News From the College

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) submitted a comment letter June 27 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule on implementation of certain provisions of MACRA. Specifically, the CMS set forth proposals on the two pathways by which MACRA replaces the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula: the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). Among other issues, the ACS comments address the four components of MIPS: 1. quality, 2. resource use, 3. advancing care information, and 4. clinical practice improvement activities. The comments also address the criteria necessary for an APM model to be considered an “Advanced” APM, specifically: 1. use of certified electronic health records technology, 2. inclusion of quality measures comparable to MIPS, and 3. taking on more than nominal financial risk. Participation in an Advanced APM would exclude the clinician from participation in MIPS. For more information on the proposed rule or the comment letter, contact regulatory@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) submitted a comment letter June 27 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule on implementation of certain provisions of MACRA. Specifically, the CMS set forth proposals on the two pathways by which MACRA replaces the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula: the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). Among other issues, the ACS comments address the four components of MIPS: 1. quality, 2. resource use, 3. advancing care information, and 4. clinical practice improvement activities. The comments also address the criteria necessary for an APM model to be considered an “Advanced” APM, specifically: 1. use of certified electronic health records technology, 2. inclusion of quality measures comparable to MIPS, and 3. taking on more than nominal financial risk. Participation in an Advanced APM would exclude the clinician from participation in MIPS. For more information on the proposed rule or the comment letter, contact regulatory@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) submitted a comment letter June 27 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule on implementation of certain provisions of MACRA. Specifically, the CMS set forth proposals on the two pathways by which MACRA replaces the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula: the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). Among other issues, the ACS comments address the four components of MIPS: 1. quality, 2. resource use, 3. advancing care information, and 4. clinical practice improvement activities. The comments also address the criteria necessary for an APM model to be considered an “Advanced” APM, specifically: 1. use of certified electronic health records technology, 2. inclusion of quality measures comparable to MIPS, and 3. taking on more than nominal financial risk. Participation in an Advanced APM would exclude the clinician from participation in MIPS. For more information on the proposed rule or the comment letter, contact regulatory@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) regulatory staff submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 16 regarding the 2017 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. Learn more about the proposed rule here.. The notice and comment period, which began with the proposed rule’s release April 27, enables individuals and organizations to provide input on the changes the CMS plans to make. The CMS takes these comments into consideration as it crafts the final rule.

The IPPS outlines coverage criteria for Medicare Part A inpatient hospital claims. Because a large portion of surgical care is provided in the inpatient setting, the rule both directly and indirectly affects surgeons. The ACS comment letter included feedback on the CMS’s proposed changes to the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program and the Hospital Acquired Conditions Reduction Program, both pay-for-performance programs, and the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, a pay-for-reporting program. For more information about the IPPS proposed rule, see the CMS fact sheet.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) regulatory staff submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 16 regarding the 2017 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. Learn more about the proposed rule here.. The notice and comment period, which began with the proposed rule’s release April 27, enables individuals and organizations to provide input on the changes the CMS plans to make. The CMS takes these comments into consideration as it crafts the final rule.

The IPPS outlines coverage criteria for Medicare Part A inpatient hospital claims. Because a large portion of surgical care is provided in the inpatient setting, the rule both directly and indirectly affects surgeons. The ACS comment letter included feedback on the CMS’s proposed changes to the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program and the Hospital Acquired Conditions Reduction Program, both pay-for-performance programs, and the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, a pay-for-reporting program. For more information about the IPPS proposed rule, see the CMS fact sheet.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) regulatory staff submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 16 regarding the 2017 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. Learn more about the proposed rule here.. The notice and comment period, which began with the proposed rule’s release April 27, enables individuals and organizations to provide input on the changes the CMS plans to make. The CMS takes these comments into consideration as it crafts the final rule.

The IPPS outlines coverage criteria for Medicare Part A inpatient hospital claims. Because a large portion of surgical care is provided in the inpatient setting, the rule both directly and indirectly affects surgeons. The ACS comment letter included feedback on the CMS’s proposed changes to the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program and the Hospital Acquired Conditions Reduction Program, both pay-for-performance programs, and the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, a pay-for-reporting program. For more information about the IPPS proposed rule, see the CMS fact sheet.

The scientific program, online registration, travel and housing reservation links, and previews of other planned events for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016, October 16-20 in Washington, DC, are now available online. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center will be the host site for the scientific sessions, courses, and scientific posters and technical exhibits; the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, will serve as the headquarters hotel for the meeting.

The theme for Clinical Congress 2016 is Challenges for the Second Century, as the ACS pursues its next 100 years of improving quality of care for surgical patients. Clinical Congress provides outstanding education and training opportunities for ACS Fellows, Associate Fellows, Resident Members, Medical Student Members, and other surgical team members. Attendees will find leading-edge surgical research presentations, a new lineup of Didactic/Experiential Postgraduate Courses, Surgical Skills Postgraduate Courses, timely discussions of relevant surgical topics, member engagement events, and unparalleled access to peers. You can earn up to 47.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ while attending premier educational sessions and courses.

Register by August 22 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. Various hotel options are available, so make your housing reservations and travel plans now to receive reduced Clinical Congress rates.

The scientific program, online registration, travel and housing reservation links, and previews of other planned events for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016, October 16-20 in Washington, DC, are now available online. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center will be the host site for the scientific sessions, courses, and scientific posters and technical exhibits; the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, will serve as the headquarters hotel for the meeting.

The theme for Clinical Congress 2016 is Challenges for the Second Century, as the ACS pursues its next 100 years of improving quality of care for surgical patients. Clinical Congress provides outstanding education and training opportunities for ACS Fellows, Associate Fellows, Resident Members, Medical Student Members, and other surgical team members. Attendees will find leading-edge surgical research presentations, a new lineup of Didactic/Experiential Postgraduate Courses, Surgical Skills Postgraduate Courses, timely discussions of relevant surgical topics, member engagement events, and unparalleled access to peers. You can earn up to 47.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ while attending premier educational sessions and courses.

Register by August 22 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. Various hotel options are available, so make your housing reservations and travel plans now to receive reduced Clinical Congress rates.

The scientific program, online registration, travel and housing reservation links, and previews of other planned events for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016, October 16-20 in Washington, DC, are now available online. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center will be the host site for the scientific sessions, courses, and scientific posters and technical exhibits; the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, will serve as the headquarters hotel for the meeting.

The theme for Clinical Congress 2016 is Challenges for the Second Century, as the ACS pursues its next 100 years of improving quality of care for surgical patients. Clinical Congress provides outstanding education and training opportunities for ACS Fellows, Associate Fellows, Resident Members, Medical Student Members, and other surgical team members. Attendees will find leading-edge surgical research presentations, a new lineup of Didactic/Experiential Postgraduate Courses, Surgical Skills Postgraduate Courses, timely discussions of relevant surgical topics, member engagement events, and unparalleled access to peers. You can earn up to 47.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ while attending premier educational sessions and courses.

Register by August 22 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. Various hotel options are available, so make your housing reservations and travel plans now to receive reduced Clinical Congress rates.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering 2-year Resident Research Scholarships to surgeons in training who are interested in pursuing careers in academic surgery. Eligibility for these scholarships is limited to the research projects of residents in general surgery or a surgical specialty. The closing date for receipt of the completed online application and all supporting documents is Sept. 1, 2016.

General policies covering the granting of the ACS Resident Research Scholarships are as follows:

The applicant must be a Resident Member of the College who has completed two postdoctoral years in an accredited surgical training program in the U.S. or Canada at the time the scholarship is awarded, July 1, 2017, and may not complete formal residency training before June 2019. Scholarships do not support research after completion of the chief residency year.

The scholarship is awarded for 2 years, and acceptance of it requires commitment for the 2-year period. The award is to support a research plan for the 2 years of the scholarship, July 2017 through June 2019. The projects of residents who are involved in full-time laboratory investigation will receive priority. Study outside the United States or Canada is permissible. Renewal of the scholarship for the 2nd year is required and is contingent upon the acceptance of a progress report and research study protocol for the 2nd year, as submitted to the Scholarships Section of the College by May 1, 2018.

Application for these scholarships may be submitted even if the resident has made a comparable application to other organizations. If the recipient is offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research award from another organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the ACS Scholarships Administrator to request approval of the additional award. The Scholarships Committee reserves the right to review potentially overlapping awards and adjust its award accordingly.

The scholarship is $30,000 per year; the total amount is to support the research of the recipient and may be used for salary or stipend, research materials, and travel related to the research. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or the recipient’s institution.

The scholar must attend the ACS Clinical Congress in 2019 to present a report on the research as part of the Scientific Forum and to receive a certificate at the annual meeting of the Scholarships Committee.

Approval of the application is required from the administration (dean or fiscal officer) of the institution. Supporting letters from the head of the department of surgery (or the surgical specialty) and from the mentor who will be supervising the applicant’s research must be submitted. The College encourages diversity of applicants and institutions; only in exceptional circumstances will more than one scholarship be granted in a single year to applicants from the same institution.

For further information regarding this scholarship, click here, or contact the Scholarships Administrator at scholarships@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering 2-year Resident Research Scholarships to surgeons in training who are interested in pursuing careers in academic surgery. Eligibility for these scholarships is limited to the research projects of residents in general surgery or a surgical specialty. The closing date for receipt of the completed online application and all supporting documents is Sept. 1, 2016.

General policies covering the granting of the ACS Resident Research Scholarships are as follows:

The applicant must be a Resident Member of the College who has completed two postdoctoral years in an accredited surgical training program in the U.S. or Canada at the time the scholarship is awarded, July 1, 2017, and may not complete formal residency training before June 2019. Scholarships do not support research after completion of the chief residency year.

The scholarship is awarded for 2 years, and acceptance of it requires commitment for the 2-year period. The award is to support a research plan for the 2 years of the scholarship, July 2017 through June 2019. The projects of residents who are involved in full-time laboratory investigation will receive priority. Study outside the United States or Canada is permissible. Renewal of the scholarship for the 2nd year is required and is contingent upon the acceptance of a progress report and research study protocol for the 2nd year, as submitted to the Scholarships Section of the College by May 1, 2018.

Application for these scholarships may be submitted even if the resident has made a comparable application to other organizations. If the recipient is offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research award from another organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the ACS Scholarships Administrator to request approval of the additional award. The Scholarships Committee reserves the right to review potentially overlapping awards and adjust its award accordingly.

The scholarship is $30,000 per year; the total amount is to support the research of the recipient and may be used for salary or stipend, research materials, and travel related to the research. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or the recipient’s institution.

The scholar must attend the ACS Clinical Congress in 2019 to present a report on the research as part of the Scientific Forum and to receive a certificate at the annual meeting of the Scholarships Committee.

Approval of the application is required from the administration (dean or fiscal officer) of the institution. Supporting letters from the head of the department of surgery (or the surgical specialty) and from the mentor who will be supervising the applicant’s research must be submitted. The College encourages diversity of applicants and institutions; only in exceptional circumstances will more than one scholarship be granted in a single year to applicants from the same institution.

For further information regarding this scholarship, click here, or contact the Scholarships Administrator at scholarships@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering 2-year Resident Research Scholarships to surgeons in training who are interested in pursuing careers in academic surgery. Eligibility for these scholarships is limited to the research projects of residents in general surgery or a surgical specialty. The closing date for receipt of the completed online application and all supporting documents is Sept. 1, 2016.

General policies covering the granting of the ACS Resident Research Scholarships are as follows:

The applicant must be a Resident Member of the College who has completed two postdoctoral years in an accredited surgical training program in the U.S. or Canada at the time the scholarship is awarded, July 1, 2017, and may not complete formal residency training before June 2019. Scholarships do not support research after completion of the chief residency year.

The scholarship is awarded for 2 years, and acceptance of it requires commitment for the 2-year period. The award is to support a research plan for the 2 years of the scholarship, July 2017 through June 2019. The projects of residents who are involved in full-time laboratory investigation will receive priority. Study outside the United States or Canada is permissible. Renewal of the scholarship for the 2nd year is required and is contingent upon the acceptance of a progress report and research study protocol for the 2nd year, as submitted to the Scholarships Section of the College by May 1, 2018.

Application for these scholarships may be submitted even if the resident has made a comparable application to other organizations. If the recipient is offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research award from another organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the ACS Scholarships Administrator to request approval of the additional award. The Scholarships Committee reserves the right to review potentially overlapping awards and adjust its award accordingly.

The scholarship is $30,000 per year; the total amount is to support the research of the recipient and may be used for salary or stipend, research materials, and travel related to the research. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or the recipient’s institution.

The scholar must attend the ACS Clinical Congress in 2019 to present a report on the research as part of the Scientific Forum and to receive a certificate at the annual meeting of the Scholarships Committee.

Approval of the application is required from the administration (dean or fiscal officer) of the institution. Supporting letters from the head of the department of surgery (or the surgical specialty) and from the mentor who will be supervising the applicant’s research must be submitted. The College encourages diversity of applicants and institutions; only in exceptional circumstances will more than one scholarship be granted in a single year to applicants from the same institution.

For further information regarding this scholarship, click here, or contact the Scholarships Administrator at scholarships@facs.org.

The International Relations Committee of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) sponsors three academic surgeon exchange programs to send a talented young U.S. or Canadian Fellow to the annual surgical meeting of each participating country – Australia-New Zealand (ANZ), Japan, and Germany. Afterward, the Fellows tour several sites tailored to their specific research interests. In exchange, the College accepts young academic surgeon-scholars from the participating societies to attend the annual Clinical Congress. This exchange is with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons through the ACS Australia-New Zealand Chapter, the Japan Surgical Society through the ACS Japan Chapter, and the German Surgical Society through the ACS Germany Chapter.

The 2016 ANZ Exchange Fellow is Yi Chen, MB, BS, PhD, FRACS, a cardiothoracic surgery fellow at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Chen is researching the role of Activin A, a novel cytokine in mouse models of atherosclerosis.

His U.S. counterpart, Sareh Parangi, MD, FACS, is an associate professor of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, specializing in endocrine surgery. She attended the Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons held in Brisbane, Australia, in May 2016. Dr. Parangi’s report will be published in an upcoming issue of the Bulletin.

This October, the College will welcome Japan Exchange Fellow Takeo Toshima, MD, PhD, vice manager, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Toshima performs research on hepatocellular carcinoma and living donor liver transplants.

Daniel A. Anaya, MD, FACS, head, section of hepatobiliary tumors at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, attended the Japan Surgical Society meeting in Osaka in April 2016. Dr. Anaya’s report also will be published in the Bulletin.

The ACS Traveling Fellow to Germany, Perry Shen, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C., attended the German Surgical Society’s annual meeting in Berlin in April 2016.

His German counterpart, Thilo Welsch, MD, PhD, head of surgical oncology at the University Cancer Center, Dresden, will attend Clinical Congress 2016 and visit several surgical sites under the guidance of his U.S. and German mentors. Dr. Welsch’s work centers on tumor metastasis and pancreatic surgery.

The International Relations Committee of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) sponsors three academic surgeon exchange programs to send a talented young U.S. or Canadian Fellow to the annual surgical meeting of each participating country – Australia-New Zealand (ANZ), Japan, and Germany. Afterward, the Fellows tour several sites tailored to their specific research interests. In exchange, the College accepts young academic surgeon-scholars from the participating societies to attend the annual Clinical Congress. This exchange is with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons through the ACS Australia-New Zealand Chapter, the Japan Surgical Society through the ACS Japan Chapter, and the German Surgical Society through the ACS Germany Chapter.

The 2016 ANZ Exchange Fellow is Yi Chen, MB, BS, PhD, FRACS, a cardiothoracic surgery fellow at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Chen is researching the role of Activin A, a novel cytokine in mouse models of atherosclerosis.

His U.S. counterpart, Sareh Parangi, MD, FACS, is an associate professor of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, specializing in endocrine surgery. She attended the Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons held in Brisbane, Australia, in May 2016. Dr. Parangi’s report will be published in an upcoming issue of the Bulletin.

This October, the College will welcome Japan Exchange Fellow Takeo Toshima, MD, PhD, vice manager, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Toshima performs research on hepatocellular carcinoma and living donor liver transplants.

Daniel A. Anaya, MD, FACS, head, section of hepatobiliary tumors at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, attended the Japan Surgical Society meeting in Osaka in April 2016. Dr. Anaya’s report also will be published in the Bulletin.

The ACS Traveling Fellow to Germany, Perry Shen, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C., attended the German Surgical Society’s annual meeting in Berlin in April 2016.

His German counterpart, Thilo Welsch, MD, PhD, head of surgical oncology at the University Cancer Center, Dresden, will attend Clinical Congress 2016 and visit several surgical sites under the guidance of his U.S. and German mentors. Dr. Welsch’s work centers on tumor metastasis and pancreatic surgery.

The International Relations Committee of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) sponsors three academic surgeon exchange programs to send a talented young U.S. or Canadian Fellow to the annual surgical meeting of each participating country – Australia-New Zealand (ANZ), Japan, and Germany. Afterward, the Fellows tour several sites tailored to their specific research interests. In exchange, the College accepts young academic surgeon-scholars from the participating societies to attend the annual Clinical Congress. This exchange is with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons through the ACS Australia-New Zealand Chapter, the Japan Surgical Society through the ACS Japan Chapter, and the German Surgical Society through the ACS Germany Chapter.

The 2016 ANZ Exchange Fellow is Yi Chen, MB, BS, PhD, FRACS, a cardiothoracic surgery fellow at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Chen is researching the role of Activin A, a novel cytokine in mouse models of atherosclerosis.

His U.S. counterpart, Sareh Parangi, MD, FACS, is an associate professor of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, specializing in endocrine surgery. She attended the Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons held in Brisbane, Australia, in May 2016. Dr. Parangi’s report will be published in an upcoming issue of the Bulletin.

This October, the College will welcome Japan Exchange Fellow Takeo Toshima, MD, PhD, vice manager, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Toshima performs research on hepatocellular carcinoma and living donor liver transplants.

Daniel A. Anaya, MD, FACS, head, section of hepatobiliary tumors at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, attended the Japan Surgical Society meeting in Osaka in April 2016. Dr. Anaya’s report also will be published in the Bulletin.

The ACS Traveling Fellow to Germany, Perry Shen, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C., attended the German Surgical Society’s annual meeting in Berlin in April 2016.

His German counterpart, Thilo Welsch, MD, PhD, head of surgical oncology at the University Cancer Center, Dresden, will attend Clinical Congress 2016 and visit several surgical sites under the guidance of his U.S. and German mentors. Dr. Welsch’s work centers on tumor metastasis and pancreatic surgery.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering two-year Faculty Research Fellowships to surgeons entering academic careers in surgery or a surgical specialty. The fellowship is to assist a surgeon in the establishment of a new and independent research program. Applicants should have demonstrated their potential to work as independent investigators. The fellowship awards are $40,000 per year for each of two years – July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 – and are made possible through the generosity of Fellows, chapters, and friends of the College. The closing date for receipt of completed applications and all supporting documents is November 1, 2016.

The specific fellowships are as follows:

• The Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship of the ACS honors Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS, founder of the ACS.

• The C. James Carrico, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship for the Study of Trauma and Critical Care honors C. James Carrico, MD, FACS, ACS Past-President, and is designated for research in trauma and critical care.

• The Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship honors Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, ACS Past-Executive Director, and is designated to support research into improving surgical outcomes.

Two additional undesignated Faculty Research Fellowships will be awarded.

General policies

The following policies cover the granting of the ACS Faculty Research Fellowships:

The fellowships are open to Fellows or Associate Fellows of the College who have: (1) completed the chief residency year or accredited fellowship training within the preceding five years, not including time off for maternity leave, military deployment, or medical leave; and (2) received a full-time faculty appointment in a department of surgery or a surgical specialty at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in the U.S. or by the Committee for Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools in Canada. Applicants who directly enter academic surgery following residency or fellowship will receive preference.

Recipients may use this award to support their research or academic enrichment in any fashion that they deem maximally supportive of their investigations. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or to the recipient’s institution.

Application for this fellowship may be submitted even if a comparable application has been made to other entities such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or industry sources. If the recipient is offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research career development award from such an agency or organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the College’s Scholarships Administrator to request approval of the additional award. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to review potentially overlapping awards and adjust its award accordingly.

The ACS encourages applicants to leverage the funds provided by this fellowship with time and monies provided by their department. The College will look favorably upon formal statements of matching funds and time from the applicant’s department.

Supporting letters from the head of the department of surgery (or the surgical specialty) and from the mentor supervising the applicant’s research effort must be submitted. This approval would involve a commitment to continuation of the academic position and of facilities for research. Only in exceptional circumstances will more than one fellowship be granted in a single year to applicants from the same institution.

The applicant must submit a research plan and budget for the two-year period of fellowship, even though renewed approval by the Scholarships Committee of the College is required for the second year.

A minimum of 50 percent of the fellow’s time must be spent conducting the research proposed in the application. This percentage may run concurrently with the time requirements of NIH or other accepted funding.

The Faculty Research Fellows are expected to attend the ACS Clinical Congress in 2019 to present a report to the Scientific Forum and to receive a certificate at the annual meeting of the Scholarships Committee.

Additional documents and questions are to be directed to the Scholarships Administrator: scholarships@facs.org or Scholarships Administrator, American College of Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611-3211. Access the application at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/research/acsfaculty.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering two-year Faculty Research Fellowships to surgeons entering academic careers in surgery or a surgical specialty. The fellowship is to assist a surgeon in the establishment of a new and independent research program. Applicants should have demonstrated their potential to work as independent investigators. The fellowship awards are $40,000 per year for each of two years – July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 – and are made possible through the generosity of Fellows, chapters, and friends of the College. The closing date for receipt of completed applications and all supporting documents is November 1, 2016.

The specific fellowships are as follows:

• The Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship of the ACS honors Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS, founder of the ACS.

• The C. James Carrico, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship for the Study of Trauma and Critical Care honors C. James Carrico, MD, FACS, ACS Past-President, and is designated for research in trauma and critical care.

• The Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship honors Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, ACS Past-Executive Director, and is designated to support research into improving surgical outcomes.

Two additional undesignated Faculty Research Fellowships will be awarded.

General policies

The following policies cover the granting of the ACS Faculty Research Fellowships:

The fellowships are open to Fellows or Associate Fellows of the College who have: (1) completed the chief residency year or accredited fellowship training within the preceding five years, not including time off for maternity leave, military deployment, or medical leave; and (2) received a full-time faculty appointment in a department of surgery or a surgical specialty at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in the U.S. or by the Committee for Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools in Canada. Applicants who directly enter academic surgery following residency or fellowship will receive preference.

Recipients may use this award to support their research or academic enrichment in any fashion that they deem maximally supportive of their investigations. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or to the recipient’s institution.

Application for this fellowship may be submitted even if a comparable application has been made to other entities such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or industry sources. If the recipient is offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research career development award from such an agency or organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the College’s Scholarships Administrator to request approval of the additional award. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to review potentially overlapping awards and adjust its award accordingly.

The ACS encourages applicants to leverage the funds provided by this fellowship with time and monies provided by their department. The College will look favorably upon formal statements of matching funds and time from the applicant’s department.

Supporting letters from the head of the department of surgery (or the surgical specialty) and from the mentor supervising the applicant’s research effort must be submitted. This approval would involve a commitment to continuation of the academic position and of facilities for research. Only in exceptional circumstances will more than one fellowship be granted in a single year to applicants from the same institution.

The applicant must submit a research plan and budget for the two-year period of fellowship, even though renewed approval by the Scholarships Committee of the College is required for the second year.

A minimum of 50 percent of the fellow’s time must be spent conducting the research proposed in the application. This percentage may run concurrently with the time requirements of NIH or other accepted funding.

The Faculty Research Fellows are expected to attend the ACS Clinical Congress in 2019 to present a report to the Scientific Forum and to receive a certificate at the annual meeting of the Scholarships Committee.

Additional documents and questions are to be directed to the Scholarships Administrator: scholarships@facs.org or Scholarships Administrator, American College of Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611-3211. Access the application at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/research/acsfaculty.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering two-year Faculty Research Fellowships to surgeons entering academic careers in surgery or a surgical specialty. The fellowship is to assist a surgeon in the establishment of a new and independent research program. Applicants should have demonstrated their potential to work as independent investigators. The fellowship awards are $40,000 per year for each of two years – July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019 – and are made possible through the generosity of Fellows, chapters, and friends of the College. The closing date for receipt of completed applications and all supporting documents is November 1, 2016.

The specific fellowships are as follows:

• The Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship of the ACS honors Franklin H. Martin, MD, FACS, founder of the ACS.

• The C. James Carrico, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship for the Study of Trauma and Critical Care honors C. James Carrico, MD, FACS, ACS Past-President, and is designated for research in trauma and critical care.

• The Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, Faculty Research Fellowship honors Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, ACS Past-Executive Director, and is designated to support research into improving surgical outcomes.

Two additional undesignated Faculty Research Fellowships will be awarded.

General policies

The following policies cover the granting of the ACS Faculty Research Fellowships:

The fellowships are open to Fellows or Associate Fellows of the College who have: (1) completed the chief residency year or accredited fellowship training within the preceding five years, not including time off for maternity leave, military deployment, or medical leave; and (2) received a full-time faculty appointment in a department of surgery or a surgical specialty at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in the U.S. or by the Committee for Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools in Canada. Applicants who directly enter academic surgery following residency or fellowship will receive preference.

Recipients may use this award to support their research or academic enrichment in any fashion that they deem maximally supportive of their investigations. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or to the recipient’s institution.

Application for this fellowship may be submitted even if a comparable application has been made to other entities such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or industry sources. If the recipient is offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research career development award from such an agency or organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the College’s Scholarships Administrator to request approval of the additional award. The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to review potentially overlapping awards and adjust its award accordingly.

The ACS encourages applicants to leverage the funds provided by this fellowship with time and monies provided by their department. The College will look favorably upon formal statements of matching funds and time from the applicant’s department.

Supporting letters from the head of the department of surgery (or the surgical specialty) and from the mentor supervising the applicant’s research effort must be submitted. This approval would involve a commitment to continuation of the academic position and of facilities for research. Only in exceptional circumstances will more than one fellowship be granted in a single year to applicants from the same institution.

The applicant must submit a research plan and budget for the two-year period of fellowship, even though renewed approval by the Scholarships Committee of the College is required for the second year.

A minimum of 50 percent of the fellow’s time must be spent conducting the research proposed in the application. This percentage may run concurrently with the time requirements of NIH or other accepted funding.

The Faculty Research Fellows are expected to attend the ACS Clinical Congress in 2019 to present a report to the Scientific Forum and to receive a certificate at the annual meeting of the Scholarships Committee.

Additional documents and questions are to be directed to the Scholarships Administrator: scholarships@facs.org or Scholarships Administrator, American College of Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611-3211. Access the application at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/research/acsfaculty.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is seeking candidates to fill three vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2016. Nominations are due Thursday, June 30.

The committee is seeking to fill the vacancies with men and women surgeons who are interested in advancing the role of women in the ACS and in encouraging and mentoring women in surgery. The committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Nominees must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows who are able to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Serve an initial three-year term: 2016-2019

• Attend two in-person meetings annually – one during the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, in the spring, and the other at the annual ACS Clinical Congress

• Participate in quarterly conference calls

• Actively serve on one subcommittee

• Contribute to committee initiatives

Nominees should submit:

• A letter of interest highlighting their skills and expertise, along with contributions they could offer the committee

• A five-page or shorter summary of their curriculum vitae

Nominations should be submitted to Connie Bura, Associate Director, ACS Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is seeking candidates to fill three vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2016. Nominations are due Thursday, June 30.

The committee is seeking to fill the vacancies with men and women surgeons who are interested in advancing the role of women in the ACS and in encouraging and mentoring women in surgery. The committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Nominees must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows who are able to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Serve an initial three-year term: 2016-2019

• Attend two in-person meetings annually – one during the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, in the spring, and the other at the annual ACS Clinical Congress

• Participate in quarterly conference calls

• Actively serve on one subcommittee

• Contribute to committee initiatives

Nominees should submit:

• A letter of interest highlighting their skills and expertise, along with contributions they could offer the committee

• A five-page or shorter summary of their curriculum vitae

Nominations should be submitted to Connie Bura, Associate Director, ACS Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is seeking candidates to fill three vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2016. Nominations are due Thursday, June 30.

The committee is seeking to fill the vacancies with men and women surgeons who are interested in advancing the role of women in the ACS and in encouraging and mentoring women in surgery. The committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Nominees must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows who are able to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Serve an initial three-year term: 2016-2019

• Attend two in-person meetings annually – one during the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, in the spring, and the other at the annual ACS Clinical Congress

• Participate in quarterly conference calls

• Actively serve on one subcommittee

• Contribute to committee initiatives

Nominees should submit:

• A letter of interest highlighting their skills and expertise, along with contributions they could offer the committee

• A five-page or shorter summary of their curriculum vitae

Nominations should be submitted to Connie Bura, Associate Director, ACS Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

For the second consecutive year, Becker’s Hospital Review has identified Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, as one of 50 experts leading the field of patient safety in the United States. Dr. Ko is Director, American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), and Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. He also is a colon and rectal surgeon and professor, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Schools of Medicine and Public Health; Robert and Kelly Day Chair in Surgical Outcomes, UCLA; and a research affiliate, RAND Corp.

The 2016 edition of the Becker’s Hospital Review list includes individuals at national organizations, universities, and health care systems who are working to improve patient safety. This fourth edition includes the names of advocates, professors, researchers, administrators, and health care providers who have won awards, published articles, spoken out, and led initiatives to reduce medical injuries and ensure patient safety. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team considered nominations and selected leaders through an editorial review process.

View the full list of recipients on the Becker’s Hospital Review website at http://goo.gl/srQVN3. Dr. Ko’s profile appears on the website at http://goo.gl/NMUUOz.

For the second consecutive year, Becker’s Hospital Review has identified Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, as one of 50 experts leading the field of patient safety in the United States. Dr. Ko is Director, American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), and Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. He also is a colon and rectal surgeon and professor, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Schools of Medicine and Public Health; Robert and Kelly Day Chair in Surgical Outcomes, UCLA; and a research affiliate, RAND Corp.

The 2016 edition of the Becker’s Hospital Review list includes individuals at national organizations, universities, and health care systems who are working to improve patient safety. This fourth edition includes the names of advocates, professors, researchers, administrators, and health care providers who have won awards, published articles, spoken out, and led initiatives to reduce medical injuries and ensure patient safety. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team considered nominations and selected leaders through an editorial review process.

View the full list of recipients on the Becker’s Hospital Review website at http://goo.gl/srQVN3. Dr. Ko’s profile appears on the website at http://goo.gl/NMUUOz.

For the second consecutive year, Becker’s Hospital Review has identified Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, as one of 50 experts leading the field of patient safety in the United States. Dr. Ko is Director, American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), and Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. He also is a colon and rectal surgeon and professor, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Schools of Medicine and Public Health; Robert and Kelly Day Chair in Surgical Outcomes, UCLA; and a research affiliate, RAND Corp.

The 2016 edition of the Becker’s Hospital Review list includes individuals at national organizations, universities, and health care systems who are working to improve patient safety. This fourth edition includes the names of advocates, professors, researchers, administrators, and health care providers who have won awards, published articles, spoken out, and led initiatives to reduce medical injuries and ensure patient safety. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team considered nominations and selected leaders through an editorial review process.

View the full list of recipients on the Becker’s Hospital Review website at http://goo.gl/srQVN3. Dr. Ko’s profile appears on the website at http://goo.gl/NMUUOz.

Nominations for candidates to fill two vacancies on the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Diversity Issues are due Thursday, June 30, for assignments that will begin in October 2016.

The committee’s mission is to study the educational and professional needs of underrepresented surgeons and surgical trainees. In addition, committee members will study the impact that the committee’s work may have on the elimination of health care disparities among diverse population groups. Committee work will include developing proposals and sessions on diversity for the ACS Clinical Congress, and advancing tools and resources to enhance surgeons’ cultural competency.

Nominees must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows who are able to fulfill the following criteria:

• Serve an initial three-year term, 2016-2019

• Attend one in-person meeting at the ACS Clinical Congress and participate in regular committee conference calls

• Actively contribute to committee initiatives

Nominees should submit:

• A letter of interest highlighting their skills and expertise, along with a list of contributions they would offer the committee

• A summary of their curriculum vitae, in fewer than five pages

For additional information and to submit nominations, contact Connie Bura, Associate Director, ACS Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

Nominations for candidates to fill two vacancies on the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Diversity Issues are due Thursday, June 30, for assignments that will begin in October 2016.

The committee’s mission is to study the educational and professional needs of underrepresented surgeons and surgical trainees. In addition, committee members will study the impact that the committee’s work may have on the elimination of health care disparities among diverse population groups. Committee work will include developing proposals and sessions on diversity for the ACS Clinical Congress, and advancing tools and resources to enhance surgeons’ cultural competency.

Nominees must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows who are able to fulfill the following criteria:

• Serve an initial three-year term, 2016-2019

• Attend one in-person meeting at the ACS Clinical Congress and participate in regular committee conference calls

• Actively contribute to committee initiatives

Nominees should submit:

• A letter of interest highlighting their skills and expertise, along with a list of contributions they would offer the committee

• A summary of their curriculum vitae, in fewer than five pages

For additional information and to submit nominations, contact Connie Bura, Associate Director, ACS Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

Nominations for candidates to fill two vacancies on the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Diversity Issues are due Thursday, June 30, for assignments that will begin in October 2016.

The committee’s mission is to study the educational and professional needs of underrepresented surgeons and surgical trainees. In addition, committee members will study the impact that the committee’s work may have on the elimination of health care disparities among diverse population groups. Committee work will include developing proposals and sessions on diversity for the ACS Clinical Congress, and advancing tools and resources to enhance surgeons’ cultural competency.

Nominees must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows who are able to fulfill the following criteria:

• Serve an initial three-year term, 2016-2019

• Attend one in-person meeting at the ACS Clinical Congress and participate in regular committee conference calls

• Actively contribute to committee initiatives

Nominees should submit:

• A letter of interest highlighting their skills and expertise, along with a list of contributions they would offer the committee

• A summary of their curriculum vitae, in fewer than five pages

For additional information and to submit nominations, contact Connie Bura, Associate Director, ACS Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

Applications for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Mentorship Program for Women Surgeons are due Friday, July 15. Through this program early-career female surgeons develop a mentoring relationship with established surgeons representing all specialties of the ACS.

This year’s mentoring program, October 2016 through October 2017, will include up to 25 mentor/mentee pairs who must attend the ACS Clinical Congress 2016, Oct. 16-20 in Washington, D.C. Applicants must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows, or in the process of applying for ACS Fellowship.

The committee also seeks qualified mentors. Visit the Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) webpage (https://www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/activities) to download the mentor or mentee application. All applicants will receive notification by Aug. 30 regarding their participation in the program.

Find more information about the WiSC on its webpage at https://www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/activities. Submit applications to Connie Bura, Associate Director, Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

Applications for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Mentorship Program for Women Surgeons are due Friday, July 15. Through this program early-career female surgeons develop a mentoring relationship with established surgeons representing all specialties of the ACS.

This year’s mentoring program, October 2016 through October 2017, will include up to 25 mentor/mentee pairs who must attend the ACS Clinical Congress 2016, Oct. 16-20 in Washington, D.C. Applicants must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows, or in the process of applying for ACS Fellowship.

The committee also seeks qualified mentors. Visit the Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) webpage (https://www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/activities) to download the mentor or mentee application. All applicants will receive notification by Aug. 30 regarding their participation in the program.

Find more information about the WiSC on its webpage at https://www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/activities. Submit applications to Connie Bura, Associate Director, Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.

Applications for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Mentorship Program for Women Surgeons are due Friday, July 15. Through this program early-career female surgeons develop a mentoring relationship with established surgeons representing all specialties of the ACS.

This year’s mentoring program, October 2016 through October 2017, will include up to 25 mentor/mentee pairs who must attend the ACS Clinical Congress 2016, Oct. 16-20 in Washington, D.C. Applicants must be ACS Fellows or Associate Fellows, or in the process of applying for ACS Fellowship.

The committee also seeks qualified mentors. Visit the Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) webpage (https://www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/activities) to download the mentor or mentee application. All applicants will receive notification by Aug. 30 regarding their participation in the program.

Find more information about the WiSC on its webpage at https://www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/activities. Submit applications to Connie Bura, Associate Director, Division of Member Services, at cbura@facs.org.