News From the College

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) presented the 2018 Jacobson Innovation Award to surgical oncologist Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD, at a dinner held in his honor in Chicago, IL, on June 8. Dr. Rosenberg is chief of the surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, MD; and a professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, and at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.

The prestigious Jacobson Innovation Award honors living surgeons who have been innovators of a new development or technique in any field of surgery and is made possible through a gift from Julius H. Jacobson II, MD, FACS, and his wife Joan. Dr. Jacobson is a general vascular surgeon known for his pioneering work in the development of microsurgery.

Dr. Rosenberg was honored with this international surgical award for his pioneering role in the development of immunotherapy and gene therapy. When Dr. Rosenberg began his work in immunotherapy in the late 1970s, little was known about T lymphocyte function in cancer, and there was no convincing evidence that any immune reaction existed in patients against their cancers. Despite this dearth of knowledge, Dr. Rosenberg developed the first effective immunotherapies for selected patients with advanced cancer and was the first to successfully insert foreign genes into humans. His studies of cell transfer immunotherapy resulted in durable complete remissions in patients with metastatic melanoma. Additionally, his studies of the adoptive transfer of genetically modified lymphocytes resulted in the regression of metastatic cancer in patients with melanoma, sarcomas, and lymphomas.

In his current role at the NCI, Dr. Rosenberg oversees the surgery branch’s extensive clinical program, which is aimed at translating scientific advances into effective immunotherapies for cancer patients. Dr. Rosenberg’s current research is focused on defining the host immune response of patients to their cancers. These studies emphasize the ability of human lymphocytes to recognize unique cancer antigens and the identification of anti-tumor T cell receptors that can be exploited to develop new cell transfer immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer patients. Dr. Rosenberg is currently an investigator in 14 clinical trials being conducted through the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research.

Dr. Rosenberg has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. In 1981, he received a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Public Health Service for pioneering work in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and osteogenic sarcoma. He received that honor again in 1986 for his excellence and leadership in research and clinical investigation relating to the cellular biology and immunology of cancer treatment. Dr. Rosenberg also twice received the Armand Hammer Cancer Prize, in 1985 and 1988, for his cancer research accomplishments. In 1991, he received the highest honor given by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Karnofsky Prize. He was awarded the Flance-Karl Award, the highest honor given by the American Surgical Association, in 2002. In 2005, he received the Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award, which is the highest honor given by the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer. Most recently, he was named the recipient of the Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society in 2015.

Dr. Rosenberg is currently a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and has served on its board of directors. He also is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the Society of University Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, the American Association for Cancer Research, and the American Association of Immunologists, among others. He has authored more than 1,100 articles in scientific literature covering various aspects of cancer research, as well as eight books. He was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Immunotherapy from 1990 to 1995, and again from 2000 to the present.

For a list of previous Jacobson Innovation Award winners, visit the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/ governance/acs-committees/honorscommittee/jacobson-list.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) presented the 2018 Jacobson Innovation Award to surgical oncologist Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD, at a dinner held in his honor in Chicago, IL, on June 8. Dr. Rosenberg is chief of the surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, MD; and a professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, and at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.

The prestigious Jacobson Innovation Award honors living surgeons who have been innovators of a new development or technique in any field of surgery and is made possible through a gift from Julius H. Jacobson II, MD, FACS, and his wife Joan. Dr. Jacobson is a general vascular surgeon known for his pioneering work in the development of microsurgery.

Dr. Rosenberg was honored with this international surgical award for his pioneering role in the development of immunotherapy and gene therapy. When Dr. Rosenberg began his work in immunotherapy in the late 1970s, little was known about T lymphocyte function in cancer, and there was no convincing evidence that any immune reaction existed in patients against their cancers. Despite this dearth of knowledge, Dr. Rosenberg developed the first effective immunotherapies for selected patients with advanced cancer and was the first to successfully insert foreign genes into humans. His studies of cell transfer immunotherapy resulted in durable complete remissions in patients with metastatic melanoma. Additionally, his studies of the adoptive transfer of genetically modified lymphocytes resulted in the regression of metastatic cancer in patients with melanoma, sarcomas, and lymphomas.

In his current role at the NCI, Dr. Rosenberg oversees the surgery branch’s extensive clinical program, which is aimed at translating scientific advances into effective immunotherapies for cancer patients. Dr. Rosenberg’s current research is focused on defining the host immune response of patients to their cancers. These studies emphasize the ability of human lymphocytes to recognize unique cancer antigens and the identification of anti-tumor T cell receptors that can be exploited to develop new cell transfer immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer patients. Dr. Rosenberg is currently an investigator in 14 clinical trials being conducted through the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research.

Dr. Rosenberg has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. In 1981, he received a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Public Health Service for pioneering work in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and osteogenic sarcoma. He received that honor again in 1986 for his excellence and leadership in research and clinical investigation relating to the cellular biology and immunology of cancer treatment. Dr. Rosenberg also twice received the Armand Hammer Cancer Prize, in 1985 and 1988, for his cancer research accomplishments. In 1991, he received the highest honor given by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Karnofsky Prize. He was awarded the Flance-Karl Award, the highest honor given by the American Surgical Association, in 2002. In 2005, he received the Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award, which is the highest honor given by the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer. Most recently, he was named the recipient of the Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society in 2015.

Dr. Rosenberg is currently a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and has served on its board of directors. He also is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the Society of University Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, the American Association for Cancer Research, and the American Association of Immunologists, among others. He has authored more than 1,100 articles in scientific literature covering various aspects of cancer research, as well as eight books. He was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Immunotherapy from 1990 to 1995, and again from 2000 to the present.

For a list of previous Jacobson Innovation Award winners, visit the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/ governance/acs-committees/honorscommittee/jacobson-list.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) presented the 2018 Jacobson Innovation Award to surgical oncologist Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD, at a dinner held in his honor in Chicago, IL, on June 8. Dr. Rosenberg is chief of the surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, MD; and a professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, and at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.

The prestigious Jacobson Innovation Award honors living surgeons who have been innovators of a new development or technique in any field of surgery and is made possible through a gift from Julius H. Jacobson II, MD, FACS, and his wife Joan. Dr. Jacobson is a general vascular surgeon known for his pioneering work in the development of microsurgery.

Dr. Rosenberg was honored with this international surgical award for his pioneering role in the development of immunotherapy and gene therapy. When Dr. Rosenberg began his work in immunotherapy in the late 1970s, little was known about T lymphocyte function in cancer, and there was no convincing evidence that any immune reaction existed in patients against their cancers. Despite this dearth of knowledge, Dr. Rosenberg developed the first effective immunotherapies for selected patients with advanced cancer and was the first to successfully insert foreign genes into humans. His studies of cell transfer immunotherapy resulted in durable complete remissions in patients with metastatic melanoma. Additionally, his studies of the adoptive transfer of genetically modified lymphocytes resulted in the regression of metastatic cancer in patients with melanoma, sarcomas, and lymphomas.

In his current role at the NCI, Dr. Rosenberg oversees the surgery branch’s extensive clinical program, which is aimed at translating scientific advances into effective immunotherapies for cancer patients. Dr. Rosenberg’s current research is focused on defining the host immune response of patients to their cancers. These studies emphasize the ability of human lymphocytes to recognize unique cancer antigens and the identification of anti-tumor T cell receptors that can be exploited to develop new cell transfer immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer patients. Dr. Rosenberg is currently an investigator in 14 clinical trials being conducted through the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research.

Dr. Rosenberg has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. In 1981, he received a Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Public Health Service for pioneering work in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and osteogenic sarcoma. He received that honor again in 1986 for his excellence and leadership in research and clinical investigation relating to the cellular biology and immunology of cancer treatment. Dr. Rosenberg also twice received the Armand Hammer Cancer Prize, in 1985 and 1988, for his cancer research accomplishments. In 1991, he received the highest honor given by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Karnofsky Prize. He was awarded the Flance-Karl Award, the highest honor given by the American Surgical Association, in 2002. In 2005, he received the Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award, which is the highest honor given by the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer. Most recently, he was named the recipient of the Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society in 2015.

Dr. Rosenberg is currently a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and has served on its board of directors. He also is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the Society of University Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, the American Association for Cancer Research, and the American Association of Immunologists, among others. He has authored more than 1,100 articles in scientific literature covering various aspects of cancer research, as well as eight books. He was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Immunotherapy from 1990 to 1995, and again from 2000 to the present.

For a list of previous Jacobson Innovation Award winners, visit the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/ governance/acs-committees/honorscommittee/jacobson-list.

Attend the Annual American College of Surgeons Accredited Educational Institutes (ACS-AEI) Postgraduate Course, Novice to Expert: Let’s Get It Done, September 14–15 at the Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Rochester, MN, to learn new techniques in simulation education that will meet the needs of all levels of learners, from novice to expert. Succinct presentations and hands-on activities at the simulation center will expose attendees to useful ideas, initiatives, and best practices that can be incorporated at their respective centers. The deadline to register for the course is August 31.

Sessions on Friday, September 14, will take place at the host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester—Mayo Clinic Area, and will feature simulation presentations that address learners at the Novice, Advanced Beginner, Competent, Proficient, and Expert levels. The day will end with a special cocktail reception and dinner at the historic Mayo Foundation House, where you will enjoy networking and making connections with fellow attendees for more relevant research and educational efforts. Saturday, September 15, will begin with a tour of the simulation center, followed by interactive activities that showcase Mayo’s strengths, including the Surgical X-Games, low-fidelity models, assessment, Maintenance of Certification for anesthesiology, and more. View the complete course agenda at facs.org/~/media/files/education/aei/pg_course_agenda_2018.ashx.

Registrants are offered a special booking rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester—Mayo Clinic Area. Reservations may be made by booking online at bit.ly/2mviB8Q or by calling 507-281-8000 and mentioning the American College of Surgeons September 2018 Meeting. Hotel reservations must be made by August 22 to qualify for the group rate.

Visit the postgraduate course web page at facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/pgcourse for more details and to register. Contact Cathy Sormalis at cwojcik@facs.org with questions.
 

Attend the Annual American College of Surgeons Accredited Educational Institutes (ACS-AEI) Postgraduate Course, Novice to Expert: Let’s Get It Done, September 14–15 at the Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Rochester, MN, to learn new techniques in simulation education that will meet the needs of all levels of learners, from novice to expert. Succinct presentations and hands-on activities at the simulation center will expose attendees to useful ideas, initiatives, and best practices that can be incorporated at their respective centers. The deadline to register for the course is August 31.

Sessions on Friday, September 14, will take place at the host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester—Mayo Clinic Area, and will feature simulation presentations that address learners at the Novice, Advanced Beginner, Competent, Proficient, and Expert levels. The day will end with a special cocktail reception and dinner at the historic Mayo Foundation House, where you will enjoy networking and making connections with fellow attendees for more relevant research and educational efforts. Saturday, September 15, will begin with a tour of the simulation center, followed by interactive activities that showcase Mayo’s strengths, including the Surgical X-Games, low-fidelity models, assessment, Maintenance of Certification for anesthesiology, and more. View the complete course agenda at facs.org/~/media/files/education/aei/pg_course_agenda_2018.ashx.

Registrants are offered a special booking rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester—Mayo Clinic Area. Reservations may be made by booking online at bit.ly/2mviB8Q or by calling 507-281-8000 and mentioning the American College of Surgeons September 2018 Meeting. Hotel reservations must be made by August 22 to qualify for the group rate.

Visit the postgraduate course web page at facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/pgcourse for more details and to register. Contact Cathy Sormalis at cwojcik@facs.org with questions.
 

Attend the Annual American College of Surgeons Accredited Educational Institutes (ACS-AEI) Postgraduate Course, Novice to Expert: Let’s Get It Done, September 14–15 at the Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Rochester, MN, to learn new techniques in simulation education that will meet the needs of all levels of learners, from novice to expert. Succinct presentations and hands-on activities at the simulation center will expose attendees to useful ideas, initiatives, and best practices that can be incorporated at their respective centers. The deadline to register for the course is August 31.

Sessions on Friday, September 14, will take place at the host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester—Mayo Clinic Area, and will feature simulation presentations that address learners at the Novice, Advanced Beginner, Competent, Proficient, and Expert levels. The day will end with a special cocktail reception and dinner at the historic Mayo Foundation House, where you will enjoy networking and making connections with fellow attendees for more relevant research and educational efforts. Saturday, September 15, will begin with a tour of the simulation center, followed by interactive activities that showcase Mayo’s strengths, including the Surgical X-Games, low-fidelity models, assessment, Maintenance of Certification for anesthesiology, and more. View the complete course agenda at facs.org/~/media/files/education/aei/pg_course_agenda_2018.ashx.

Registrants are offered a special booking rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester—Mayo Clinic Area. Reservations may be made by booking online at bit.ly/2mviB8Q or by calling 507-281-8000 and mentioning the American College of Surgeons September 2018 Meeting. Hotel reservations must be made by August 22 to qualify for the group rate.

Visit the postgraduate course web page at facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/pgcourse for more details and to register. Contact Cathy Sormalis at cwojcik@facs.org with questions.
 

The Surgical History Group (SHG) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has awarded the inaugural Archives fellowship to David E. Clark, MD, FACS, of Portland, ME, to fund his research project, How the Great War Accelerated the Transfer of Global Leadership from Europe to America, and How the Developing ACS Helped Enable This Transition.

This annual fellowship begins July 1, and Dr. Clark will present his research findings at the SHG Breakfast Meeting at the ACS Clinical Congress 2019 in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Clark will receive a $2,000 stipend funded by the ACS Archives and the ACS Foundation’s Archives Fund.

The SHG fellowship supports research in surgical history that uses the resources of the ACS Archives, which includes records of the ACS in Chicago, IL, and the Orr Collection in Omaha, NE. Nine applicants submitted proposals on a variety of research topics this year, and applications were evaluated by the Archives Fellowship Selection Committee of the SHG.

For more information about the ACS Archives and the SHG, visit the ACS Archives web page at facs.org/about-acs/archives.

The Archives Fund was established to support the mission and operations of the ACS Archives. Direct contributions to support the Archives Fund are welcome. Fellows wishing to make tax-deductible gifts to fund this program are encouraged to contact the ACS Foundation at 312-202-5338.

The Surgical History Group (SHG) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has awarded the inaugural Archives fellowship to David E. Clark, MD, FACS, of Portland, ME, to fund his research project, How the Great War Accelerated the Transfer of Global Leadership from Europe to America, and How the Developing ACS Helped Enable This Transition.

This annual fellowship begins July 1, and Dr. Clark will present his research findings at the SHG Breakfast Meeting at the ACS Clinical Congress 2019 in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Clark will receive a $2,000 stipend funded by the ACS Archives and the ACS Foundation’s Archives Fund.

The SHG fellowship supports research in surgical history that uses the resources of the ACS Archives, which includes records of the ACS in Chicago, IL, and the Orr Collection in Omaha, NE. Nine applicants submitted proposals on a variety of research topics this year, and applications were evaluated by the Archives Fellowship Selection Committee of the SHG.

For more information about the ACS Archives and the SHG, visit the ACS Archives web page at facs.org/about-acs/archives.

The Archives Fund was established to support the mission and operations of the ACS Archives. Direct contributions to support the Archives Fund are welcome. Fellows wishing to make tax-deductible gifts to fund this program are encouraged to contact the ACS Foundation at 312-202-5338.

The Surgical History Group (SHG) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has awarded the inaugural Archives fellowship to David E. Clark, MD, FACS, of Portland, ME, to fund his research project, How the Great War Accelerated the Transfer of Global Leadership from Europe to America, and How the Developing ACS Helped Enable This Transition.

This annual fellowship begins July 1, and Dr. Clark will present his research findings at the SHG Breakfast Meeting at the ACS Clinical Congress 2019 in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Clark will receive a $2,000 stipend funded by the ACS Archives and the ACS Foundation’s Archives Fund.

The SHG fellowship supports research in surgical history that uses the resources of the ACS Archives, which includes records of the ACS in Chicago, IL, and the Orr Collection in Omaha, NE. Nine applicants submitted proposals on a variety of research topics this year, and applications were evaluated by the Archives Fellowship Selection Committee of the SHG.

For more information about the ACS Archives and the SHG, visit the ACS Archives web page at facs.org/about-acs/archives.

The Archives Fund was established to support the mission and operations of the ACS Archives. Direct contributions to support the Archives Fund are welcome. Fellows wishing to make tax-deductible gifts to fund this program are encouraged to contact the ACS Foundation at 312-202-5338.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has announced that Luke Funk, MD, MPH, FACS, of Madison, WI, has been selected to receive the 2018 George H.A. Clowes, MD, FACS Memorial Career Development Award. Dr. Funk is an assistant professor in the department of surgery at University of Wisconsin-Madison. His awarded research project is Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Severe Obesity Care.

Dr. Funk anticipates that his research will help him to complete a program of research focused on identifying and addressing barriers to severe obesity care and bariatric surgery. The primary objectives of his study are to better understand how severely obese patients and their primary care providers (PCPs) make obesity treatment decisions and to pilot-test an educational tool designed to improve shared decision-making and optimize treatment for severely obese patients.

The requirements for this award are posted to the ACS website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/research/acsclowes.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has announced that Luke Funk, MD, MPH, FACS, of Madison, WI, has been selected to receive the 2018 George H.A. Clowes, MD, FACS Memorial Career Development Award. Dr. Funk is an assistant professor in the department of surgery at University of Wisconsin-Madison. His awarded research project is Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Severe Obesity Care.

Dr. Funk anticipates that his research will help him to complete a program of research focused on identifying and addressing barriers to severe obesity care and bariatric surgery. The primary objectives of his study are to better understand how severely obese patients and their primary care providers (PCPs) make obesity treatment decisions and to pilot-test an educational tool designed to improve shared decision-making and optimize treatment for severely obese patients.

The requirements for this award are posted to the ACS website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/research/acsclowes.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has announced that Luke Funk, MD, MPH, FACS, of Madison, WI, has been selected to receive the 2018 George H.A. Clowes, MD, FACS Memorial Career Development Award. Dr. Funk is an assistant professor in the department of surgery at University of Wisconsin-Madison. His awarded research project is Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Severe Obesity Care.

Dr. Funk anticipates that his research will help him to complete a program of research focused on identifying and addressing barriers to severe obesity care and bariatric surgery. The primary objectives of his study are to better understand how severely obese patients and their primary care providers (PCPs) make obesity treatment decisions and to pilot-test an educational tool designed to improve shared decision-making and optimize treatment for severely obese patients.

The requirements for this award are posted to the ACS website at facs.org/member-services/scholarships/research/acsclowes.

Stephanie J. Drew, DMD, FACS, was elected president of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS) at its Annual Scientific Conference in April. She is the 26th president of ACOMS and the first woman elected to the position.

Stephanie J. Drew, DMD, FACS, was elected president of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS) at its Annual Scientific Conference in April. She is the 26th president of ACOMS and the first woman elected to the position.

Stephanie J. Drew, DMD, FACS, was elected president of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS) at its Annual Scientific Conference in April. She is the 26th president of ACOMS and the first woman elected to the position.

Measuring success when it comes to political action, particularly in the current climate, can be challenging. Just as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) strives to represent all of surgery and focuses on an extensive list of priorities, the American College of Surgeons Professional Association Political Action Committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) works to maintain relationships with numerous lawmakers to ensure the College’s advocacy and health policy agenda remains at the forefront.

Leading up to the November midterm elections, every surgeon should be familiar with some basic facts about ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement efforts.
 

Fundraising and disbursements

Fundraising is on par with the 2016 election cycle, a record year for “hard” dollars, or personal funds used to support candidates. SurgeonsPAC supports both Democrat and Republican candidates running in U.S. House and Senate races across the nation. SurgeonsPAC has a track record of balanced giving, contributing to candidates and incumbents of both parties who are willing to champion issues of importance to surgeons and surgical patients. All 2017‒2018 election cycle disbursements can be viewed at www.surgeonspac.org/disbursements. Legally, SurgeonsPAC cannot earmark contributions for a particular candidate or based on a single issue.

Contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of ACSPA have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC from accepting contributions from foreign nations. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC may only use your contribution to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ACSPA and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC is a program of the ACSPA, which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501c (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Measuring success when it comes to political action, particularly in the current climate, can be challenging. Just as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) strives to represent all of surgery and focuses on an extensive list of priorities, the American College of Surgeons Professional Association Political Action Committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) works to maintain relationships with numerous lawmakers to ensure the College’s advocacy and health policy agenda remains at the forefront.

Leading up to the November midterm elections, every surgeon should be familiar with some basic facts about ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement efforts.
 

Fundraising and disbursements

Fundraising is on par with the 2016 election cycle, a record year for “hard” dollars, or personal funds used to support candidates. SurgeonsPAC supports both Democrat and Republican candidates running in U.S. House and Senate races across the nation. SurgeonsPAC has a track record of balanced giving, contributing to candidates and incumbents of both parties who are willing to champion issues of importance to surgeons and surgical patients. All 2017‒2018 election cycle disbursements can be viewed at www.surgeonspac.org/disbursements. Legally, SurgeonsPAC cannot earmark contributions for a particular candidate or based on a single issue.

Contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of ACSPA have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC from accepting contributions from foreign nations. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC may only use your contribution to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ACSPA and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC is a program of the ACSPA, which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501c (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Measuring success when it comes to political action, particularly in the current climate, can be challenging. Just as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) strives to represent all of surgery and focuses on an extensive list of priorities, the American College of Surgeons Professional Association Political Action Committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) works to maintain relationships with numerous lawmakers to ensure the College’s advocacy and health policy agenda remains at the forefront.

Leading up to the November midterm elections, every surgeon should be familiar with some basic facts about ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC fundraising and disbursement efforts.
 

Fundraising and disbursements

Fundraising is on par with the 2016 election cycle, a record year for “hard” dollars, or personal funds used to support candidates. SurgeonsPAC supports both Democrat and Republican candidates running in U.S. House and Senate races across the nation. SurgeonsPAC has a track record of balanced giving, contributing to candidates and incumbents of both parties who are willing to champion issues of importance to surgeons and surgical patients. All 2017‒2018 election cycle disbursements can be viewed at www.surgeonspac.org/disbursements. Legally, SurgeonsPAC cannot earmark contributions for a particular candidate or based on a single issue.

Contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of ACSPA have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC from accepting contributions from foreign nations. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC may only use your contribution to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ACSPA and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC is a program of the ACSPA, which is exempt from federal income tax under section 501c (6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 26–29 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course that will cover essential content areas in general surgery, including alimentary tract, endocrine and soft tissue, oncology, skin and breast, surgical critical care, trauma, and vascular operations, as well as perioperative care.

Course Chair John A. Weigelt, MD, DVM, MMA, FACS, and a distinguished faculty will use didactic and case-based formats to present a comprehensive and practical review. Dr. Weigelt recently retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Milt & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professor of Trauma Surgery, as well as professor and chief, division of trauma and critical care. He is joining the University of South Dakota and the Sanford Health System, Sioux Falls, this summer as professor of surgery. Dr. Weigelt is Medical Director of the ACS Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (also known as SESAP®).

The course offers a pragmatic review designed to focus on practice issues and will offer several special features, such as self-assessment materials, including pre- and posttests. It may be helpful in preparing for examinations. Self-assessment credit will be available.

The ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The ACS designates this live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Register today at bit.ly/2s19VtX. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit the Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course web page at facs.org/gsreviewcourse or e-mail iaguilar@facs.org or mthorsen@facs.org. 

The 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 26–29 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course that will cover essential content areas in general surgery, including alimentary tract, endocrine and soft tissue, oncology, skin and breast, surgical critical care, trauma, and vascular operations, as well as perioperative care.

Course Chair John A. Weigelt, MD, DVM, MMA, FACS, and a distinguished faculty will use didactic and case-based formats to present a comprehensive and practical review. Dr. Weigelt recently retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Milt & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professor of Trauma Surgery, as well as professor and chief, division of trauma and critical care. He is joining the University of South Dakota and the Sanford Health System, Sioux Falls, this summer as professor of surgery. Dr. Weigelt is Medical Director of the ACS Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (also known as SESAP®).

The course offers a pragmatic review designed to focus on practice issues and will offer several special features, such as self-assessment materials, including pre- and posttests. It may be helpful in preparing for examinations. Self-assessment credit will be available.

The ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The ACS designates this live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Register today at bit.ly/2s19VtX. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit the Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course web page at facs.org/gsreviewcourse or e-mail iaguilar@facs.org or mthorsen@facs.org. 

The 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 26–29 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course that will cover essential content areas in general surgery, including alimentary tract, endocrine and soft tissue, oncology, skin and breast, surgical critical care, trauma, and vascular operations, as well as perioperative care.

Course Chair John A. Weigelt, MD, DVM, MMA, FACS, and a distinguished faculty will use didactic and case-based formats to present a comprehensive and practical review. Dr. Weigelt recently retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Milt & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professor of Trauma Surgery, as well as professor and chief, division of trauma and critical care. He is joining the University of South Dakota and the Sanford Health System, Sioux Falls, this summer as professor of surgery. Dr. Weigelt is Medical Director of the ACS Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (also known as SESAP®).

The course offers a pragmatic review designed to focus on practice issues and will offer several special features, such as self-assessment materials, including pre- and posttests. It may be helpful in preparing for examinations. Self-assessment credit will be available.

The ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The ACS designates this live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Register today at bit.ly/2s19VtX. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit the Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course web page at facs.org/gsreviewcourse or e-mail iaguilar@facs.org or mthorsen@facs.org. 

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), which the American College of Surgeons (ACS) launched in 2017, has awarded its first accreditation to the John Muir Health Rectal Cancer Program, Walnut Creek and Concord, CA. To earn the voluntary accreditation, the John Muir Health Rectal Cancer Program met 19 standards, including the establishment of a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team (RC-MDT) with clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.

Thirteen of those standards address clinical services that the program was required to provide, including carcinoembryonic antigen testing, magnetic resonance imagining, and computed tomography imaging for cancer staging, and ensuring a process whereby the patient starts treatment within a defined time frame. One of the most important clinical standards requires all rectal cancer patients to be present at both pre- and post-treatment RC-MDT meetings.

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), which the American College of Surgeons (ACS) launched in 2017, has awarded its first accreditation to the John Muir Health Rectal Cancer Program, Walnut Creek and Concord, CA. To earn the voluntary accreditation, the John Muir Health Rectal Cancer Program met 19 standards, including the establishment of a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team (RC-MDT) with clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.

Thirteen of those standards address clinical services that the program was required to provide, including carcinoembryonic antigen testing, magnetic resonance imagining, and computed tomography imaging for cancer staging, and ensuring a process whereby the patient starts treatment within a defined time frame. One of the most important clinical standards requires all rectal cancer patients to be present at both pre- and post-treatment RC-MDT meetings.

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), which the American College of Surgeons (ACS) launched in 2017, has awarded its first accreditation to the John Muir Health Rectal Cancer Program, Walnut Creek and Concord, CA. To earn the voluntary accreditation, the John Muir Health Rectal Cancer Program met 19 standards, including the establishment of a rectal cancer multidisciplinary team (RC-MDT) with clinical representatives from surgery, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.

Thirteen of those standards address clinical services that the program was required to provide, including carcinoembryonic antigen testing, magnetic resonance imagining, and computed tomography imaging for cancer staging, and ensuring a process whereby the patient starts treatment within a defined time frame. One of the most important clinical standards requires all rectal cancer patients to be present at both pre- and post-treatment RC-MDT meetings.

Registration is now open for the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018, October 21–25 in Boston, MA. The Clinical Congress is one of the largest educational meetings of surgeons in the world and offers outstanding educational opportunities for every stage of your career. The theme of this year’s conference is the Joy and Privilege of a Surgical Career. The scientific program, online registration, travel and hotel reservation links, and previews of other planned events for the conference are available on the Clinical Congress 2018 website at facs.org/clincon2018.

The Clinical Congress 2018 program addresses essential clinical and nonclinical topics. It includes a series of Named Lectures to be delivered by world-renowned experts in their fields, Didactic/Experiential and Surgical Skills Courses, and Video-Based Education Sessions to showcase surgical procedures. The Scientific Forum will include surgical research presentations and posters. This year, all posters will be e-posters, available online for viewing throughout the entire Clinical Congress.

Register now at facs.org/clincon2018/register.

Registration is open to all physicians and individuals in the health care field. To receive the early bird registration fees, be sure to register by 11:59 pm (Central time) Monday, August 27.

Registration is now open for the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018, October 21–25 in Boston, MA. The Clinical Congress is one of the largest educational meetings of surgeons in the world and offers outstanding educational opportunities for every stage of your career. The theme of this year’s conference is the Joy and Privilege of a Surgical Career. The scientific program, online registration, travel and hotel reservation links, and previews of other planned events for the conference are available on the Clinical Congress 2018 website at facs.org/clincon2018.

The Clinical Congress 2018 program addresses essential clinical and nonclinical topics. It includes a series of Named Lectures to be delivered by world-renowned experts in their fields, Didactic/Experiential and Surgical Skills Courses, and Video-Based Education Sessions to showcase surgical procedures. The Scientific Forum will include surgical research presentations and posters. This year, all posters will be e-posters, available online for viewing throughout the entire Clinical Congress.

Register now at facs.org/clincon2018/register.

Registration is open to all physicians and individuals in the health care field. To receive the early bird registration fees, be sure to register by 11:59 pm (Central time) Monday, August 27.

Registration is now open for the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018, October 21–25 in Boston, MA. The Clinical Congress is one of the largest educational meetings of surgeons in the world and offers outstanding educational opportunities for every stage of your career. The theme of this year’s conference is the Joy and Privilege of a Surgical Career. The scientific program, online registration, travel and hotel reservation links, and previews of other planned events for the conference are available on the Clinical Congress 2018 website at facs.org/clincon2018.

The Clinical Congress 2018 program addresses essential clinical and nonclinical topics. It includes a series of Named Lectures to be delivered by world-renowned experts in their fields, Didactic/Experiential and Surgical Skills Courses, and Video-Based Education Sessions to showcase surgical procedures. The Scientific Forum will include surgical research presentations and posters. This year, all posters will be e-posters, available online for viewing throughout the entire Clinical Congress.

Register now at facs.org/clincon2018/register.

Registration is open to all physicians and individuals in the health care field. To receive the early bird registration fees, be sure to register by 11:59 pm (Central time) Monday, August 27.

The 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 26–29 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course that will cover essential content areas in general surgery, including alimentary tract, endocrine and soft tissue, oncology, skin and breast, surgical critical care, trauma, and vascular operations, as well as perioperative care.

Course Chair John A. Weigelt, MD, DVM, MMA, FACS, and a distinguished faculty will use didactic and case-based formats to present a comprehensive and practical review. Dr. Weigelt recently retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Milt & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professor of Trauma Surgery, as well as professor and chief, division of trauma and critical care. He is joining the University of South Dakota and the Sanford Health System, Sioux Falls, this summer as professor of surgery. Dr. Weigelt is Medical Director of the ACS Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP^®).

The course is a pragmatic review designed to focus on practice issues and will offer several special features, including self-assessment materials, such as pre- and posttests. It may be helpful in preparing for examinations. Self-assessment credit will be available.

The ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The ACS designates this live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Register today at bit.ly/2s19VtX, and read more about the course at www.facs.org/gsreviewcourse. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit the ACS website or e-mail iaguilar@facs.org or mthorsen@facs.org. 

The 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 26–29 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course that will cover essential content areas in general surgery, including alimentary tract, endocrine and soft tissue, oncology, skin and breast, surgical critical care, trauma, and vascular operations, as well as perioperative care.

Course Chair John A. Weigelt, MD, DVM, MMA, FACS, and a distinguished faculty will use didactic and case-based formats to present a comprehensive and practical review. Dr. Weigelt recently retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Milt & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professor of Trauma Surgery, as well as professor and chief, division of trauma and critical care. He is joining the University of South Dakota and the Sanford Health System, Sioux Falls, this summer as professor of surgery. Dr. Weigelt is Medical Director of the ACS Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP^®).

The course is a pragmatic review designed to focus on practice issues and will offer several special features, including self-assessment materials, such as pre- and posttests. It may be helpful in preparing for examinations. Self-assessment credit will be available.

The ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The ACS designates this live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Register today at bit.ly/2s19VtX, and read more about the course at www.facs.org/gsreviewcourse. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit the ACS website or e-mail iaguilar@facs.org or mthorsen@facs.org. 

The 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 26–29 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course that will cover essential content areas in general surgery, including alimentary tract, endocrine and soft tissue, oncology, skin and breast, surgical critical care, trauma, and vascular operations, as well as perioperative care.

Course Chair John A. Weigelt, MD, DVM, MMA, FACS, and a distinguished faculty will use didactic and case-based formats to present a comprehensive and practical review. Dr. Weigelt recently retired from the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Milt & Lidy Lunda/Charles Aprahamian Professor of Trauma Surgery, as well as professor and chief, division of trauma and critical care. He is joining the University of South Dakota and the Sanford Health System, Sioux Falls, this summer as professor of surgery. Dr. Weigelt is Medical Director of the ACS Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP^®).

The course is a pragmatic review designed to focus on practice issues and will offer several special features, including self-assessment materials, such as pre- and posttests. It may be helpful in preparing for examinations. Self-assessment credit will be available.

The ACS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The ACS designates this live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Register today at bit.ly/2s19VtX, and read more about the course at www.facs.org/gsreviewcourse. Space is limited and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit the ACS website or e-mail iaguilar@facs.org or mthorsen@facs.org.