News From the College

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the Association of Surgical Technologists, the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety, and The Joint Commission recently developed consensus recommendations on operating room (OR) attire. The recommendations focus specifically on ear and hair covering.

The group has reached the following conclusions:

Evidence-based recommendations on surgical attire developed for perioperative policies and procedures are best created collaboratively, with a multidisciplinary team representing surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and infection prevention.

The requirement for ear coverage is not supported by sufficient evidence.

At present, available scientific evidence does not demonstrate any association between the type of hat or extent of hair coverage and surgical site infection rates. In fact, a recent report in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons on head coverings (disposable bouffant or skullcap, cloth cap) identified that the commonly available disposable bouffant hat is the least effective barrier to transmission of particles.

Other issues regarding areas of surgical attire need further evaluation.

For details, read the consensus statement on the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/consensus-statements/or-attire.

In addition, the ACS recently received notification from The Joint Commission indicating that the accrediting body will incorporate the specifications outlined in the consensus statement into its survey procedures for hospitals and other relevant health care facilities. 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the Association of Surgical Technologists, the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety, and The Joint Commission recently developed consensus recommendations on operating room (OR) attire. The recommendations focus specifically on ear and hair covering.

The group has reached the following conclusions:

Evidence-based recommendations on surgical attire developed for perioperative policies and procedures are best created collaboratively, with a multidisciplinary team representing surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and infection prevention.

The requirement for ear coverage is not supported by sufficient evidence.

At present, available scientific evidence does not demonstrate any association between the type of hat or extent of hair coverage and surgical site infection rates. In fact, a recent report in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons on head coverings (disposable bouffant or skullcap, cloth cap) identified that the commonly available disposable bouffant hat is the least effective barrier to transmission of particles.

Other issues regarding areas of surgical attire need further evaluation.

For details, read the consensus statement on the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/consensus-statements/or-attire.

In addition, the ACS recently received notification from The Joint Commission indicating that the accrediting body will incorporate the specifications outlined in the consensus statement into its survey procedures for hospitals and other relevant health care facilities. 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the Association of Surgical Technologists, the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety, and The Joint Commission recently developed consensus recommendations on operating room (OR) attire. The recommendations focus specifically on ear and hair covering.

The group has reached the following conclusions:

Evidence-based recommendations on surgical attire developed for perioperative policies and procedures are best created collaboratively, with a multidisciplinary team representing surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and infection prevention.

The requirement for ear coverage is not supported by sufficient evidence.

At present, available scientific evidence does not demonstrate any association between the type of hat or extent of hair coverage and surgical site infection rates. In fact, a recent report in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons on head coverings (disposable bouffant or skullcap, cloth cap) identified that the commonly available disposable bouffant hat is the least effective barrier to transmission of particles.

Other issues regarding areas of surgical attire need further evaluation.

For details, read the consensus statement on the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/consensus-statements/or-attire.

In addition, the ACS recently received notification from The Joint Commission indicating that the accrediting body will incorporate the specifications outlined in the consensus statement into its survey procedures for hospitals and other relevant health care facilities. 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering a two-year, onsite fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy through the Clinical Scholars in Residence program. The application deadline for positions starting in 2019 has been extended to June 29, 2018.

Applicants must have completed two years of clinical training, be U.S. citizens, and obtained two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. The applicant also must be a member of the ACS and in good standing with the College.


The Clinical Scholar will have the opportunity to work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to ongoing projects within the ACS. Participants also will earn a masters degree after the two years program. The Clinical Scholar will receive strong mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research. Previous ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence since 2005 have had excellent, productive experiences that have launched careers in the field.


Important dates for Clinical Scholars in Residence program follow:

Application deadline extended: June 29, 2018

Interview notification: July 13, 2018

Interview Process: July 16–31, 2018

Notification of appointment: August 1, 2018

Starting date: July 1, 2019

For more information, go to facs.org/quality-programs/about/clinical-scholars-program. Contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at clinicalscholars@facs.org with additional questions.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering a two-year, onsite fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy through the Clinical Scholars in Residence program. The application deadline for positions starting in 2019 has been extended to June 29, 2018.

Applicants must have completed two years of clinical training, be U.S. citizens, and obtained two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. The applicant also must be a member of the ACS and in good standing with the College.


The Clinical Scholar will have the opportunity to work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to ongoing projects within the ACS. Participants also will earn a masters degree after the two years program. The Clinical Scholar will receive strong mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research. Previous ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence since 2005 have had excellent, productive experiences that have launched careers in the field.


Important dates for Clinical Scholars in Residence program follow:

Application deadline extended: June 29, 2018

Interview notification: July 13, 2018

Interview Process: July 16–31, 2018

Notification of appointment: August 1, 2018

Starting date: July 1, 2019

For more information, go to facs.org/quality-programs/about/clinical-scholars-program. Contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at clinicalscholars@facs.org with additional questions.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is offering a two-year, onsite fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy through the Clinical Scholars in Residence program. The application deadline for positions starting in 2019 has been extended to June 29, 2018.

Applicants must have completed two years of clinical training, be U.S. citizens, and obtained two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. The applicant also must be a member of the ACS and in good standing with the College.


The Clinical Scholar will have the opportunity to work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to ongoing projects within the ACS. Participants also will earn a masters degree after the two years program. The Clinical Scholar will receive strong mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research. Previous ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence since 2005 have had excellent, productive experiences that have launched careers in the field.


Important dates for Clinical Scholars in Residence program follow:

Application deadline extended: June 29, 2018

Interview notification: July 13, 2018

Interview Process: July 16–31, 2018

Notification of appointment: August 1, 2018

Starting date: July 1, 2019

For more information, go to facs.org/quality-programs/about/clinical-scholars-program. Contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at clinicalscholars@facs.org with additional questions.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Honors Committee is soliciting nominations for several prestigious awards and honors. These include the Distinguished Service Award; the Rodman E. and Thomas G. Sheen Award; the Jacobson Innovation Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award; candidates for Honorary Fellowship (from countries outside of the U.S. and Canada); and potential innovative speakers for the Martin Memorial Lecture, delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the annual ACS Clinical Congress.

Nominations are accepted all year long; however, Honorary Fellowship nominees are selected each October for induction at the following year’s Clinical Congress.

Visit the Honors Committee web page at www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/honors-committee for additional details about the criteria for nominations. Specific questions may be directed to Donna Coulombe, Honors Committee Staff Liaison, at dcoulombe@facs.org or 312-202-5203.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Honors Committee is soliciting nominations for several prestigious awards and honors. These include the Distinguished Service Award; the Rodman E. and Thomas G. Sheen Award; the Jacobson Innovation Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award; candidates for Honorary Fellowship (from countries outside of the U.S. and Canada); and potential innovative speakers for the Martin Memorial Lecture, delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the annual ACS Clinical Congress.

Nominations are accepted all year long; however, Honorary Fellowship nominees are selected each October for induction at the following year’s Clinical Congress.

Visit the Honors Committee web page at www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/honors-committee for additional details about the criteria for nominations. Specific questions may be directed to Donna Coulombe, Honors Committee Staff Liaison, at dcoulombe@facs.org or 312-202-5203.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Honors Committee is soliciting nominations for several prestigious awards and honors. These include the Distinguished Service Award; the Rodman E. and Thomas G. Sheen Award; the Jacobson Innovation Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award; candidates for Honorary Fellowship (from countries outside of the U.S. and Canada); and potential innovative speakers for the Martin Memorial Lecture, delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the annual ACS Clinical Congress.

Nominations are accepted all year long; however, Honorary Fellowship nominees are selected each October for induction at the following year’s Clinical Congress.

Visit the Honors Committee web page at www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/honors-committee for additional details about the criteria for nominations. Specific questions may be directed to Donna Coulombe, Honors Committee Staff Liaison, at dcoulombe@facs.org or 312-202-5203.
 

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), recently launched by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), 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 and magnetic resonance 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.

“When a cancer center achieves this type of specialized accreditation, it means that their rectal cancer patients will receive streamlined, modern evaluation and treatment for the disease. Compliance with our standards will assure optimal care for these patients,” said David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, Medical Director of ACS Cancer Programs.

The NAPRC was developed through a collaboration between the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer Consortium and the ACS Commission on Cancer. It is based on successful international models that emphasize program structure, patient care processes, performance improvement, and performance measures. Its goal is to ensure that rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care using a multidisciplinary approach.

Read more in the ACS press release at www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2018/naprc052218. For more information about the program and instructions on how to apply for accreditation, visit the NAPRC website at www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc, or contact NAPRC@facs.org.

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), recently launched by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), 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 and magnetic resonance 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.

“When a cancer center achieves this type of specialized accreditation, it means that their rectal cancer patients will receive streamlined, modern evaluation and treatment for the disease. Compliance with our standards will assure optimal care for these patients,” said David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, Medical Director of ACS Cancer Programs.

The NAPRC was developed through a collaboration between the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer Consortium and the ACS Commission on Cancer. It is based on successful international models that emphasize program structure, patient care processes, performance improvement, and performance measures. Its goal is to ensure that rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care using a multidisciplinary approach.

Read more in the ACS press release at www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2018/naprc052218. For more information about the program and instructions on how to apply for accreditation, visit the NAPRC website at www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc, or contact NAPRC@facs.org.

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), recently launched by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), 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 and magnetic resonance 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.

“When a cancer center achieves this type of specialized accreditation, it means that their rectal cancer patients will receive streamlined, modern evaluation and treatment for the disease. Compliance with our standards will assure optimal care for these patients,” said David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, Medical Director of ACS Cancer Programs.

The NAPRC was developed through a collaboration between the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer Consortium and the ACS Commission on Cancer. It is based on successful international models that emphasize program structure, patient care processes, performance improvement, and performance measures. Its goal is to ensure that rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care using a multidisciplinary approach.

Read more in the ACS press release at www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2018/naprc052218. For more information about the program and instructions on how to apply for accreditation, visit the NAPRC website at www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc, or contact NAPRC@facs.org.

The first findings from a collaborative study within the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Cancer Programs—and published earlier this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—showed no significant association between frequency of surveillance testing and the time to detection of recurrence for colorectal cancer patients.

The study is an effort of the ACS Clinical Research Program and the Commission on Cancer and uses data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), which is jointly sponsored by the ACS and the American Cancer Society. It focuses on post-treatment surveillance for breast, colon, and lung cancers and was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

This portion of the study included more than 8,500 patients and was the first of eight manuscripts accepted for publication from a larger study conducted in 2015. The corresponding author is George J. Chang, MD, FACS, chief, section of colon and rectal surgery; professor of surgical oncology and health services research; and director of clinical operations, minimally invasive and new technologies in oncologic surgery program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

View the full text article on the JAMA website at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2681746/.

The first findings from a collaborative study within the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Cancer Programs—and published earlier this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—showed no significant association between frequency of surveillance testing and the time to detection of recurrence for colorectal cancer patients.

The study is an effort of the ACS Clinical Research Program and the Commission on Cancer and uses data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), which is jointly sponsored by the ACS and the American Cancer Society. It focuses on post-treatment surveillance for breast, colon, and lung cancers and was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

This portion of the study included more than 8,500 patients and was the first of eight manuscripts accepted for publication from a larger study conducted in 2015. The corresponding author is George J. Chang, MD, FACS, chief, section of colon and rectal surgery; professor of surgical oncology and health services research; and director of clinical operations, minimally invasive and new technologies in oncologic surgery program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

View the full text article on the JAMA website at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2681746/.

The first findings from a collaborative study within the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Cancer Programs—and published earlier this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—showed no significant association between frequency of surveillance testing and the time to detection of recurrence for colorectal cancer patients.

The study is an effort of the ACS Clinical Research Program and the Commission on Cancer and uses data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), which is jointly sponsored by the ACS and the American Cancer Society. It focuses on post-treatment surveillance for breast, colon, and lung cancers and was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

This portion of the study included more than 8,500 patients and was the first of eight manuscripts accepted for publication from a larger study conducted in 2015. The corresponding author is George J. Chang, MD, FACS, chief, section of colon and rectal surgery; professor of surgical oncology and health services research; and director of clinical operations, minimally invasive and new technologies in oncologic surgery program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

View the full text article on the JAMA website at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2681746/.

Rajiv Datta, MD, FACS, FRCS, chief of surgery, South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, NY, recently received South Nassau’s 2017 Mary Pearson Award. The award is presented annually to an individual for extraordinary effort and individual contributions that advance the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate care and standard-setting health care services.

Dr. Datta, also medical director, Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center, Valley Stream, NY, and director, division of surgical oncology and head and neck surgery, joined South Nassau in 2001 and has since gained an international reputation for leadership and surgical innovation. His leadership allowed Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center to be equipped with cutting-edge cancer treatment technology, and colleagues and patients recognize Dr. Datta for his surgical skill and compassionate demeanor.

The SESC noted that Dr. Greene earned the organization’s Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field of surgery, which significantly added to the SESC’s mission of supporting professional development and educational opportunities.

Rajiv Datta, MD, FACS, FRCS, chief of surgery, South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, NY, recently received South Nassau’s 2017 Mary Pearson Award. The award is presented annually to an individual for extraordinary effort and individual contributions that advance the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate care and standard-setting health care services.

Dr. Datta, also medical director, Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center, Valley Stream, NY, and director, division of surgical oncology and head and neck surgery, joined South Nassau in 2001 and has since gained an international reputation for leadership and surgical innovation. His leadership allowed Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center to be equipped with cutting-edge cancer treatment technology, and colleagues and patients recognize Dr. Datta for his surgical skill and compassionate demeanor.

The SESC noted that Dr. Greene earned the organization’s Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field of surgery, which significantly added to the SESC’s mission of supporting professional development and educational opportunities.

Rajiv Datta, MD, FACS, FRCS, chief of surgery, South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, NY, recently received South Nassau’s 2017 Mary Pearson Award. The award is presented annually to an individual for extraordinary effort and individual contributions that advance the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate care and standard-setting health care services.

Dr. Datta, also medical director, Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center, Valley Stream, NY, and director, division of surgical oncology and head and neck surgery, joined South Nassau in 2001 and has since gained an international reputation for leadership and surgical innovation. His leadership allowed Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center to be equipped with cutting-edge cancer treatment technology, and colleagues and patients recognize Dr. Datta for his surgical skill and compassionate demeanor.

The SESC noted that Dr. Greene earned the organization’s Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field of surgery, which significantly added to the SESC’s mission of supporting professional development and educational opportunities.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Advocacy and Health Policy (DAHP) seeks feedback from Fellows about existing Medicare documentation requirements that are unnecessary, difficult to understand, complicate the submission of claims, and delay patient care. The DAHP will use surgeon input to establish policy recommendations for regulatory relief under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Documentation Requirements Simplification (DRS) Initiative. The key objectives of the DRS Initiative are to eliminate documentation requirements that are no longer needed and to simplify the remaining documentation requirements to reduce improper payments and appeals. To share your story about Medicare documentation burdens, contact Lauren Foe, ACS Regulatory Associate, at lfoe@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Advocacy and Health Policy (DAHP) seeks feedback from Fellows about existing Medicare documentation requirements that are unnecessary, difficult to understand, complicate the submission of claims, and delay patient care. The DAHP will use surgeon input to establish policy recommendations for regulatory relief under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Documentation Requirements Simplification (DRS) Initiative. The key objectives of the DRS Initiative are to eliminate documentation requirements that are no longer needed and to simplify the remaining documentation requirements to reduce improper payments and appeals. To share your story about Medicare documentation burdens, contact Lauren Foe, ACS Regulatory Associate, at lfoe@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Advocacy and Health Policy (DAHP) seeks feedback from Fellows about existing Medicare documentation requirements that are unnecessary, difficult to understand, complicate the submission of claims, and delay patient care. The DAHP will use surgeon input to establish policy recommendations for regulatory relief under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Documentation Requirements Simplification (DRS) Initiative. The key objectives of the DRS Initiative are to eliminate documentation requirements that are no longer needed and to simplify the remaining documentation requirements to reduce improper payments and appeals. To share your story about Medicare documentation burdens, contact Lauren Foe, ACS Regulatory Associate, at lfoe@facs.org.

An estimated 886 bleeding control courses were offered in the days leading up to March 31, the official day of observance, and on the day of the event itself. These courses were led by approximately 3,460 instructors who are now filing reports with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Stop the Bleed^® office on the number of attendees who completed the training.

Media coverage of the event was significant, with hundreds of local media reports released about the Stop the Bleed Day in their hometown newspapers, television stations, online blogs, and other media outlets across the nation. To date, Stop the Bleed Day has captured 798 media mentions and more than 736 million media impressions.

The ACS Bleedingcontrol.org website was a major source of information about the day. In fact, during the month of March the website experienced a high volume of traffic (174,253 page views). The ACS National Stop the Bleed Day web page (www.bleedingcontrol.org/march31) captured 5,487 page views, and an informational video (goo.gl/QLRnwC) explaining what the event was about captured more than 1,200 views on YouTube. Stop the Bleed training can now be found in all 50 states and in 65 countries.
 

An estimated 886 bleeding control courses were offered in the days leading up to March 31, the official day of observance, and on the day of the event itself. These courses were led by approximately 3,460 instructors who are now filing reports with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Stop the Bleed^® office on the number of attendees who completed the training.

Media coverage of the event was significant, with hundreds of local media reports released about the Stop the Bleed Day in their hometown newspapers, television stations, online blogs, and other media outlets across the nation. To date, Stop the Bleed Day has captured 798 media mentions and more than 736 million media impressions.

The ACS Bleedingcontrol.org website was a major source of information about the day. In fact, during the month of March the website experienced a high volume of traffic (174,253 page views). The ACS National Stop the Bleed Day web page (www.bleedingcontrol.org/march31) captured 5,487 page views, and an informational video (goo.gl/QLRnwC) explaining what the event was about captured more than 1,200 views on YouTube. Stop the Bleed training can now be found in all 50 states and in 65 countries.
 

An estimated 886 bleeding control courses were offered in the days leading up to March 31, the official day of observance, and on the day of the event itself. These courses were led by approximately 3,460 instructors who are now filing reports with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Stop the Bleed^® office on the number of attendees who completed the training.

Media coverage of the event was significant, with hundreds of local media reports released about the Stop the Bleed Day in their hometown newspapers, television stations, online blogs, and other media outlets across the nation. To date, Stop the Bleed Day has captured 798 media mentions and more than 736 million media impressions.

The ACS Bleedingcontrol.org website was a major source of information about the day. In fact, during the month of March the website experienced a high volume of traffic (174,253 page views). The ACS National Stop the Bleed Day web page (www.bleedingcontrol.org/march31) captured 5,487 page views, and an informational video (goo.gl/QLRnwC) explaining what the event was about captured more than 1,200 views on YouTube. Stop the Bleed training can now be found in all 50 states and in 65 countries.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has posted the results of the 2017 Member Survey conducted last summer, to which more than 4,400 ACS Fellows and Associate Fellows responded. An infographic (available at www.facs.org/member-services/2017-survey provides an overview of member response rates, along with information on member work settings, overall satisfaction, the value of membership, the likelihood of recommending membership to others, top member benefits by importance and satisfaction, and member experiences with ACS Chapters. The ACS also has posted more detailed survey findings, available at www.facs.org/member-services/2017-survey/findings along with descriptions of the actions being taken in response to the results.

The survey results were presented to the Board of Regents at its October 2017 meeting. In addition, the results were discussed with the ACS Executive Leadership Team and have been used to develop the 2018 ACS strategic plan.

We value your membership and appreciate you providing this useful feedback. Questions or comments should be directed to the Division of Member Services at ms@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has posted the results of the 2017 Member Survey conducted last summer, to which more than 4,400 ACS Fellows and Associate Fellows responded. An infographic (available at www.facs.org/member-services/2017-survey provides an overview of member response rates, along with information on member work settings, overall satisfaction, the value of membership, the likelihood of recommending membership to others, top member benefits by importance and satisfaction, and member experiences with ACS Chapters. The ACS also has posted more detailed survey findings, available at www.facs.org/member-services/2017-survey/findings along with descriptions of the actions being taken in response to the results.

The survey results were presented to the Board of Regents at its October 2017 meeting. In addition, the results were discussed with the ACS Executive Leadership Team and have been used to develop the 2018 ACS strategic plan.

We value your membership and appreciate you providing this useful feedback. Questions or comments should be directed to the Division of Member Services at ms@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has posted the results of the 2017 Member Survey conducted last summer, to which more than 4,400 ACS Fellows and Associate Fellows responded. An infographic (available at www.facs.org/member-services/2017-survey provides an overview of member response rates, along with information on member work settings, overall satisfaction, the value of membership, the likelihood of recommending membership to others, top member benefits by importance and satisfaction, and member experiences with ACS Chapters. The ACS also has posted more detailed survey findings, available at www.facs.org/member-services/2017-survey/findings along with descriptions of the actions being taken in response to the results.

The survey results were presented to the Board of Regents at its October 2017 meeting. In addition, the results were discussed with the ACS Executive Leadership Team and have been used to develop the 2018 ACS strategic plan.

We value your membership and appreciate you providing this useful feedback. Questions or comments should be directed to the Division of Member Services at ms@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is accepting nominations for the annual Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award through May 31. The award will be presented at Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA, in recognition of an individual’s significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery.

The award is named in honor of Mary Edwards Walker, MD, for her role as the first woman surgeon employed by the U.S. Army and the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. Armed Forces decoration for bravery. Dr. Walker’s example paved the way for women surgeons of today.

Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement and inspiration of women in surgery and be members of the ACS, either in active practice or retired. WiSC members are ineligible for this award. The awardee is expected to attend Clinical Congress 2018 to accept the honor in person.

All nominations must be accompanied by the following documents:

• A letter of nomination outlining how the nominee has contributed to the advancement of women in the field of surgery

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) of the nominee

• Self-nominations are acceptable and should include a letter of reference

The letter of nomination and CV should be sent to Connie Bura at cbura@facs.org.

Read more about Dr. Walker, complete award eligibility requirements, and the selection process on the ACS website at www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/edwards-walker. Questions can be submitted to cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is accepting nominations for the annual Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award through May 31. The award will be presented at Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA, in recognition of an individual’s significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery.

The award is named in honor of Mary Edwards Walker, MD, for her role as the first woman surgeon employed by the U.S. Army and the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. Armed Forces decoration for bravery. Dr. Walker’s example paved the way for women surgeons of today.

Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement and inspiration of women in surgery and be members of the ACS, either in active practice or retired. WiSC members are ineligible for this award. The awardee is expected to attend Clinical Congress 2018 to accept the honor in person.

All nominations must be accompanied by the following documents:

• A letter of nomination outlining how the nominee has contributed to the advancement of women in the field of surgery

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) of the nominee

• Self-nominations are acceptable and should include a letter of reference

The letter of nomination and CV should be sent to Connie Bura at cbura@facs.org.

Read more about Dr. Walker, complete award eligibility requirements, and the selection process on the ACS website at www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/edwards-walker. Questions can be submitted to cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is accepting nominations for the annual Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award through May 31. The award will be presented at Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA, in recognition of an individual’s significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery.

The award is named in honor of Mary Edwards Walker, MD, for her role as the first woman surgeon employed by the U.S. Army and the only woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. Armed Forces decoration for bravery. Dr. Walker’s example paved the way for women surgeons of today.

Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement and inspiration of women in surgery and be members of the ACS, either in active practice or retired. WiSC members are ineligible for this award. The awardee is expected to attend Clinical Congress 2018 to accept the honor in person.

All nominations must be accompanied by the following documents:

• A letter of nomination outlining how the nominee has contributed to the advancement of women in the field of surgery

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) of the nominee

• Self-nominations are acceptable and should include a letter of reference

The letter of nomination and CV should be sent to Connie Bura at cbura@facs.org.

Read more about Dr. Walker, complete award eligibility requirements, and the selection process on the ACS website at www.facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/edwards-walker. Questions can be submitted to cbura@facs.org.