Venous Forum, Association of Women Surgeons, and the Society for Vascular Surgery. She has been honored with a number of awards, including Distinguished Fellow (2007) and Presidential Citation (2014), Society of Vascular Surgery; Distinguished Fellow (2015), American Venous Forum; and Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards, Texas A&M College of Medicine in 2014 and 2015. She continues to practice vascular surgery at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
For more information on the ACS Foundation, contact Shane Hollett, ACS Foundation Executive Director, at 312-202-5506 or shollett@facs.org, and visit facs.org/acsfoundation.
Ms. Klein is Director, Donor Relations and Communications, ACS Foundation, Chicago, IL.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents approved new officers of the ACS Foundation Board of Directors at the Regents’ February meeting in Chicago, IL. The new officers, who began their two-year terms in February, are Chair Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS, professor of surgery, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); Vice-Chair Charles E. Lucas, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; and Secretary Ruth L. Bush, MD, JD, MPH, FACS, deputy director, the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, a partnership between the Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Houston, TX.
Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. McGrath is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO, and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver. She then trained in plastic surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, and has made outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of plastic surgery, especially in the areas of breast and hand surgery, wound healing, introduction of new technology, and workforce issues.
Dr. McGrath’s career as an academic surgeon started at Yale in 1978 with a position as assistant professor of surgery in the school of medicine’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery. In 1980, she attained the position of assistant professor of surgery, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. In 1984, she moved to the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she began as chief, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and director, residency training program, ultimately ascending to professor of surgery. She has held her present position at UCSF since 2003. She has served in many national positions in plastic surgery and is the present president of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
A Fellow of the College since 1983, Dr. McGrath has provided exceptional service to the ACS and has served for 25 years in leadership roles, including First Vice-President (2007–2008); Vice-Chair, Board of Regents (2005–2006); member, Executive Committee, Board of Regents (2002–2006); Regent (1997– 2006); and Chair, Committee on Ethics (2003–2006). She served on the Board of Governors (B/G) Executive Committee and as a Governor-at-Large representing the District of Columbia.
In 2009, the ACS appointed her to serve on the Board of Commissioners of The Joint Commission. She is currently serving her third term in this capacity.
For this remarkable record of service, Dr. McGrath received the College’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2011. She received the ACS Foundation’s Distinguished Philanthropist Award in 2016 for her generous contributions to the College and service to the larger philanthropic community.
Charles E. Lucas, MD, FACS
A native of Detroit, Dr. Lucas has dedicated his surgical career to his hometown. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit and his doctor of medicine degree from Wayne State University (WSU). After completing his residency at WSU, he accepted a position on the WSU surgical faculty, specializing in trauma and surgical critical care.
Dr. Lucas conducted his clinical and academic activities at Detroit General Hospital until its closure in 1980. He then moved to the Detroit Medical Center (DMC), practicing at the new Detroit Receiving Hospital (DRH), the Harper University Hospital (HUH), the Hutzel Hospital, and the Karmanos Cancer Hospital. A renowned trauma surgeon, Dr. Lucas was instrumental in securing DRH as the first ACS-verified Level I trauma center in the U.S. He has trained hundreds of medical students and residents, and his research efforts have resulted in the publication of more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters.
An ACS Fellow since 1970, Dr. Lucas has served in several ACS volunteer roles for more than 35 years, including member, B/G (1984–1990, 1998–2004); President, ACS Michigan Chapter, (1981–1983); and member, Committee on Trauma (1993–2003). He has also been active in a number of surgical organizations, including the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, American Surgical Association, Central Surgical Association, Midwest Surgical Association, Society of University Surgeons, and Western Surgical Association.
Ruth L. Bush, MD, JD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Bush received her doctor of medicine degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, in 1992. She completed her general surgery residency at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center, where she also spent two additional years as a vascular research fellow. She then finished her vascular surgery fellowship at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. Serving in several academic positions over her career, Dr. Bush was most recently vice-dean and professor of surgery at Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX.
Dr. Bush has received several research support funding awards to conduct studies on vascular disease and improved treatment and has published broadly on an array of topics. In addition to service on the ACS Foundation Board, Dr. Bush has been a member of the ACS B/G (2007–2010). She is active in several surgical associations including American Venous Forum, Association of Women Surgeons, and the Society for Vascular Surgery. She has been honored with a number of awards, including Distinguished Fellow (2007) and Presidential Citation (2014), Society of Vascular Surgery; Distinguished Fellow (2015), American Venous Forum; and Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards, Texas A&M College of Medicine in 2014 and 2015. She continues to practice vascular surgery at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
For more information on the ACS Foundation, contact Shane Hollett, ACS Foundation Executive Director, at 312-202-5506 or shollett@facs.org, and visit facs.org/acsfoundation.
Ms. Klein is Director, Donor Relations and Communications, ACS Foundation, Chicago, IL.
CQGS releases preliminary standards for quality surgical care of older adults
The Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS), a multidisciplinary coalition representing the ACS and 58 other stakeholder organizations, has released the first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults.
The Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS), a multidisciplinary coalition representing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and 58 other stakeholder organizations, has released the first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults. The standards have been published on the Annals of Surgery website ahead of print publication in a report titled “Hospital Standards to Promote Optimal Surgical Care of the Older Adult.” (See the article at bit.ly/2p1TmNC.)
These preliminary standards reflect the shift toward interdisciplinary care of surgical patients, while taking into account the unique physiologic changes related to aging and chronic diseases that can leave older patients at risk for postoperative complications. The standards build upon existing quality indicators, National Quality Forum-endorsed quality measures, and previous work by the ACS, American Geriatrics Society, and John A. Hartford Foundation, which have previously collaborated to develop and release two sets of perioperative guidelines. Standards, however, differ from guidelines, as Julia Berian, MD, lead author and ACS Clinical Scholar, notes. “Standards, as they exist in ACS Quality Programs, are more than recommendations—they are elevated to the level of care practices that are expected to be completed,” Dr. Berian said.
The standards are divided into four categories—continuum of care, clinical care, program management, and patient outcomes and follow-up. CQGS stakeholders rated 308 proposed standards of care for whether they are validated means of improving quality of geriatric surgery and can feasibly be implemented. The reviewers rated 306 of the standards as valid and 304 as feasible.
The preliminary standards are undergoing a two-phase pilot process. The alpha phase, which involved engaging 15 end-user hospitals to gain their insight on the possibility of implementing these standards, is nearing completion. The beta phase, which involves actual implementation of the standards in six hospitals, will occur later this year.
Read the full ACS press release at facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/olderadults040617.
The Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS), a multidisciplinary coalition representing the ACS and 58 other stakeholder organizations, has released the first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults.
The Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS), a multidisciplinary coalition representing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and 58 other stakeholder organizations, has released the first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults. The standards have been published on the Annals of Surgery website ahead of print publication in a report titled “Hospital Standards to Promote Optimal Surgical Care of the Older Adult.” (See the article at bit.ly/2p1TmNC.)
These preliminary standards reflect the shift toward interdisciplinary care of surgical patients, while taking into account the unique physiologic changes related to aging and chronic diseases that can leave older patients at risk for postoperative complications. The standards build upon existing quality indicators, National Quality Forum-endorsed quality measures, and previous work by the ACS, American Geriatrics Society, and John A. Hartford Foundation, which have previously collaborated to develop and release two sets of perioperative guidelines. Standards, however, differ from guidelines, as Julia Berian, MD, lead author and ACS Clinical Scholar, notes. “Standards, as they exist in ACS Quality Programs, are more than recommendations—they are elevated to the level of care practices that are expected to be completed,” Dr. Berian said.
The standards are divided into four categories—continuum of care, clinical care, program management, and patient outcomes and follow-up. CQGS stakeholders rated 308 proposed standards of care for whether they are validated means of improving quality of geriatric surgery and can feasibly be implemented. The reviewers rated 306 of the standards as valid and 304 as feasible.
The preliminary standards are undergoing a two-phase pilot process. The alpha phase, which involved engaging 15 end-user hospitals to gain their insight on the possibility of implementing these standards, is nearing completion. The beta phase, which involves actual implementation of the standards in six hospitals, will occur later this year.
Read the full ACS press release at facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/olderadults040617.
The Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS), a multidisciplinary coalition representing the ACS and 58 other stakeholder organizations, has released the first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults.
The Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS), a multidisciplinary coalition representing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and 58 other stakeholder organizations, has released the first comprehensive set of hospital-level surgical care standards for older adults. The standards have been published on the Annals of Surgery website ahead of print publication in a report titled “Hospital Standards to Promote Optimal Surgical Care of the Older Adult.” (See the article at bit.ly/2p1TmNC.)
These preliminary standards reflect the shift toward interdisciplinary care of surgical patients, while taking into account the unique physiologic changes related to aging and chronic diseases that can leave older patients at risk for postoperative complications. The standards build upon existing quality indicators, National Quality Forum-endorsed quality measures, and previous work by the ACS, American Geriatrics Society, and John A. Hartford Foundation, which have previously collaborated to develop and release two sets of perioperative guidelines. Standards, however, differ from guidelines, as Julia Berian, MD, lead author and ACS Clinical Scholar, notes. “Standards, as they exist in ACS Quality Programs, are more than recommendations—they are elevated to the level of care practices that are expected to be completed,” Dr. Berian said.
The standards are divided into four categories—continuum of care, clinical care, program management, and patient outcomes and follow-up. CQGS stakeholders rated 308 proposed standards of care for whether they are validated means of improving quality of geriatric surgery and can feasibly be implemented. The reviewers rated 306 of the standards as valid and 304 as feasible.
The preliminary standards are undergoing a two-phase pilot process. The alpha phase, which involved engaging 15 end-user hospitals to gain their insight on the possibility of implementing these standards, is nearing completion. The beta phase, which involves actual implementation of the standards in six hospitals, will occur later this year.
Read the full ACS press release at facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/olderadults040617.
Consider applying for two ACS scholarships
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) International Relations Committee has announced the availability of the following scholarships for 2018.
Community Surgeon Travel Awards
The International Relations Committee of the ACS has announced the availability of Community Surgeon Travel Awards. This new program provides a stipend of $4,000 to enable international surgeons ages 30–50 in regional or community hospitals/clinics or financially challenged surgical departments to attend the ACS Clinical Congress 2018.
The complete requirements and the online application form are posted on the College website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/communitytravel. Applications and all related documents are due July 3. For more information, contact kearly@facs.org.
International Guest Scholarships
The International Relations Committee of the ACS has announced the availability of International Guest Scholarships for 2018 to young surgeons from countries other than the U.S. or Canada. The scholarships, in the amount of $10,000 each, provide the scholars with an opportunity to visit clinical, teaching, and research activities in the U.S. or Canada, and to attend and participate fully in the educational opportunities and activities of the ACS Clinical Congress.
The complete requirements and the link to the direct online application form appear online on the College’s website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/igs. Applications and all related documents are due July 3. For more information, contact kearly@facs.org.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) International Relations Committee has announced the availability of the following scholarships for 2018.
Community Surgeon Travel Awards
The International Relations Committee of the ACS has announced the availability of Community Surgeon Travel Awards. This new program provides a stipend of $4,000 to enable international surgeons ages 30–50 in regional or community hospitals/clinics or financially challenged surgical departments to attend the ACS Clinical Congress 2018.
The complete requirements and the online application form are posted on the College website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/communitytravel. Applications and all related documents are due July 3. For more information, contact kearly@facs.org.
International Guest Scholarships
The International Relations Committee of the ACS has announced the availability of International Guest Scholarships for 2018 to young surgeons from countries other than the U.S. or Canada. The scholarships, in the amount of $10,000 each, provide the scholars with an opportunity to visit clinical, teaching, and research activities in the U.S. or Canada, and to attend and participate fully in the educational opportunities and activities of the ACS Clinical Congress.
The complete requirements and the link to the direct online application form appear online on the College’s website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/igs. Applications and all related documents are due July 3. For more information, contact kearly@facs.org.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) International Relations Committee has announced the availability of the following scholarships for 2018.
Community Surgeon Travel Awards
The International Relations Committee of the ACS has announced the availability of Community Surgeon Travel Awards. This new program provides a stipend of $4,000 to enable international surgeons ages 30–50 in regional or community hospitals/clinics or financially challenged surgical departments to attend the ACS Clinical Congress 2018.
The complete requirements and the online application form are posted on the College website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/communitytravel. Applications and all related documents are due July 3. For more information, contact kearly@facs.org.
International Guest Scholarships
The International Relations Committee of the ACS has announced the availability of International Guest Scholarships for 2018 to young surgeons from countries other than the U.S. or Canada. The scholarships, in the amount of $10,000 each, provide the scholars with an opportunity to visit clinical, teaching, and research activities in the U.S. or Canada, and to attend and participate fully in the educational opportunities and activities of the ACS Clinical Congress.
The complete requirements and the link to the direct online application form appear online on the College’s website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/igs. Applications and all related documents are due July 3. For more information, contact kearly@facs.org.
Apply by July 10 for ACS Residents Leading Quality Course
Surgical residents and fellows should plan to attend the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Residents Leading Quality course, a two-day program in quality improvement (QI). The course will take place 12:00 noon–5:00 pm, July 20, and 8:00 am–12:00 noon, July 21, immediately preceding the official start of the inaugural ACS Quality and Safety Conference 2017 in New York, NY.
Course participants will be introduced to the basics of QI, including the identification of a problem, data review, QI models and techniques, and patient and provider engagement strategies. National experts will discuss overcoming barriers and provide advice on careers in QI. The course will use practical case-based scenarios for initiating QI in a surgical practice or hospital.
The course information will prepare participants to return to their institutions ready to engage in quality and safety practices, share ideas with faculty and co-trainees, and disseminate new tools and strategies in compliance with modern recommendations from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Residency Review Committee, and the American Board of Surgery.
Seating is limited. To be considered for enrollment, e-mail course staff at rlqcourse@facs.org by July 10 with your full name, credentials, institution, and surgical specialty. Describe in 75 words or less any relevant QI experience or aspirations. The course fee is $175 for Resident Members and $250 for non-member residents. (Apply to become a Resident Member of the College at facs.org/member-services/join/resident).
Attendees will be expected to review pre-course materials, and attendee feedback will be used for subsequent course development. A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of the program.
Surgical residents and fellows should plan to attend the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Residents Leading Quality course, a two-day program in quality improvement (QI). The course will take place 12:00 noon–5:00 pm, July 20, and 8:00 am–12:00 noon, July 21, immediately preceding the official start of the inaugural ACS Quality and Safety Conference 2017 in New York, NY.
Course participants will be introduced to the basics of QI, including the identification of a problem, data review, QI models and techniques, and patient and provider engagement strategies. National experts will discuss overcoming barriers and provide advice on careers in QI. The course will use practical case-based scenarios for initiating QI in a surgical practice or hospital.
The course information will prepare participants to return to their institutions ready to engage in quality and safety practices, share ideas with faculty and co-trainees, and disseminate new tools and strategies in compliance with modern recommendations from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Residency Review Committee, and the American Board of Surgery.
Seating is limited. To be considered for enrollment, e-mail course staff at rlqcourse@facs.org by July 10 with your full name, credentials, institution, and surgical specialty. Describe in 75 words or less any relevant QI experience or aspirations. The course fee is $175 for Resident Members and $250 for non-member residents. (Apply to become a Resident Member of the College at facs.org/member-services/join/resident).
Attendees will be expected to review pre-course materials, and attendee feedback will be used for subsequent course development. A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of the program.
Surgical residents and fellows should plan to attend the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Residents Leading Quality course, a two-day program in quality improvement (QI). The course will take place 12:00 noon–5:00 pm, July 20, and 8:00 am–12:00 noon, July 21, immediately preceding the official start of the inaugural ACS Quality and Safety Conference 2017 in New York, NY.
Course participants will be introduced to the basics of QI, including the identification of a problem, data review, QI models and techniques, and patient and provider engagement strategies. National experts will discuss overcoming barriers and provide advice on careers in QI. The course will use practical case-based scenarios for initiating QI in a surgical practice or hospital.
The course information will prepare participants to return to their institutions ready to engage in quality and safety practices, share ideas with faculty and co-trainees, and disseminate new tools and strategies in compliance with modern recommendations from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Residency Review Committee, and the American Board of Surgery.
Seating is limited. To be considered for enrollment, e-mail course staff at rlqcourse@facs.org by July 10 with your full name, credentials, institution, and surgical specialty. Describe in 75 words or less any relevant QI experience or aspirations. The course fee is $175 for Resident Members and $250 for non-member residents. (Apply to become a Resident Member of the College at facs.org/member-services/join/resident).
Attendees will be expected to review pre-course materials, and attendee feedback will be used for subsequent course development. A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of the program.
Apply By May 1 for International Scholarships for Surgical Education
Two international scholarships focused on surgical education and sponsored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education and the International Relations Committee will offer faculty members from countries outside the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to participate in a variety of faculty development activities. All application materials and supporting documents are due May 1.
The scholars will participate in the Surgical Education: Principles and Practice Course at the Clinical Congress 2017, October 22–26 in San Diego, CA. In addition, the scholars will attend plenary sessions and courses that address surgical education and training across the continuum of professional development. The scholars, in turn, will use the knowledge and skills they acquire to improve surgical education and training in their home institutions and countries. The scholarships include a stipend of $10,000 to cover travel, per diem expenses, and the cost of Clinical Congress courses. The registration cost for Clinical Congress and fees for the surgical education courses will be provided free to the scholars.
View the scholarship requirements and access the application on the ACS website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/issurged. Direct questions to the ACS International Liaison at kearly@facs.org.
Two international scholarships focused on surgical education and sponsored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education and the International Relations Committee will offer faculty members from countries outside the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to participate in a variety of faculty development activities. All application materials and supporting documents are due May 1.
The scholars will participate in the Surgical Education: Principles and Practice Course at the Clinical Congress 2017, October 22–26 in San Diego, CA. In addition, the scholars will attend plenary sessions and courses that address surgical education and training across the continuum of professional development. The scholars, in turn, will use the knowledge and skills they acquire to improve surgical education and training in their home institutions and countries. The scholarships include a stipend of $10,000 to cover travel, per diem expenses, and the cost of Clinical Congress courses. The registration cost for Clinical Congress and fees for the surgical education courses will be provided free to the scholars.
View the scholarship requirements and access the application on the ACS website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/issurged. Direct questions to the ACS International Liaison at kearly@facs.org.
Two international scholarships focused on surgical education and sponsored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education and the International Relations Committee will offer faculty members from countries outside the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to participate in a variety of faculty development activities. All application materials and supporting documents are due May 1.
The scholars will participate in the Surgical Education: Principles and Practice Course at the Clinical Congress 2017, October 22–26 in San Diego, CA. In addition, the scholars will attend plenary sessions and courses that address surgical education and training across the continuum of professional development. The scholars, in turn, will use the knowledge and skills they acquire to improve surgical education and training in their home institutions and countries. The scholarships include a stipend of $10,000 to cover travel, per diem expenses, and the cost of Clinical Congress courses. The registration cost for Clinical Congress and fees for the surgical education courses will be provided free to the scholars.
View the scholarship requirements and access the application on the ACS website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/international/issurged. Direct questions to the ACS International Liaison at kearly@facs.org.
2017 Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS Traveling Fellowship Applications due June 1
The family and friends of the late Dr. Claude H. Organ, Jr., established an endowment through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation to provide funding for an annual fellowship to be awarded to an outstanding young surgeon from the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, or the Surgical Section of the National Medical Association.
The fellowship, in the amount of $5,000, enables a U.S. or Canadian Fellow or Associate Fellow under age 45 who is a member of one of the above societies to attend an educational meeting or make an extended visit to an institution of his or her choice, tailored to his or her research interests.
Past awardees have used their fellowships to develop their careers in creative ways. The 2016 fellow, Stephanie Bonne, MD, is researching a successful hospital-based violence program in San Francisco in order to develop one at her home institution.
View the full requirements for the Claude H. Organ Traveling Fellowship at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/special/organ. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is June 1, with decisions to be made by August 2017. Questions and application materials should be submitted to the attention of the ACS Scholarships Administrator at kearly@facs.org.
The family and friends of the late Dr. Claude H. Organ, Jr., established an endowment through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation to provide funding for an annual fellowship to be awarded to an outstanding young surgeon from the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, or the Surgical Section of the National Medical Association.
The fellowship, in the amount of $5,000, enables a U.S. or Canadian Fellow or Associate Fellow under age 45 who is a member of one of the above societies to attend an educational meeting or make an extended visit to an institution of his or her choice, tailored to his or her research interests.
Past awardees have used their fellowships to develop their careers in creative ways. The 2016 fellow, Stephanie Bonne, MD, is researching a successful hospital-based violence program in San Francisco in order to develop one at her home institution.
View the full requirements for the Claude H. Organ Traveling Fellowship at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/special/organ. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is June 1, with decisions to be made by August 2017. Questions and application materials should be submitted to the attention of the ACS Scholarships Administrator at kearly@facs.org.
The family and friends of the late Dr. Claude H. Organ, Jr., established an endowment through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation to provide funding for an annual fellowship to be awarded to an outstanding young surgeon from the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, or the Surgical Section of the National Medical Association.
The fellowship, in the amount of $5,000, enables a U.S. or Canadian Fellow or Associate Fellow under age 45 who is a member of one of the above societies to attend an educational meeting or make an extended visit to an institution of his or her choice, tailored to his or her research interests.
Past awardees have used their fellowships to develop their careers in creative ways. The 2016 fellow, Stephanie Bonne, MD, is researching a successful hospital-based violence program in San Francisco in order to develop one at her home institution.
View the full requirements for the Claude H. Organ Traveling Fellowship at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/special/organ. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is June 1, with decisions to be made by August 2017. Questions and application materials should be submitted to the attention of the ACS Scholarships Administrator at kearly@facs.org.
Access new surgeon and resident well-being resources
Personal and professional well-being are vital to the success of members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and your patients. Many health care professionals experience periods of distress, yet few physicians seek help. In an effort to provide relief to interested surgeons, the ACS has compiled several resources to support surgeons and residents as they confront the challenges associated with surgical care.
Visit the ACS Surgeon Well-Being page at facs.org/burnout to learn more about the tool and how to access it, as well as to review other helpful resources.
Personal and professional well-being are vital to the success of members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and your patients. Many health care professionals experience periods of distress, yet few physicians seek help. In an effort to provide relief to interested surgeons, the ACS has compiled several resources to support surgeons and residents as they confront the challenges associated with surgical care.
Visit the ACS Surgeon Well-Being page at facs.org/burnout to learn more about the tool and how to access it, as well as to review other helpful resources.
Personal and professional well-being are vital to the success of members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and your patients. Many health care professionals experience periods of distress, yet few physicians seek help. In an effort to provide relief to interested surgeons, the ACS has compiled several resources to support surgeons and residents as they confront the challenges associated with surgical care.
Visit the ACS Surgeon Well-Being page at facs.org/burnout to learn more about the tool and how to access it, as well as to review other helpful resources.
ACS New SSR Offers Webinar Training Sessions
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has announced the launch of the new Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR), hosted by QuintilesIMS. The new SSR is set to go live in this spring. The latest version of the registry will have several enhanced features, including improved reporting capabilities, delegate-level access to enter data, and the ability to add custom fields for additional relevant variables.
To help you prepare for this transition, the SSR team will host several educational webinars to demonstrate the new system’s capabilities and features. The ACS encourages both current and potential users to participate. To view the available times and register for one of the upcoming webinars, visit the SSR News and Updates web page at facs.org/quality-programs/ssr/news.
Contact SSR@facs.org if you have any questions.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has announced the launch of the new Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR), hosted by QuintilesIMS. The new SSR is set to go live in this spring. The latest version of the registry will have several enhanced features, including improved reporting capabilities, delegate-level access to enter data, and the ability to add custom fields for additional relevant variables.
To help you prepare for this transition, the SSR team will host several educational webinars to demonstrate the new system’s capabilities and features. The ACS encourages both current and potential users to participate. To view the available times and register for one of the upcoming webinars, visit the SSR News and Updates web page at facs.org/quality-programs/ssr/news.
Contact SSR@facs.org if you have any questions.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has announced the launch of the new Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR), hosted by QuintilesIMS. The new SSR is set to go live in this spring. The latest version of the registry will have several enhanced features, including improved reporting capabilities, delegate-level access to enter data, and the ability to add custom fields for additional relevant variables.
To help you prepare for this transition, the SSR team will host several educational webinars to demonstrate the new system’s capabilities and features. The ACS encourages both current and potential users to participate. To view the available times and register for one of the upcoming webinars, visit the SSR News and Updates web page at facs.org/quality-programs/ssr/news.
Contact SSR@facs.org if you have any questions.
Applications for 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards Accepted through June 30
Applications for 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards Accepted through June 30
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation is accepting applications for the 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 midnight (CST) on June 30.
Alliance Scholar Award applicants must be oncology junior faculty at Alliance institutions within five years of training (rank below associate professor) and have completed training in an oncology clinical specialty (medical, surgical, radiation, gynecologic, and so on). Additionally, proposals must include a letter of support from the appropriate Alliance Scientific Committee Chair to ensure the proposal is closely tied to the Alliance’s research agenda of the Alliance.
Alliance Scholar Award recipients will receive a two-year, non-renewable cancer research grant of $40,000 in direct costs per year, plus 10 percent in indirect costs for each of the two years. Successful applicants will be announced at the plenary session at the 2017 Alliance Fall Group Meeting held in Chicago, IL, November 2–4. Funding will begin approximately January 1, 2018. For application requirements and the link to the online submission portal, visit the Alliance Scholar Awards page on the Alliance website at http://bit.ly/1JMXkwS.
The Alliance/American College of Surgeons Clinical Research Program offers opportunities for surgeons to become involved in the research and development of evidence-based practices in surgical oncology. If you would like to participate in oncology clinical research or oncology-related projects, contact clinicalresearchprogram@facs.org.
Applications for 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards Accepted through June 30
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation is accepting applications for the 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 midnight (CST) on June 30.
Alliance Scholar Award applicants must be oncology junior faculty at Alliance institutions within five years of training (rank below associate professor) and have completed training in an oncology clinical specialty (medical, surgical, radiation, gynecologic, and so on). Additionally, proposals must include a letter of support from the appropriate Alliance Scientific Committee Chair to ensure the proposal is closely tied to the Alliance’s research agenda of the Alliance.
Alliance Scholar Award recipients will receive a two-year, non-renewable cancer research grant of $40,000 in direct costs per year, plus 10 percent in indirect costs for each of the two years. Successful applicants will be announced at the plenary session at the 2017 Alliance Fall Group Meeting held in Chicago, IL, November 2–4. Funding will begin approximately January 1, 2018. For application requirements and the link to the online submission portal, visit the Alliance Scholar Awards page on the Alliance website at http://bit.ly/1JMXkwS.
The Alliance/American College of Surgeons Clinical Research Program offers opportunities for surgeons to become involved in the research and development of evidence-based practices in surgical oncology. If you would like to participate in oncology clinical research or oncology-related projects, contact clinicalresearchprogram@facs.org.
Applications for 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards Accepted through June 30
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation is accepting applications for the 2018 Alliance Scholar Awards. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 midnight (CST) on June 30.
Alliance Scholar Award applicants must be oncology junior faculty at Alliance institutions within five years of training (rank below associate professor) and have completed training in an oncology clinical specialty (medical, surgical, radiation, gynecologic, and so on). Additionally, proposals must include a letter of support from the appropriate Alliance Scientific Committee Chair to ensure the proposal is closely tied to the Alliance’s research agenda of the Alliance.
Alliance Scholar Award recipients will receive a two-year, non-renewable cancer research grant of $40,000 in direct costs per year, plus 10 percent in indirect costs for each of the two years. Successful applicants will be announced at the plenary session at the 2017 Alliance Fall Group Meeting held in Chicago, IL, November 2–4. Funding will begin approximately January 1, 2018. For application requirements and the link to the online submission portal, visit the Alliance Scholar Awards page on the Alliance website at http://bit.ly/1JMXkwS.
The Alliance/American College of Surgeons Clinical Research Program offers opportunities for surgeons to become involved in the research and development of evidence-based practices in surgical oncology. If you would like to participate in oncology clinical research or oncology-related projects, contact clinicalresearchprogram@facs.org.