News From the College

The Society of Surgical Chairs (SSC) Women’s Committee hosted a leadership symposium for 40 women surgeons April 18–19 at the Union League of Philadelphia, PA, immediately preceding the annual meeting of the American Surgical Association. The event was sponsored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Ethicon, and the SSC Women’s Committee.

Anne C. Mosenthal, MD, FACS, Benjamin F. Rush, Jr. Endowed Chair and professor and chair of surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, and chair of the SSC’s Women’s Committee led the daylong educational program, which featured the following sessions:

• A team from Johnson & Johnson Ethicon spoke on the Changing Healthcare Landscape.

• Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, Lewis Katz Dean, School of Medicine, senior executive vice-president for Health Affairs, Temple University, and president and chief executive officer (CEO), Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, spoke on the Healthcare System and Academic Medicine.

• ACS President-Elect Barbara L. Bass, MD, FACS, the John F. and Carolyn Bookout Distinguished Endowed Chair and chair, department of surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, TX; and Past-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, president and CEO, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, spoke on leadership challenges.

• Sandra Humbles, vice-president of Global Educational Solutions for One Medical Devices at Johnson & Johnson, and Vice-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS, professor and chair, department of surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, led a session on Performance, Impact, and Exposure.

• Dr. Mosenthal moderated a panel discussion on advancing women to leadership roles, which included the following panelists: Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, Drexel University, Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and senior vice-president, medical affairs, at Drexel University College of Medicine; Nancy Spector, MD, executive director, executive leadership in academic medicine, and associate dean for faculty development, Drexel University College of Medicine; Mary T. Hawn, MD, FACS, professor of surgery and chair, department of surgery, Stanford University, CA; and Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, FACS, Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery and chair, department of surgery, University of Chicago, IL.

The ACS Foundation hosted a dinner for the SSC Women’s Committee members and Shane Hollett, ACS Foundation Executive Director, spoke with them about the future of women in philanthropy.


 

The Society of Surgical Chairs (SSC) Women’s Committee hosted a leadership symposium for 40 women surgeons April 18–19 at the Union League of Philadelphia, PA, immediately preceding the annual meeting of the American Surgical Association. The event was sponsored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Ethicon, and the SSC Women’s Committee.

Anne C. Mosenthal, MD, FACS, Benjamin F. Rush, Jr. Endowed Chair and professor and chair of surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, and chair of the SSC’s Women’s Committee led the daylong educational program, which featured the following sessions:

• A team from Johnson & Johnson Ethicon spoke on the Changing Healthcare Landscape.

• Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, Lewis Katz Dean, School of Medicine, senior executive vice-president for Health Affairs, Temple University, and president and chief executive officer (CEO), Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, spoke on the Healthcare System and Academic Medicine.

• ACS President-Elect Barbara L. Bass, MD, FACS, the John F. and Carolyn Bookout Distinguished Endowed Chair and chair, department of surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, TX; and Past-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, president and CEO, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, spoke on leadership challenges.

• Sandra Humbles, vice-president of Global Educational Solutions for One Medical Devices at Johnson & Johnson, and Vice-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS, professor and chair, department of surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, led a session on Performance, Impact, and Exposure.

• Dr. Mosenthal moderated a panel discussion on advancing women to leadership roles, which included the following panelists: Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, Drexel University, Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and senior vice-president, medical affairs, at Drexel University College of Medicine; Nancy Spector, MD, executive director, executive leadership in academic medicine, and associate dean for faculty development, Drexel University College of Medicine; Mary T. Hawn, MD, FACS, professor of surgery and chair, department of surgery, Stanford University, CA; and Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, FACS, Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery and chair, department of surgery, University of Chicago, IL.

The ACS Foundation hosted a dinner for the SSC Women’s Committee members and Shane Hollett, ACS Foundation Executive Director, spoke with them about the future of women in philanthropy.


 

The Society of Surgical Chairs (SSC) Women’s Committee hosted a leadership symposium for 40 women surgeons April 18–19 at the Union League of Philadelphia, PA, immediately preceding the annual meeting of the American Surgical Association. The event was sponsored by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Ethicon, and the SSC Women’s Committee.

Anne C. Mosenthal, MD, FACS, Benjamin F. Rush, Jr. Endowed Chair and professor and chair of surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, and chair of the SSC’s Women’s Committee led the daylong educational program, which featured the following sessions:

• A team from Johnson & Johnson Ethicon spoke on the Changing Healthcare Landscape.

• Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, Lewis Katz Dean, School of Medicine, senior executive vice-president for Health Affairs, Temple University, and president and chief executive officer (CEO), Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, spoke on the Healthcare System and Academic Medicine.

• ACS President-Elect Barbara L. Bass, MD, FACS, the John F. and Carolyn Bookout Distinguished Endowed Chair and chair, department of surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, TX; and Past-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS, president and CEO, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, spoke on leadership challenges.

• Sandra Humbles, vice-president of Global Educational Solutions for One Medical Devices at Johnson & Johnson, and Vice-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS, professor and chair, department of surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, led a session on Performance, Impact, and Exposure.

• Dr. Mosenthal moderated a panel discussion on advancing women to leadership roles, which included the following panelists: Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, Drexel University, Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and senior vice-president, medical affairs, at Drexel University College of Medicine; Nancy Spector, MD, executive director, executive leadership in academic medicine, and associate dean for faculty development, Drexel University College of Medicine; Mary T. Hawn, MD, FACS, professor of surgery and chair, department of surgery, Stanford University, CA; and Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, FACS, Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery and chair, department of surgery, University of Chicago, IL.

The ACS Foundation hosted a dinner for the SSC Women’s Committee members and Shane Hollett, ACS Foundation Executive Director, spoke with them about the future of women in philanthropy.


 

National Accreditation Program for Rectal CancerRectal cancer programs interested in earning accreditation from the new National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) may now apply for participation in the program. The goal of the NAPRC is to ensure that rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care using a multidisciplinary approach.

The NAPRC was developed through collaboration between the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer (OSTRiCh) Consortium, with input from other stakeholder organizations. The NAPRC formed as a response to the success European countries have had in treating rectal cancer, while the quality of care in the U.S. has continued to vary.

Representatives from OSTRiCh presented data highlighting these differences to the CoC Accreditation Committee, which eventually led to the development of a standards manual and six pilot surveys to form the NAPRC, explained Steven D. Wexner, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon, ACS Regent, and member of the NAPRC Steering Committee. The standards evaluate program management, clinical services, and quality improvement efforts. The NAPRC also offers educational modules created and maintained by content experts from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, College of American Pathologists, and American College of Radiology.

To attain accreditation from the NAPRC, cancer programs must assess and demonstrate compliance with the requirements for all standards outlined in The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer Standards Manual: 2017 Edition, available at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc/standards.

For more information about the NAPRC, visit the ACS website at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc, contact NAPRC@facs.org, and read the ACS press release at facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/naprc062117.

National Accreditation Program for Rectal CancerRectal cancer programs interested in earning accreditation from the new National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) may now apply for participation in the program. The goal of the NAPRC is to ensure that rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care using a multidisciplinary approach.

The NAPRC was developed through collaboration between the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer (OSTRiCh) Consortium, with input from other stakeholder organizations. The NAPRC formed as a response to the success European countries have had in treating rectal cancer, while the quality of care in the U.S. has continued to vary.

Representatives from OSTRiCh presented data highlighting these differences to the CoC Accreditation Committee, which eventually led to the development of a standards manual and six pilot surveys to form the NAPRC, explained Steven D. Wexner, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon, ACS Regent, and member of the NAPRC Steering Committee. The standards evaluate program management, clinical services, and quality improvement efforts. The NAPRC also offers educational modules created and maintained by content experts from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, College of American Pathologists, and American College of Radiology.

To attain accreditation from the NAPRC, cancer programs must assess and demonstrate compliance with the requirements for all standards outlined in The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer Standards Manual: 2017 Edition, available at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc/standards.

For more information about the NAPRC, visit the ACS website at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc, contact NAPRC@facs.org, and read the ACS press release at facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/naprc062117.

National Accreditation Program for Rectal CancerRectal cancer programs interested in earning accreditation from the new National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) may now apply for participation in the program. The goal of the NAPRC is to ensure that rectal cancer patients receive appropriate care using a multidisciplinary approach.

The NAPRC was developed through collaboration between the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer (OSTRiCh) Consortium, with input from other stakeholder organizations. The NAPRC formed as a response to the success European countries have had in treating rectal cancer, while the quality of care in the U.S. has continued to vary.

Representatives from OSTRiCh presented data highlighting these differences to the CoC Accreditation Committee, which eventually led to the development of a standards manual and six pilot surveys to form the NAPRC, explained Steven D. Wexner, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon, ACS Regent, and member of the NAPRC Steering Committee. The standards evaluate program management, clinical services, and quality improvement efforts. The NAPRC also offers educational modules created and maintained by content experts from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, College of American Pathologists, and American College of Radiology.

To attain accreditation from the NAPRC, cancer programs must assess and demonstrate compliance with the requirements for all standards outlined in The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer Standards Manual: 2017 Edition, available at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc/standards.

For more information about the NAPRC, visit the ACS website at facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/naprc, contact NAPRC@facs.org, and read the ACS press release at facs.org/media/press-releases/2017/naprc062117.

During the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Leadership & Advocacy Summit 2017 in Washington, DC, May 6–9, the ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) raised more than $61,000 from more than 175 members, staff, and other attendees. In addition to raising funds to elect and reelect congressional candidates who support a pro-surgeon, pro-surgical patient agenda, the Advocacy Summit provided an opportunity to recognize 2017 SurgeonsPAC contributors. SurgeonsPAC notably recognized Gary Timmerman, MD, FACS, as its newest Willens Society member. To become a member of the Willens Society—SurgeonsPAC’s highest giving level named in memory of Past-PAC Vice-Chair Mitchell Willens, MD, FACS—members must pledge a sum total of $25,000 over 10 years.

SurgeonsPAC events showcased ACSPA members’ broad-based commitment to the PAC, particularly at the SurgeonsPAC-sponsored reception at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, which more than 175 program participants attended. Guests enjoyed VIP access to special exhibitions and views of downtown Washington, DC.

Other SurgeonsPAC-sponsored events included a political luncheon featuring special guest speaker Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio, and presentation of the 2016 PAC awards. For the second consecutive year, South Dakota achieved the highest percent of PAC participation. California was recognized for most dollars raised, and Michael Coburn, MD, FACS, professor and chairman, Scott Department of Urology, and the Russell and Mary Hugh Scott Chair in Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, received the Warshaw-PAC MVP Award (named in honor of Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS, founder of the PAC) for his leadership raising funds within the ACS Committee on Trauma.

To learn more about SurgeonsPAC fundraising or disbursements, visit www.surgeonspac.org (log in: ACS username and password) or contact ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC staff at 202-672-1520 or surgeonspac@facs.org. For more information about the College’s legislative priorities, go to www.surgeonsvoice.org. ♦

Note

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.

During the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Leadership & Advocacy Summit 2017 in Washington, DC, May 6–9, the ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) raised more than $61,000 from more than 175 members, staff, and other attendees. In addition to raising funds to elect and reelect congressional candidates who support a pro-surgeon, pro-surgical patient agenda, the Advocacy Summit provided an opportunity to recognize 2017 SurgeonsPAC contributors. SurgeonsPAC notably recognized Gary Timmerman, MD, FACS, as its newest Willens Society member. To become a member of the Willens Society—SurgeonsPAC’s highest giving level named in memory of Past-PAC Vice-Chair Mitchell Willens, MD, FACS—members must pledge a sum total of $25,000 over 10 years.

SurgeonsPAC events showcased ACSPA members’ broad-based commitment to the PAC, particularly at the SurgeonsPAC-sponsored reception at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, which more than 175 program participants attended. Guests enjoyed VIP access to special exhibitions and views of downtown Washington, DC.

Other SurgeonsPAC-sponsored events included a political luncheon featuring special guest speaker Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio, and presentation of the 2016 PAC awards. For the second consecutive year, South Dakota achieved the highest percent of PAC participation. California was recognized for most dollars raised, and Michael Coburn, MD, FACS, professor and chairman, Scott Department of Urology, and the Russell and Mary Hugh Scott Chair in Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, received the Warshaw-PAC MVP Award (named in honor of Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS, founder of the PAC) for his leadership raising funds within the ACS Committee on Trauma.

To learn more about SurgeonsPAC fundraising or disbursements, visit www.surgeonspac.org (log in: ACS username and password) or contact ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC staff at 202-672-1520 or surgeonspac@facs.org. For more information about the College’s legislative priorities, go to www.surgeonsvoice.org. ♦

Note

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.

During the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Leadership & Advocacy Summit 2017 in Washington, DC, May 6–9, the ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) raised more than $61,000 from more than 175 members, staff, and other attendees. In addition to raising funds to elect and reelect congressional candidates who support a pro-surgeon, pro-surgical patient agenda, the Advocacy Summit provided an opportunity to recognize 2017 SurgeonsPAC contributors. SurgeonsPAC notably recognized Gary Timmerman, MD, FACS, as its newest Willens Society member. To become a member of the Willens Society—SurgeonsPAC’s highest giving level named in memory of Past-PAC Vice-Chair Mitchell Willens, MD, FACS—members must pledge a sum total of $25,000 over 10 years.

SurgeonsPAC events showcased ACSPA members’ broad-based commitment to the PAC, particularly at the SurgeonsPAC-sponsored reception at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, which more than 175 program participants attended. Guests enjoyed VIP access to special exhibitions and views of downtown Washington, DC.

Other SurgeonsPAC-sponsored events included a political luncheon featuring special guest speaker Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio, and presentation of the 2016 PAC awards. For the second consecutive year, South Dakota achieved the highest percent of PAC participation. California was recognized for most dollars raised, and Michael Coburn, MD, FACS, professor and chairman, Scott Department of Urology, and the Russell and Mary Hugh Scott Chair in Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, received the Warshaw-PAC MVP Award (named in honor of Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS, founder of the PAC) for his leadership raising funds within the ACS Committee on Trauma.

To learn more about SurgeonsPAC fundraising or disbursements, visit www.surgeonspac.org (log in: ACS username and password) or contact ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC staff at 202-672-1520 or surgeonspac@facs.org. For more information about the College’s legislative priorities, go to www.surgeonsvoice.org. ♦

Note

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 inaugural Chapter Officer Leadership Program took place May 6 in Washington, DC, prior to the kickoff of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2017 Leadership & Advocacy Summit. The program was designed to provide chapter officers with the tools they need to succeed as leaders and with an opportunity to network and share best practices with colleagues in similar roles.

More than 30 ACS chapter officers, primarily chapter Presidents and Presidents-Elect, attended the all-day session at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel.

“The Chapter Officer Leadership Program is an important component of the ACS strategy to support our domestic chapters,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL. “Chapters provide a significant benefit for our members, and this new approach to leadership education will help to ensure that our chapter officers are provided the support they need to deliver high-quality programs and services to ACS members.”



A range of leadership presentations

Program speakers represented a mix of ACS leadership, former and current chapter leaders, and ACS administrators, and addressed topics aimed at providing attendees with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage a chapter. Specific presentations included the following:

• Members Services Pillar Update on Efforts to Support Chapters

• Leading in Your Setting: How Effective Leaders Use Multiple Leadership Styles to Impact Change

• ACS Resources for Chapters

• Strategic Planning Strategies for ACS Chapters

• Panel Discussion: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Chapter President

• Results of the 2016 Chapter Survey

• Chapter Communications & Marketing

• Volunteerism through Operation Giving Back: How Can We Help?

• Grassroots Advocacy at the State Level: Making Chapters Strong Advocates for Surgeons

• Resident and Associate Society and Young Fellows Association Engagement in Chapters

• Chapter Involvement in Stop the Bleed^®

• Funding Chapter Activities through Sponsorship and Philanthropy

The day concluded with an opportunity for program attendees to discuss issues of concern with members of the Board of Governors Chapter Activities Domestic Workgroup, which serves as an advocate for ACS chapters in the U.S. and Canada. This meeting gave chapter leaders the opportunity to provide feedback on initiatives that the workgroup has been working on over the last year. One such initiative is revising the ACS Chapter Guidebook, a living document that is housed on the ACS website and that will be updated as new topics of interest arise, such as how to effectively use social media to promote chapter activities. The guidebook is available at facs.org/member-services/chapters/guidebook.

The agenda and presentations from the Chapter Officer Leadership Program are available at facs.org/member-services/chapters/acs-events/2017-leadership. For more information about chapter support services, contact Luke Moreau at lmoreau@facs.org or 312-202-5737.

Mr. Moreau is Manager, Domestic Chapter Services, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL.

The inaugural Chapter Officer Leadership Program took place May 6 in Washington, DC, prior to the kickoff of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2017 Leadership & Advocacy Summit. The program was designed to provide chapter officers with the tools they need to succeed as leaders and with an opportunity to network and share best practices with colleagues in similar roles.

More than 30 ACS chapter officers, primarily chapter Presidents and Presidents-Elect, attended the all-day session at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel.

“The Chapter Officer Leadership Program is an important component of the ACS strategy to support our domestic chapters,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL. “Chapters provide a significant benefit for our members, and this new approach to leadership education will help to ensure that our chapter officers are provided the support they need to deliver high-quality programs and services to ACS members.”



A range of leadership presentations

Program speakers represented a mix of ACS leadership, former and current chapter leaders, and ACS administrators, and addressed topics aimed at providing attendees with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage a chapter. Specific presentations included the following:

• Members Services Pillar Update on Efforts to Support Chapters

• Leading in Your Setting: How Effective Leaders Use Multiple Leadership Styles to Impact Change

• ACS Resources for Chapters

• Strategic Planning Strategies for ACS Chapters

• Panel Discussion: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Chapter President

• Results of the 2016 Chapter Survey

• Chapter Communications & Marketing

• Volunteerism through Operation Giving Back: How Can We Help?

• Grassroots Advocacy at the State Level: Making Chapters Strong Advocates for Surgeons

• Resident and Associate Society and Young Fellows Association Engagement in Chapters

• Chapter Involvement in Stop the Bleed^®

• Funding Chapter Activities through Sponsorship and Philanthropy

The day concluded with an opportunity for program attendees to discuss issues of concern with members of the Board of Governors Chapter Activities Domestic Workgroup, which serves as an advocate for ACS chapters in the U.S. and Canada. This meeting gave chapter leaders the opportunity to provide feedback on initiatives that the workgroup has been working on over the last year. One such initiative is revising the ACS Chapter Guidebook, a living document that is housed on the ACS website and that will be updated as new topics of interest arise, such as how to effectively use social media to promote chapter activities. The guidebook is available at facs.org/member-services/chapters/guidebook.

The agenda and presentations from the Chapter Officer Leadership Program are available at facs.org/member-services/chapters/acs-events/2017-leadership. For more information about chapter support services, contact Luke Moreau at lmoreau@facs.org or 312-202-5737.

Mr. Moreau is Manager, Domestic Chapter Services, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL.

The inaugural Chapter Officer Leadership Program took place May 6 in Washington, DC, prior to the kickoff of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2017 Leadership & Advocacy Summit. The program was designed to provide chapter officers with the tools they need to succeed as leaders and with an opportunity to network and share best practices with colleagues in similar roles.

More than 30 ACS chapter officers, primarily chapter Presidents and Presidents-Elect, attended the all-day session at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel.

“The Chapter Officer Leadership Program is an important component of the ACS strategy to support our domestic chapters,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL. “Chapters provide a significant benefit for our members, and this new approach to leadership education will help to ensure that our chapter officers are provided the support they need to deliver high-quality programs and services to ACS members.”



A range of leadership presentations

Program speakers represented a mix of ACS leadership, former and current chapter leaders, and ACS administrators, and addressed topics aimed at providing attendees with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage a chapter. Specific presentations included the following:

• Members Services Pillar Update on Efforts to Support Chapters

• Leading in Your Setting: How Effective Leaders Use Multiple Leadership Styles to Impact Change

• ACS Resources for Chapters

• Strategic Planning Strategies for ACS Chapters

• Panel Discussion: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Chapter President

• Results of the 2016 Chapter Survey

• Chapter Communications & Marketing

• Volunteerism through Operation Giving Back: How Can We Help?

• Grassroots Advocacy at the State Level: Making Chapters Strong Advocates for Surgeons

• Resident and Associate Society and Young Fellows Association Engagement in Chapters

• Chapter Involvement in Stop the Bleed^®

• Funding Chapter Activities through Sponsorship and Philanthropy

The day concluded with an opportunity for program attendees to discuss issues of concern with members of the Board of Governors Chapter Activities Domestic Workgroup, which serves as an advocate for ACS chapters in the U.S. and Canada. This meeting gave chapter leaders the opportunity to provide feedback on initiatives that the workgroup has been working on over the last year. One such initiative is revising the ACS Chapter Guidebook, a living document that is housed on the ACS website and that will be updated as new topics of interest arise, such as how to effectively use social media to promote chapter activities. The guidebook is available at facs.org/member-services/chapters/guidebook.

The agenda and presentations from the Chapter Officer Leadership Program are available at facs.org/member-services/chapters/acs-events/2017-leadership. For more information about chapter support services, contact Luke Moreau at lmoreau@facs.org or 312-202-5737.

Mr. Moreau is Manager, Domestic Chapter Services, ACS Division of Member Services, Chicago, IL.

Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services, recently concluded her term (2016–2017) as president of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS). She is the first woman to have served in that role.

Dr. Turner addressed attendees during the April 27–29 SBAS annual meeting, cohosted with the University of Chicago Medicine and Department of Surgery, IL, which is chaired by Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, FACS, Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery. In her presidential address, The Enduring Influence of Surgical Societies, she described the first time she attended an SBAS meeting as a medical student and expressed her gratitude for being able to lead the meeting as its 22nd president. “I am also grateful to SBAS for the privilege of serving as its first female president,” she said. (Watch a video from the meeting on the Women of SBAS, including Dr. Turner, at www.sbas.net/media/surgeon-spotlight.aspx?id=13).

In her address, Dr. Turner highlighted historical elements of surgery and the activities of surgical societies. She challenged SBAS to continue to expand diversity in all contexts, including age, specialty, gender, and representative institutional members. She urged the organization to extend its influence by amplifying existing relationships with other organizations, such as the ACS, National Institutes of Health, and the Association of American Medical Colleges, while developing new partnerships with other societies and institutions. She also noted that mentorship and excellence in the surgical sciences continue to be the hallmarks of SBAS.

“SBAS has become a formidable scientific forum for surgeons of all backgrounds interested in quality and excellence,” Dr. Turner said. “[Our membership is] small in number, but the power invested in our members and leaders is substantial; we are influential.”

Anthony Stallion, MD, FACS, chief of pediatric surgery, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, was installed as Dr. Turner’s successor.


 

Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services, recently concluded her term (2016–2017) as president of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS). She is the first woman to have served in that role.

Dr. Turner addressed attendees during the April 27–29 SBAS annual meeting, cohosted with the University of Chicago Medicine and Department of Surgery, IL, which is chaired by Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, FACS, Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery. In her presidential address, The Enduring Influence of Surgical Societies, she described the first time she attended an SBAS meeting as a medical student and expressed her gratitude for being able to lead the meeting as its 22nd president. “I am also grateful to SBAS for the privilege of serving as its first female president,” she said. (Watch a video from the meeting on the Women of SBAS, including Dr. Turner, at www.sbas.net/media/surgeon-spotlight.aspx?id=13).

In her address, Dr. Turner highlighted historical elements of surgery and the activities of surgical societies. She challenged SBAS to continue to expand diversity in all contexts, including age, specialty, gender, and representative institutional members. She urged the organization to extend its influence by amplifying existing relationships with other organizations, such as the ACS, National Institutes of Health, and the Association of American Medical Colleges, while developing new partnerships with other societies and institutions. She also noted that mentorship and excellence in the surgical sciences continue to be the hallmarks of SBAS.

“SBAS has become a formidable scientific forum for surgeons of all backgrounds interested in quality and excellence,” Dr. Turner said. “[Our membership is] small in number, but the power invested in our members and leaders is substantial; we are influential.”

Anthony Stallion, MD, FACS, chief of pediatric surgery, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, was installed as Dr. Turner’s successor.


 

Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services, recently concluded her term (2016–2017) as president of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS). She is the first woman to have served in that role.

Dr. Turner addressed attendees during the April 27–29 SBAS annual meeting, cohosted with the University of Chicago Medicine and Department of Surgery, IL, which is chaired by Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, FACS, Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery. In her presidential address, The Enduring Influence of Surgical Societies, she described the first time she attended an SBAS meeting as a medical student and expressed her gratitude for being able to lead the meeting as its 22nd president. “I am also grateful to SBAS for the privilege of serving as its first female president,” she said. (Watch a video from the meeting on the Women of SBAS, including Dr. Turner, at www.sbas.net/media/surgeon-spotlight.aspx?id=13).

In her address, Dr. Turner highlighted historical elements of surgery and the activities of surgical societies. She challenged SBAS to continue to expand diversity in all contexts, including age, specialty, gender, and representative institutional members. She urged the organization to extend its influence by amplifying existing relationships with other organizations, such as the ACS, National Institutes of Health, and the Association of American Medical Colleges, while developing new partnerships with other societies and institutions. She also noted that mentorship and excellence in the surgical sciences continue to be the hallmarks of SBAS.

“SBAS has become a formidable scientific forum for surgeons of all backgrounds interested in quality and excellence,” Dr. Turner said. “[Our membership is] small in number, but the power invested in our members and leaders is substantial; we are influential.”

Anthony Stallion, MD, FACS, chief of pediatric surgery, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, was installed as Dr. Turner’s successor.


 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Diversity Issues (CODI) is seeking candidates to fill two vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2017.

The mission of the Committee on Diversity Issues is to study the educational and professional needs of underrepresented surgeons and surgical trainees and the impact that its work may have on the elimination of health care disparities among diverse population groups.

Surgeons interested in developing initiatives to expand diversity within the ACS membership and leadership and to developing resources and programming for surgeons related to diversity and cultural competency should apply. Nominations are open to all, and the committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active Fellow of the ACS
• Be able to serve an initial three-year term: 2017–2020
• Attend one in-person meeting at the annual ACS Clinical Congress
• Participate in quarterly conference calls
• Contribute to committee initiatives

To apply, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/CmteDiversityApp to access the application and submit by June 30.

Applicants will need to do the following:

• Upload a summary of your curriculum vitae (five pages or less)
• Upload a letter of interest highlighting your skills and expertise, along with contributions you would like to make to the committee

Eligible candidates will be selected and notified by the committee in July and will be invited to attend the October 23 meeting of the Committee on Diversity Issues as guests. This meeting is held in conjunction with the 2017 Clinical Congress in San Diego. Travel reimbursement will not be provided.

Direct questions to cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Diversity Issues (CODI) is seeking candidates to fill two vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2017.

The mission of the Committee on Diversity Issues is to study the educational and professional needs of underrepresented surgeons and surgical trainees and the impact that its work may have on the elimination of health care disparities among diverse population groups.

Surgeons interested in developing initiatives to expand diversity within the ACS membership and leadership and to developing resources and programming for surgeons related to diversity and cultural competency should apply. Nominations are open to all, and the committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active Fellow of the ACS
• Be able to serve an initial three-year term: 2017–2020
• Attend one in-person meeting at the annual ACS Clinical Congress
• Participate in quarterly conference calls
• Contribute to committee initiatives

To apply, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/CmteDiversityApp to access the application and submit by June 30.

Applicants will need to do the following:

• Upload a summary of your curriculum vitae (five pages or less)
• Upload a letter of interest highlighting your skills and expertise, along with contributions you would like to make to the committee

Eligible candidates will be selected and notified by the committee in July and will be invited to attend the October 23 meeting of the Committee on Diversity Issues as guests. This meeting is held in conjunction with the 2017 Clinical Congress in San Diego. Travel reimbursement will not be provided.

Direct questions to cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Diversity Issues (CODI) is seeking candidates to fill two vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2017.

The mission of the Committee on Diversity Issues is to study the educational and professional needs of underrepresented surgeons and surgical trainees and the impact that its work may have on the elimination of health care disparities among diverse population groups.

Surgeons interested in developing initiatives to expand diversity within the ACS membership and leadership and to developing resources and programming for surgeons related to diversity and cultural competency should apply. Nominations are open to all, and the committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active Fellow of the ACS
• Be able to serve an initial three-year term: 2017–2020
• Attend one in-person meeting at the annual ACS Clinical Congress
• Participate in quarterly conference calls
• Contribute to committee initiatives

To apply, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/CmteDiversityApp to access the application and submit by June 30.

Applicants will need to do the following:

• Upload a summary of your curriculum vitae (five pages or less)
• Upload a letter of interest highlighting your skills and expertise, along with contributions you would like to make to the committee

Eligible candidates will be selected and notified by the committee in July and will be invited to attend the October 23 meeting of the Committee on Diversity Issues as guests. This meeting is held in conjunction with the 2017 Clinical Congress in San Diego. Travel reimbursement will not be provided.

Direct questions to cbura@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education’s new Resources in Surgical Education (RISE) recently debuted on the ACS website. RISE is headed by Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education. The RISE web page is available at www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/publications/rise/current.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education’s new Resources in Surgical Education (RISE) recently debuted on the ACS website. RISE is headed by Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education. The RISE web page is available at www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/publications/rise/current.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education’s new Resources in Surgical Education (RISE) recently debuted on the ACS website. RISE is headed by Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education. The RISE web page is available at www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/publications/rise/current.

The 2017 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Leadership & Advocacy Summit, May 6–9 in Washington, DC, was a well-attended conference that brought together surgeons from across the U.S. to enhance their leadership skills and to learn about how they can advocate for the advancement of issues important to the field of surgery.

Leadership Summit

More than 450 surgeons and residents participated in the ACS Leadership Summit held May 6–7. The Leadership portion of the Leadership & Advocacy Summit included a series of presentations that provided practical, take-home tips on how to be a better leader. Presentations covered such diverse leadership topics as how to handle difficult conversations, manage difficult people, and lead from behind; how it’s not all about you, and leading by example; volunteering in your own backyard; avoiding burnout and promoting resilience; preparing for leadership positions in medicine; and successfully addressing critical situations in the operating room. PowerPoint presentations shown at the 2017 Leadership Summit are available at facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit/2017-presentations.

In addition, ACS chapter leaders shared success stories. Representatives of the Connecticut Chapter focused on resident engagement, representatives of the North Texas Chapter and South Texas Chapter explained the positive results that can be realized by holding joint chapter meetings, and members of the Georgia Society of the ACS discussed their Stop the Bleed® effort. Participants then convened in state breakout sessions during the lunch hour to identify new strategies and initiatives for implementation at the chapter level. ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, provided an update on ACS activities.

Advocacy Summit

More than 300 surgeons and residents participated in the ACS Advocacy Summit, May 7−9. Participants in the Advocacy Summit portion of the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit came to Washington primarily to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff to educate them about key ACS legislative priorities that affect surgical patients, including ensuring an adequate surgical workforce in underserved areas; advancing childhood cancer research and surveillance and providing resources for pediatric cancer survivors; allocating funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides health care coverage to uninsured children from low-income families; improving liability protections for trauma care providers; and providing greater flexibility for providers during implementation of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The issue briefs presented during the Advocacy Summit are available on the ACS Professional Association website at web4.facs.org/eBusiness/login.aspx?ReturnURL=~/SAML/SSOService.aspx?r=1.

In addition, health care reform was discussed during a few panel sessions. Just days before the Advocacy Summit, the House of Representatives had passed the American Health Care Act by a vote of 217-213. Summit attendees were educated about the College’s concerns with the legislation and were advised that the Senate bill likely would be dramatically different. The College continues to work to ensure that ACS health care reform principles—patient safety and quality, patient access to surgical care, reduction of health care costs and medical liability reform—are included in a revised Senate bill. The full ACS 2017 statement on health care reform was published in the May issue of the Bulletin and is available at bulletin.facs.org/2017/05/american-college-of-surgeons-2017-statement-on-health-care-reform/.

The 2017 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Leadership & Advocacy Summit, May 6–9 in Washington, DC, was a well-attended conference that brought together surgeons from across the U.S. to enhance their leadership skills and to learn about how they can advocate for the advancement of issues important to the field of surgery.

Leadership Summit

More than 450 surgeons and residents participated in the ACS Leadership Summit held May 6–7. The Leadership portion of the Leadership & Advocacy Summit included a series of presentations that provided practical, take-home tips on how to be a better leader. Presentations covered such diverse leadership topics as how to handle difficult conversations, manage difficult people, and lead from behind; how it’s not all about you, and leading by example; volunteering in your own backyard; avoiding burnout and promoting resilience; preparing for leadership positions in medicine; and successfully addressing critical situations in the operating room. PowerPoint presentations shown at the 2017 Leadership Summit are available at facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit/2017-presentations.

In addition, ACS chapter leaders shared success stories. Representatives of the Connecticut Chapter focused on resident engagement, representatives of the North Texas Chapter and South Texas Chapter explained the positive results that can be realized by holding joint chapter meetings, and members of the Georgia Society of the ACS discussed their Stop the Bleed® effort. Participants then convened in state breakout sessions during the lunch hour to identify new strategies and initiatives for implementation at the chapter level. ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, provided an update on ACS activities.

Advocacy Summit

More than 300 surgeons and residents participated in the ACS Advocacy Summit, May 7−9. Participants in the Advocacy Summit portion of the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit came to Washington primarily to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff to educate them about key ACS legislative priorities that affect surgical patients, including ensuring an adequate surgical workforce in underserved areas; advancing childhood cancer research and surveillance and providing resources for pediatric cancer survivors; allocating funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides health care coverage to uninsured children from low-income families; improving liability protections for trauma care providers; and providing greater flexibility for providers during implementation of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The issue briefs presented during the Advocacy Summit are available on the ACS Professional Association website at web4.facs.org/eBusiness/login.aspx?ReturnURL=~/SAML/SSOService.aspx?r=1.

In addition, health care reform was discussed during a few panel sessions. Just days before the Advocacy Summit, the House of Representatives had passed the American Health Care Act by a vote of 217-213. Summit attendees were educated about the College’s concerns with the legislation and were advised that the Senate bill likely would be dramatically different. The College continues to work to ensure that ACS health care reform principles—patient safety and quality, patient access to surgical care, reduction of health care costs and medical liability reform—are included in a revised Senate bill. The full ACS 2017 statement on health care reform was published in the May issue of the Bulletin and is available at bulletin.facs.org/2017/05/american-college-of-surgeons-2017-statement-on-health-care-reform/.

The 2017 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Leadership & Advocacy Summit, May 6–9 in Washington, DC, was a well-attended conference that brought together surgeons from across the U.S. to enhance their leadership skills and to learn about how they can advocate for the advancement of issues important to the field of surgery.

Leadership Summit

More than 450 surgeons and residents participated in the ACS Leadership Summit held May 6–7. The Leadership portion of the Leadership & Advocacy Summit included a series of presentations that provided practical, take-home tips on how to be a better leader. Presentations covered such diverse leadership topics as how to handle difficult conversations, manage difficult people, and lead from behind; how it’s not all about you, and leading by example; volunteering in your own backyard; avoiding burnout and promoting resilience; preparing for leadership positions in medicine; and successfully addressing critical situations in the operating room. PowerPoint presentations shown at the 2017 Leadership Summit are available at facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit/2017-presentations.

In addition, ACS chapter leaders shared success stories. Representatives of the Connecticut Chapter focused on resident engagement, representatives of the North Texas Chapter and South Texas Chapter explained the positive results that can be realized by holding joint chapter meetings, and members of the Georgia Society of the ACS discussed their Stop the Bleed® effort. Participants then convened in state breakout sessions during the lunch hour to identify new strategies and initiatives for implementation at the chapter level. ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, provided an update on ACS activities.

Advocacy Summit

More than 300 surgeons and residents participated in the ACS Advocacy Summit, May 7−9. Participants in the Advocacy Summit portion of the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit came to Washington primarily to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff to educate them about key ACS legislative priorities that affect surgical patients, including ensuring an adequate surgical workforce in underserved areas; advancing childhood cancer research and surveillance and providing resources for pediatric cancer survivors; allocating funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides health care coverage to uninsured children from low-income families; improving liability protections for trauma care providers; and providing greater flexibility for providers during implementation of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The issue briefs presented during the Advocacy Summit are available on the ACS Professional Association website at web4.facs.org/eBusiness/login.aspx?ReturnURL=~/SAML/SSOService.aspx?r=1.

In addition, health care reform was discussed during a few panel sessions. Just days before the Advocacy Summit, the House of Representatives had passed the American Health Care Act by a vote of 217-213. Summit attendees were educated about the College’s concerns with the legislation and were advised that the Senate bill likely would be dramatically different. The College continues to work to ensure that ACS health care reform principles—patient safety and quality, patient access to surgical care, reduction of health care costs and medical liability reform—are included in a revised Senate bill. The full ACS 2017 statement on health care reform was published in the May issue of the Bulletin and is available at bulletin.facs.org/2017/05/american-college-of-surgeons-2017-statement-on-health-care-reform/.

The American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) will host a forum June 12 that seeks to mobilize stakeholders to identify best practices and key considerations in simulation training and to build the case for more standardized implementation of simulation training and assessment in early-career surgical education. The forum, called “Training the Next Generation of Surgeons: Making It Stick, Making It Real, Making It Together,” will take place at the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) Institute of Simulation in Healthcare (WISH) at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle. The ultimate goal of the forum will be to begin formulating principles and standards that will maximize the value of simulation and ultimately improve surgeon performance.

Hosting the forum are David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director; Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education; Robert Sweet, MD, FACS, professor of urology, UW, medical director, UW Medicine Kidney Stone Center at Northwest Hospital, and executive director, WISH and Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies, UW Medicine; and Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, chief medical officer, UW Medicine, vice-president for medical affairs, UW, and Past-President of the ACS.

The forum will include opening remarks from ACS and UW leadership and panel sessions on key topics, including model simulation programs, advances in simulation technologies and tools, and best practices for broadly applying simulation training and assessment. A keynote address centered on the cognitive learning process behind skills acquisition and expert performance, WISH simulation lab tours, and a workshop session on team training will round out the program. To learn more about the forum and to register, visit the ACS-AEI event page at www.facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/next-generation.

The American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) will host a forum June 12 that seeks to mobilize stakeholders to identify best practices and key considerations in simulation training and to build the case for more standardized implementation of simulation training and assessment in early-career surgical education. The forum, called “Training the Next Generation of Surgeons: Making It Stick, Making It Real, Making It Together,” will take place at the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) Institute of Simulation in Healthcare (WISH) at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle. The ultimate goal of the forum will be to begin formulating principles and standards that will maximize the value of simulation and ultimately improve surgeon performance.

Hosting the forum are David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director; Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education; Robert Sweet, MD, FACS, professor of urology, UW, medical director, UW Medicine Kidney Stone Center at Northwest Hospital, and executive director, WISH and Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies, UW Medicine; and Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, chief medical officer, UW Medicine, vice-president for medical affairs, UW, and Past-President of the ACS.

The forum will include opening remarks from ACS and UW leadership and panel sessions on key topics, including model simulation programs, advances in simulation technologies and tools, and best practices for broadly applying simulation training and assessment. A keynote address centered on the cognitive learning process behind skills acquisition and expert performance, WISH simulation lab tours, and a workshop session on team training will round out the program. To learn more about the forum and to register, visit the ACS-AEI event page at www.facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/next-generation.

The American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) will host a forum June 12 that seeks to mobilize stakeholders to identify best practices and key considerations in simulation training and to build the case for more standardized implementation of simulation training and assessment in early-career surgical education. The forum, called “Training the Next Generation of Surgeons: Making It Stick, Making It Real, Making It Together,” will take place at the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) Institute of Simulation in Healthcare (WISH) at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle. The ultimate goal of the forum will be to begin formulating principles and standards that will maximize the value of simulation and ultimately improve surgeon performance.

Hosting the forum are David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director; Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education; Robert Sweet, MD, FACS, professor of urology, UW, medical director, UW Medicine Kidney Stone Center at Northwest Hospital, and executive director, WISH and Center for Research in Education and Simulation Technologies, UW Medicine; and Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, chief medical officer, UW Medicine, vice-president for medical affairs, UW, and Past-President of the ACS.

The forum will include opening remarks from ACS and UW leadership and panel sessions on key topics, including model simulation programs, advances in simulation technologies and tools, and best practices for broadly applying simulation training and assessment. A keynote address centered on the cognitive learning process behind skills acquisition and expert performance, WISH simulation lab tours, and a workshop session on team training will round out the program. To learn more about the forum and to register, visit the ACS-AEI event page at www.facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/next-generation.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Evidence-Based Decisions in Surgery (EBDS) and Patient Education programs have collaborated to offer established surgical practice guidelines that surgeons can use at the point of care. The modules, which are viewable on all digital platforms, now include relevant patient education information to aid in high-quality care for surgical patients.

The EBDS modules provide peer-reviewed recommendations for surgeons based on clinical practice guidelines promulgated by national and international professional organizations and government agencies. The surgical recommendations are presented along with the strength of the evidence that supports the recommendations. Grading of the evidence is done with the understanding that the contribution of surgical judgment in developing effective and safe treatment strategies is essential for effective care of individual surgical patients. As such, the modules are intended to guide surgical practice but should always take into consideration the needs and preferences of individual patients.

Each EBDS module has a section labeled “Suggested Talking Points for Patient Education,” which covers topics such as who developed the guidelines, recommended actions for patients and physicians, and potential benefits and harms associated with these recommendations. Where applicable, links will now be included in the modules that will lead the user directly to the patient education material that supports the particular topic. For example, the EBDS module for Hemodialysis Access has a link to the Patient Education section of the Central Lines Home Skills Kit. The home page for the Central Lines Home Skills Kit provides a host of information, ranging from a welcome video, to a Central Lines Home Skills booklet, to an evaluation.

At present, 13 EBDS modules have links to patient education material from the ACS. As more modules and patient education materials are developed, more comprehensive offerings will be available to surgeon members. Brochures for patients provide all pre-, peri-, and postoperative information to help patients make informed decisions and fully participate in all aspects of their care for many common surgical procedures. The Home Skills Kit series uses a multimedia approach to explain, demonstrate, and provide directed learning experiences and practice opportunities for patients requiring a lung procedure, an ostomy, feeding tube, central line placement, or complex wound care.

ACS Patient Education resources are based on contemporary principles of evidence-based medicine tailored to the individual patient’s needs, with a focus on health literacy. Patients who are trained to actively participate in their care show improved treatment compliance, decreased complications, and enhanced outcomes and satisfaction.*

With outpatient operations representing a growing share (65 percent, 17.3 million) of all procedures performed in the U.S., patient preparation is essential to the delivery of high-value, safe surgical care.

To learn more and view the modules, go to ebds.facs.org. After logging in with ACS credentials, click on the Topics tab and take note of the modules with a tag labeled “Updated” to find modules that have ACS Patient Education information included. This can be found in the Suggested Talking Points for Patient Education section with links directly to the content available.

Ms. Dalal is Senior Manager, Evidence-Based Decisions in Surgery, ACS Division of Education, Chicago, IL.

Ms. Strand is Manager, ACS Patient Education Program, Division of Education.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Evidence-Based Decisions in Surgery (EBDS) and Patient Education programs have collaborated to offer established surgical practice guidelines that surgeons can use at the point of care. The modules, which are viewable on all digital platforms, now include relevant patient education information to aid in high-quality care for surgical patients.

The EBDS modules provide peer-reviewed recommendations for surgeons based on clinical practice guidelines promulgated by national and international professional organizations and government agencies. The surgical recommendations are presented along with the strength of the evidence that supports the recommendations. Grading of the evidence is done with the understanding that the contribution of surgical judgment in developing effective and safe treatment strategies is essential for effective care of individual surgical patients. As such, the modules are intended to guide surgical practice but should always take into consideration the needs and preferences of individual patients.

Each EBDS module has a section labeled “Suggested Talking Points for Patient Education,” which covers topics such as who developed the guidelines, recommended actions for patients and physicians, and potential benefits and harms associated with these recommendations. Where applicable, links will now be included in the modules that will lead the user directly to the patient education material that supports the particular topic. For example, the EBDS module for Hemodialysis Access has a link to the Patient Education section of the Central Lines Home Skills Kit. The home page for the Central Lines Home Skills Kit provides a host of information, ranging from a welcome video, to a Central Lines Home Skills booklet, to an evaluation.

At present, 13 EBDS modules have links to patient education material from the ACS. As more modules and patient education materials are developed, more comprehensive offerings will be available to surgeon members. Brochures for patients provide all pre-, peri-, and postoperative information to help patients make informed decisions and fully participate in all aspects of their care for many common surgical procedures. The Home Skills Kit series uses a multimedia approach to explain, demonstrate, and provide directed learning experiences and practice opportunities for patients requiring a lung procedure, an ostomy, feeding tube, central line placement, or complex wound care.

ACS Patient Education resources are based on contemporary principles of evidence-based medicine tailored to the individual patient’s needs, with a focus on health literacy. Patients who are trained to actively participate in their care show improved treatment compliance, decreased complications, and enhanced outcomes and satisfaction.*

With outpatient operations representing a growing share (65 percent, 17.3 million) of all procedures performed in the U.S., patient preparation is essential to the delivery of high-value, safe surgical care.

To learn more and view the modules, go to ebds.facs.org. After logging in with ACS credentials, click on the Topics tab and take note of the modules with a tag labeled “Updated” to find modules that have ACS Patient Education information included. This can be found in the Suggested Talking Points for Patient Education section with links directly to the content available.

Ms. Dalal is Senior Manager, Evidence-Based Decisions in Surgery, ACS Division of Education, Chicago, IL.

Ms. Strand is Manager, ACS Patient Education Program, Division of Education.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Evidence-Based Decisions in Surgery (EBDS) and Patient Education programs have collaborated to offer established surgical practice guidelines that surgeons can use at the point of care. The modules, which are viewable on all digital platforms, now include relevant patient education information to aid in high-quality care for surgical patients.

The EBDS modules provide peer-reviewed recommendations for surgeons based on clinical practice guidelines promulgated by national and international professional organizations and government agencies. The surgical recommendations are presented along with the strength of the evidence that supports the recommendations. Grading of the evidence is done with the understanding that the contribution of surgical judgment in developing effective and safe treatment strategies is essential for effective care of individual surgical patients. As such, the modules are intended to guide surgical practice but should always take into consideration the needs and preferences of individual patients.

Each EBDS module has a section labeled “Suggested Talking Points for Patient Education,” which covers topics such as who developed the guidelines, recommended actions for patients and physicians, and potential benefits and harms associated with these recommendations. Where applicable, links will now be included in the modules that will lead the user directly to the patient education material that supports the particular topic. For example, the EBDS module for Hemodialysis Access has a link to the Patient Education section of the Central Lines Home Skills Kit. The home page for the Central Lines Home Skills Kit provides a host of information, ranging from a welcome video, to a Central Lines Home Skills booklet, to an evaluation.

At present, 13 EBDS modules have links to patient education material from the ACS. As more modules and patient education materials are developed, more comprehensive offerings will be available to surgeon members. Brochures for patients provide all pre-, peri-, and postoperative information to help patients make informed decisions and fully participate in all aspects of their care for many common surgical procedures. The Home Skills Kit series uses a multimedia approach to explain, demonstrate, and provide directed learning experiences and practice opportunities for patients requiring a lung procedure, an ostomy, feeding tube, central line placement, or complex wound care.

ACS Patient Education resources are based on contemporary principles of evidence-based medicine tailored to the individual patient’s needs, with a focus on health literacy. Patients who are trained to actively participate in their care show improved treatment compliance, decreased complications, and enhanced outcomes and satisfaction.*

With outpatient operations representing a growing share (65 percent, 17.3 million) of all procedures performed in the U.S., patient preparation is essential to the delivery of high-value, safe surgical care.

To learn more and view the modules, go to ebds.facs.org. After logging in with ACS credentials, click on the Topics tab and take note of the modules with a tag labeled “Updated” to find modules that have ACS Patient Education information included. This can be found in the Suggested Talking Points for Patient Education section with links directly to the content available.

Ms. Dalal is Senior Manager, Evidence-Based Decisions in Surgery, ACS Division of Education, Chicago, IL.

Ms. Strand is Manager, ACS Patient Education Program, Division of Education.