News From the College

The December issue of the Bulletin will feature an in-depth exploration of past, present, and future American College of Surgeons (ACS) efforts to improve the quality of surgical care for older adults. The following is a brief summary of these initiatives.

Decades of progress

Over the years, the College has been a leader in responding to the growing need for the aging American population to have access to high-quality surgical care. People older than 65 years of age represent a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population and a disproportionate share of individuals who undergo surgical procedures. Older adults have unique physiology, which often puts them at risk for complications after surgery. At a time when the quality and value of health care are under increasing scrutiny, the need for high-quality standards to improve surgical care delivery for this vulnerable population is on the rise.

The ACS has invested in improving surgical care for older adults over several decades. The ACS has partnered with the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and The John A. Hartford Foundation since 1995 and has had a standing Geriatric Surgery Task Force since 2004. In an interdisciplinary effort, the ACS, the AGS, and The John A. Hartford Foundation issued a set of guidelines for preoperative care of geriatric patients in 2012, with a follow-up set of guidelines for perioperative and postoperative care in 2016. Through the College’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), members of the Geriatric Surgery Task Force began collecting 14 patient-centered, geriatric-specific variables to better appreciate the unique risk factors and outcomes of older adults.

Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery

Most recently, the ACS, with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, convened a group of more than 50 stakeholders as the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery. This interdisciplinary, patient- and family-centered coalition aims to systematically improve surgical care for older adults. These improvements are intended for all geriatric surgical care programs, regardless of hospital size, location, or academic status. After an extensive standards evaluation process, the interdisciplinary panel is preparing to release the first iteration of high-quality geriatric surgery standards.

The project has garnered 74 mentions in the media as of press time, in addition to interviews on SiriusXM Doctor Radio, featuring Julia Berian, MD, ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence; Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS, Principal Investigator, and Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care; and Ronnie Rosenthal, MD, MS, FACS, Chair, ACS Geriatric Surgery Task Force and Co-Principal Investigator, Standards Subcommittee Co-Chair. Media outlets that have reported on the project include FOX News, Reuters, Medscape, and Surgical Products.

The December issue of the Bulletin will feature an in-depth exploration of past, present, and future American College of Surgeons (ACS) efforts to improve the quality of surgical care for older adults. The following is a brief summary of these initiatives.

Decades of progress

Over the years, the College has been a leader in responding to the growing need for the aging American population to have access to high-quality surgical care. People older than 65 years of age represent a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population and a disproportionate share of individuals who undergo surgical procedures. Older adults have unique physiology, which often puts them at risk for complications after surgery. At a time when the quality and value of health care are under increasing scrutiny, the need for high-quality standards to improve surgical care delivery for this vulnerable population is on the rise.

The ACS has invested in improving surgical care for older adults over several decades. The ACS has partnered with the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and The John A. Hartford Foundation since 1995 and has had a standing Geriatric Surgery Task Force since 2004. In an interdisciplinary effort, the ACS, the AGS, and The John A. Hartford Foundation issued a set of guidelines for preoperative care of geriatric patients in 2012, with a follow-up set of guidelines for perioperative and postoperative care in 2016. Through the College’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), members of the Geriatric Surgery Task Force began collecting 14 patient-centered, geriatric-specific variables to better appreciate the unique risk factors and outcomes of older adults.

Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery

Most recently, the ACS, with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, convened a group of more than 50 stakeholders as the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery. This interdisciplinary, patient- and family-centered coalition aims to systematically improve surgical care for older adults. These improvements are intended for all geriatric surgical care programs, regardless of hospital size, location, or academic status. After an extensive standards evaluation process, the interdisciplinary panel is preparing to release the first iteration of high-quality geriatric surgery standards.

The project has garnered 74 mentions in the media as of press time, in addition to interviews on SiriusXM Doctor Radio, featuring Julia Berian, MD, ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence; Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS, Principal Investigator, and Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care; and Ronnie Rosenthal, MD, MS, FACS, Chair, ACS Geriatric Surgery Task Force and Co-Principal Investigator, Standards Subcommittee Co-Chair. Media outlets that have reported on the project include FOX News, Reuters, Medscape, and Surgical Products.

The December issue of the Bulletin will feature an in-depth exploration of past, present, and future American College of Surgeons (ACS) efforts to improve the quality of surgical care for older adults. The following is a brief summary of these initiatives.

Decades of progress

Over the years, the College has been a leader in responding to the growing need for the aging American population to have access to high-quality surgical care. People older than 65 years of age represent a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population and a disproportionate share of individuals who undergo surgical procedures. Older adults have unique physiology, which often puts them at risk for complications after surgery. At a time when the quality and value of health care are under increasing scrutiny, the need for high-quality standards to improve surgical care delivery for this vulnerable population is on the rise.

The ACS has invested in improving surgical care for older adults over several decades. The ACS has partnered with the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) and The John A. Hartford Foundation since 1995 and has had a standing Geriatric Surgery Task Force since 2004. In an interdisciplinary effort, the ACS, the AGS, and The John A. Hartford Foundation issued a set of guidelines for preoperative care of geriatric patients in 2012, with a follow-up set of guidelines for perioperative and postoperative care in 2016. Through the College’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®), members of the Geriatric Surgery Task Force began collecting 14 patient-centered, geriatric-specific variables to better appreciate the unique risk factors and outcomes of older adults.

Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery

Most recently, the ACS, with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, convened a group of more than 50 stakeholders as the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery. This interdisciplinary, patient- and family-centered coalition aims to systematically improve surgical care for older adults. These improvements are intended for all geriatric surgical care programs, regardless of hospital size, location, or academic status. After an extensive standards evaluation process, the interdisciplinary panel is preparing to release the first iteration of high-quality geriatric surgery standards.

The project has garnered 74 mentions in the media as of press time, in addition to interviews on SiriusXM Doctor Radio, featuring Julia Berian, MD, ACS Clinical Scholar in Residence; Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS, Principal Investigator, and Director, ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care; and Ronnie Rosenthal, MD, MS, FACS, Chair, ACS Geriatric Surgery Task Force and Co-Principal Investigator, Standards Subcommittee Co-Chair. Media outlets that have reported on the project include FOX News, Reuters, Medscape, and Surgical Products.

This month, we continue our discussion of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Specifically, I write about a blog post from CMS Acting Administrator, Andy Slavitt, on Sept. 8, 2016. In that post Mr. Slavitt announced “plans for timing of reporting for the first year of the [quality payment] program” and stated that CMS “intend[s] for the Quality Payment Program to allow physicians to pick their pace of participation for the first performance period that begins Jan. 1, 2017.”

Though specific details are unknown at this time pending the release of the QPP final rule on or about Nov. 1, 2016, Mr. Slavitt’s post would seem to indicate that it will be possible for providers to avoid payment penalties and further that it should also be possible to receive a positive update in Medicare payment depending upon the level of one’s participation in the new program in 2017.

Options for Participation

Acting Administrator Slavitt’s post states, “During 2017, eligible physicians and other clinicians will have multiple options for participation. Choosing one of these options would ensure you do not receive a negative payment adjustment in 2019.”

Outlined below are those four options:

Option 1: Test the Quality Payment Program

With this option, one will be able to avoid a negative payment adjustment, “as long as you submit some data to the Quality Payment Program, including data from after January 1, 2017.”

This option is designed to ensure preparation for broader participation in 2018. As with all types of regulation, the “devil is in the details” and specifically, what constitutes “some data” is not defined at this time. As mentioned above, we expect such details to be described fully in the final rule, but I believe surgeons have reason to be optimistic that all should be able to avoid penalties under the first year of the QPP.

Option 2: Participate for part of the calendar year

For providers who choose to submit data for the QPP for less than a full year, i.e., “a reduced number of days,” their performance period could begin sometime after Jan. 1, 2017, and their “practice could still qualify for a small positive payment adjustment.”

For surgeons who are already participating in the current PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System) program via the American College of Surgeons’ Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR) or other certified registry, this option presents an opportunity to be rewarded for those efforts. To reiterate, details relative to the threshold of participation required for the positive adjustment will not be known until the final rule is released. However, it is entirely possible that many surgeons will be eligible for a positive update based upon what they are already doing or could easily begin doing in 2017.

Option 3: Participate for the full calendar year

Option three is for practices that are ready to fully participate in all four components of the QPP for the entire calendar year of 2017. Those practices that submit information for the entire year on quality, the use of electronic health record technology, and their practice’s improvement activities “could qualify for a modest positive payment adjustment.”

For those practices that have invested in electronic health record technology and are already reporting PQRS data, “gearing up” to participate for the full calendar year may not be an arduous endeavor. Once the final rule is released and specific details are known, they may find that their previous efforts toward preparation for the QPP puts it well within their capability to fully participate in 2017 and receive a positive payment adjustment.

Option 4: Participate in an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM)

“Instead of reporting quality data and other information, the law allows you to participate in the Quality Payment Program by joining an Advanced Alternative Payment Model …” Mr. Slavitt stated.

As has been stated in previous editions of this column, for the first few years of the QPP we expect that most surgeons will participate in the QPP via the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) pathway and not in APMs. However, the development of Advanced Alternative Payment Models widely applicable for surgeons is the object of significant and ongoing policy development efforts by the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy of the American College of Surgeons.

For those wishing to read Acting Administrator Slavitt’s post in its entirety, it may be found here: https://blog.cms.gov/2016/09/08/qualitypaymentprogram-pickyourpace.

Until next month.
 

Dr. Bailey is a pediatric surgeon, and Medical Director, Advocacy, for the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy in the ACS offices in Washington, D.C.

This month, we continue our discussion of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Specifically, I write about a blog post from CMS Acting Administrator, Andy Slavitt, on Sept. 8, 2016. In that post Mr. Slavitt announced “plans for timing of reporting for the first year of the [quality payment] program” and stated that CMS “intend[s] for the Quality Payment Program to allow physicians to pick their pace of participation for the first performance period that begins Jan. 1, 2017.”

Though specific details are unknown at this time pending the release of the QPP final rule on or about Nov. 1, 2016, Mr. Slavitt’s post would seem to indicate that it will be possible for providers to avoid payment penalties and further that it should also be possible to receive a positive update in Medicare payment depending upon the level of one’s participation in the new program in 2017.

Options for Participation

Acting Administrator Slavitt’s post states, “During 2017, eligible physicians and other clinicians will have multiple options for participation. Choosing one of these options would ensure you do not receive a negative payment adjustment in 2019.”

Outlined below are those four options:

Option 1: Test the Quality Payment Program

With this option, one will be able to avoid a negative payment adjustment, “as long as you submit some data to the Quality Payment Program, including data from after January 1, 2017.”

This option is designed to ensure preparation for broader participation in 2018. As with all types of regulation, the “devil is in the details” and specifically, what constitutes “some data” is not defined at this time. As mentioned above, we expect such details to be described fully in the final rule, but I believe surgeons have reason to be optimistic that all should be able to avoid penalties under the first year of the QPP.

Option 2: Participate for part of the calendar year

For providers who choose to submit data for the QPP for less than a full year, i.e., “a reduced number of days,” their performance period could begin sometime after Jan. 1, 2017, and their “practice could still qualify for a small positive payment adjustment.”

For surgeons who are already participating in the current PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System) program via the American College of Surgeons’ Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR) or other certified registry, this option presents an opportunity to be rewarded for those efforts. To reiterate, details relative to the threshold of participation required for the positive adjustment will not be known until the final rule is released. However, it is entirely possible that many surgeons will be eligible for a positive update based upon what they are already doing or could easily begin doing in 2017.

Option 3: Participate for the full calendar year

Option three is for practices that are ready to fully participate in all four components of the QPP for the entire calendar year of 2017. Those practices that submit information for the entire year on quality, the use of electronic health record technology, and their practice’s improvement activities “could qualify for a modest positive payment adjustment.”

For those practices that have invested in electronic health record technology and are already reporting PQRS data, “gearing up” to participate for the full calendar year may not be an arduous endeavor. Once the final rule is released and specific details are known, they may find that their previous efforts toward preparation for the QPP puts it well within their capability to fully participate in 2017 and receive a positive payment adjustment.

Option 4: Participate in an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM)

“Instead of reporting quality data and other information, the law allows you to participate in the Quality Payment Program by joining an Advanced Alternative Payment Model …” Mr. Slavitt stated.

As has been stated in previous editions of this column, for the first few years of the QPP we expect that most surgeons will participate in the QPP via the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) pathway and not in APMs. However, the development of Advanced Alternative Payment Models widely applicable for surgeons is the object of significant and ongoing policy development efforts by the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy of the American College of Surgeons.

For those wishing to read Acting Administrator Slavitt’s post in its entirety, it may be found here: https://blog.cms.gov/2016/09/08/qualitypaymentprogram-pickyourpace.

Until next month.
 

Dr. Bailey is a pediatric surgeon, and Medical Director, Advocacy, for the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy in the ACS offices in Washington, D.C.

This month, we continue our discussion of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Specifically, I write about a blog post from CMS Acting Administrator, Andy Slavitt, on Sept. 8, 2016. In that post Mr. Slavitt announced “plans for timing of reporting for the first year of the [quality payment] program” and stated that CMS “intend[s] for the Quality Payment Program to allow physicians to pick their pace of participation for the first performance period that begins Jan. 1, 2017.”

Though specific details are unknown at this time pending the release of the QPP final rule on or about Nov. 1, 2016, Mr. Slavitt’s post would seem to indicate that it will be possible for providers to avoid payment penalties and further that it should also be possible to receive a positive update in Medicare payment depending upon the level of one’s participation in the new program in 2017.

Options for Participation

Acting Administrator Slavitt’s post states, “During 2017, eligible physicians and other clinicians will have multiple options for participation. Choosing one of these options would ensure you do not receive a negative payment adjustment in 2019.”

Outlined below are those four options:

Option 1: Test the Quality Payment Program

With this option, one will be able to avoid a negative payment adjustment, “as long as you submit some data to the Quality Payment Program, including data from after January 1, 2017.”

This option is designed to ensure preparation for broader participation in 2018. As with all types of regulation, the “devil is in the details” and specifically, what constitutes “some data” is not defined at this time. As mentioned above, we expect such details to be described fully in the final rule, but I believe surgeons have reason to be optimistic that all should be able to avoid penalties under the first year of the QPP.

Option 2: Participate for part of the calendar year

For providers who choose to submit data for the QPP for less than a full year, i.e., “a reduced number of days,” their performance period could begin sometime after Jan. 1, 2017, and their “practice could still qualify for a small positive payment adjustment.”

For surgeons who are already participating in the current PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting System) program via the American College of Surgeons’ Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR) or other certified registry, this option presents an opportunity to be rewarded for those efforts. To reiterate, details relative to the threshold of participation required for the positive adjustment will not be known until the final rule is released. However, it is entirely possible that many surgeons will be eligible for a positive update based upon what they are already doing or could easily begin doing in 2017.

Option 3: Participate for the full calendar year

Option three is for practices that are ready to fully participate in all four components of the QPP for the entire calendar year of 2017. Those practices that submit information for the entire year on quality, the use of electronic health record technology, and their practice’s improvement activities “could qualify for a modest positive payment adjustment.”

For those practices that have invested in electronic health record technology and are already reporting PQRS data, “gearing up” to participate for the full calendar year may not be an arduous endeavor. Once the final rule is released and specific details are known, they may find that their previous efforts toward preparation for the QPP puts it well within their capability to fully participate in 2017 and receive a positive payment adjustment.

Option 4: Participate in an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM)

“Instead of reporting quality data and other information, the law allows you to participate in the Quality Payment Program by joining an Advanced Alternative Payment Model …” Mr. Slavitt stated.

As has been stated in previous editions of this column, for the first few years of the QPP we expect that most surgeons will participate in the QPP via the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) pathway and not in APMs. However, the development of Advanced Alternative Payment Models widely applicable for surgeons is the object of significant and ongoing policy development efforts by the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy of the American College of Surgeons.

For those wishing to read Acting Administrator Slavitt’s post in its entirety, it may be found here: https://blog.cms.gov/2016/09/08/qualitypaymentprogram-pickyourpace.

Until next month.
 

Dr. Bailey is a pediatric surgeon, and Medical Director, Advocacy, for the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy in the ACS offices in Washington, D.C.

In light of production costs, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Regents and the leadership of the Board of Governors, Young Fellows Association, and Resident and Associate Society have determined that the College would be best served by transitioning readers of the Bulletin to an online publication, effective with the January 2017 issue. The Bulletin will continue to offer the same array of features, news stories, and columns online, with the added benefit of providing more timely access to the Bulletin.

Members for whom we have an e-mail address will be notified each month when the new issue of the Bulletin becomes available. The e-mail notification will include a link that takes you directly to the Bulletin home page. (If your e-mail address is not on file or you need to update it, do so now via “My Profile” on the ACS website.)

From the Bulletin home page, bulletin.facs.org, you have three options: (1) start reading the current issue right there; (2) click the link on the right-hand side of the page, which will take you to a digital version that looks exactly like the print edition; or (3) download the Bulletin app, which will notify you each month when a new issue is available.

Note that, for a limited time, dues-paying members who do not have access to the Internet or who have a strong preference for print media may opt to continue receiving print copies of the Bulletin. Members who transition to non–dues-paying status will no longer receive the print edition. Dues-paying members (active Fellows, Associate Fellows, and Residents) should have received a notification from the College offering them the print option. If you do not recall receiving this notification e-mail or letter, you may request continuation of your print subscription via e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 800-621-4111. All requests should be made by December 9, 2016.

In light of production costs, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Regents and the leadership of the Board of Governors, Young Fellows Association, and Resident and Associate Society have determined that the College would be best served by transitioning readers of the Bulletin to an online publication, effective with the January 2017 issue. The Bulletin will continue to offer the same array of features, news stories, and columns online, with the added benefit of providing more timely access to the Bulletin.

Members for whom we have an e-mail address will be notified each month when the new issue of the Bulletin becomes available. The e-mail notification will include a link that takes you directly to the Bulletin home page. (If your e-mail address is not on file or you need to update it, do so now via “My Profile” on the ACS website.)

From the Bulletin home page, bulletin.facs.org, you have three options: (1) start reading the current issue right there; (2) click the link on the right-hand side of the page, which will take you to a digital version that looks exactly like the print edition; or (3) download the Bulletin app, which will notify you each month when a new issue is available.

Note that, for a limited time, dues-paying members who do not have access to the Internet or who have a strong preference for print media may opt to continue receiving print copies of the Bulletin. Members who transition to non–dues-paying status will no longer receive the print edition. Dues-paying members (active Fellows, Associate Fellows, and Residents) should have received a notification from the College offering them the print option. If you do not recall receiving this notification e-mail or letter, you may request continuation of your print subscription via e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 800-621-4111. All requests should be made by December 9, 2016.

In light of production costs, American College of Surgeons (ACS) Regents and the leadership of the Board of Governors, Young Fellows Association, and Resident and Associate Society have determined that the College would be best served by transitioning readers of the Bulletin to an online publication, effective with the January 2017 issue. The Bulletin will continue to offer the same array of features, news stories, and columns online, with the added benefit of providing more timely access to the Bulletin.

Members for whom we have an e-mail address will be notified each month when the new issue of the Bulletin becomes available. The e-mail notification will include a link that takes you directly to the Bulletin home page. (If your e-mail address is not on file or you need to update it, do so now via “My Profile” on the ACS website.)

From the Bulletin home page, bulletin.facs.org, you have three options: (1) start reading the current issue right there; (2) click the link on the right-hand side of the page, which will take you to a digital version that looks exactly like the print edition; or (3) download the Bulletin app, which will notify you each month when a new issue is available.

Note that, for a limited time, dues-paying members who do not have access to the Internet or who have a strong preference for print media may opt to continue receiving print copies of the Bulletin. Members who transition to non–dues-paying status will no longer receive the print edition. Dues-paying members (active Fellows, Associate Fellows, and Residents) should have received a notification from the College offering them the print option. If you do not recall receiving this notification e-mail or letter, you may request continuation of your print subscription via e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 800-621-4111. All requests should be made by December 9, 2016.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has released the eighth edition of TNM Cancer Staging Manual, which reflects current understanding of cancer biology concepts and emphasizes a more individualized approach to cancer classification and treatment. This edition presents evidence-based revisions for staging cancer for a number of organ sites and includes the rationales and rules for staging; the definitions of tumor, lymph node involvement, and metastasis; stage groupings; and histologic grade.

Cancer staging provides patients and physicians with the standards for determining the best treatment approach for their disease and their prognosis. Mahul B. Amin, MD, FCAP, Editor-in-Chief of the Eighth Edition, noted that 430 experts from 184 institutions in 22 countries on six continents collaborated to produce this resource. Dr. Amin is professor and chairman emeritus, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, and incoming chairman and endowed professor of the department of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis.

Since the Seventh Edition of the manual was published in 2009, researchers and medical practitioners have learned that genomic alterations drive cancer and may vary considerably among tumors that, in the past, were thought to be in the same category, Dr. Amin said.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer will require accredited hospitals to use the Eighth Edition for all cancer cases diagnosed on or after January 1, 2017. The manual, developed in cooperation with the TNM Committee of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), is available for purchase online at http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319406176.

Find additional information on licensing the content for electronic products at www.cancerstaging.org

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has released the eighth edition of TNM Cancer Staging Manual, which reflects current understanding of cancer biology concepts and emphasizes a more individualized approach to cancer classification and treatment. This edition presents evidence-based revisions for staging cancer for a number of organ sites and includes the rationales and rules for staging; the definitions of tumor, lymph node involvement, and metastasis; stage groupings; and histologic grade.

Cancer staging provides patients and physicians with the standards for determining the best treatment approach for their disease and their prognosis. Mahul B. Amin, MD, FCAP, Editor-in-Chief of the Eighth Edition, noted that 430 experts from 184 institutions in 22 countries on six continents collaborated to produce this resource. Dr. Amin is professor and chairman emeritus, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, and incoming chairman and endowed professor of the department of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis.

Since the Seventh Edition of the manual was published in 2009, researchers and medical practitioners have learned that genomic alterations drive cancer and may vary considerably among tumors that, in the past, were thought to be in the same category, Dr. Amin said.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer will require accredited hospitals to use the Eighth Edition for all cancer cases diagnosed on or after January 1, 2017. The manual, developed in cooperation with the TNM Committee of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), is available for purchase online at http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319406176.

Find additional information on licensing the content for electronic products at www.cancerstaging.org

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has released the eighth edition of TNM Cancer Staging Manual, which reflects current understanding of cancer biology concepts and emphasizes a more individualized approach to cancer classification and treatment. This edition presents evidence-based revisions for staging cancer for a number of organ sites and includes the rationales and rules for staging; the definitions of tumor, lymph node involvement, and metastasis; stage groupings; and histologic grade.

Cancer staging provides patients and physicians with the standards for determining the best treatment approach for their disease and their prognosis. Mahul B. Amin, MD, FCAP, Editor-in-Chief of the Eighth Edition, noted that 430 experts from 184 institutions in 22 countries on six continents collaborated to produce this resource. Dr. Amin is professor and chairman emeritus, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, and incoming chairman and endowed professor of the department of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis.

Since the Seventh Edition of the manual was published in 2009, researchers and medical practitioners have learned that genomic alterations drive cancer and may vary considerably among tumors that, in the past, were thought to be in the same category, Dr. Amin said.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer will require accredited hospitals to use the Eighth Edition for all cancer cases diagnosed on or after January 1, 2017. The manual, developed in cooperation with the TNM Committee of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), is available for purchase online at http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319406176.

Find additional information on licensing the content for electronic products at www.cancerstaging.org

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its mid-year 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) to a select group of 20 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S.

Award criteria were based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted January 1 through June 30, 2016. The biannual award was established in 2004 to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards and are committed to ensuring high-quality cancer care.

A CoC-accredited cancer program is eligible to earn the OAA after completing the accreditation survey and receiving a Performance Report that indicates an accreditation award of “Three-Year with Commendation.” Specifically, the program must receive commendation ratings for the seven commendation level standards and no deficiencies for the remaining 27 standards.

View the list of this year’s first group of OAA recipients on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc/info/outstanding/2016-part-1.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its mid-year 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) to a select group of 20 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S.

Award criteria were based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted January 1 through June 30, 2016. The biannual award was established in 2004 to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards and are committed to ensuring high-quality cancer care.

A CoC-accredited cancer program is eligible to earn the OAA after completing the accreditation survey and receiving a Performance Report that indicates an accreditation award of “Three-Year with Commendation.” Specifically, the program must receive commendation ratings for the seven commendation level standards and no deficiencies for the remaining 27 standards.

View the list of this year’s first group of OAA recipients on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc/info/outstanding/2016-part-1.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its mid-year 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) to a select group of 20 accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S.

Award criteria were based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted January 1 through June 30, 2016. The biannual award was established in 2004 to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards and are committed to ensuring high-quality cancer care.

A CoC-accredited cancer program is eligible to earn the OAA after completing the accreditation survey and receiving a Performance Report that indicates an accreditation award of “Three-Year with Commendation.” Specifically, the program must receive commendation ratings for the seven commendation level standards and no deficiencies for the remaining 27 standards.

View the list of this year’s first group of OAA recipients on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc/info/outstanding/2016-part-1.

Make the most of your American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016 experience by visiting the ACS Resource Center to order the latest educational products; learn about the wide variety of programs, products, and services available to ACS members and meeting attendees; and meet ACS staff. You may update your ACS Member Profile and receive a flash drive with your own professional photo. The ACS Resource Center, located in the Exhibit Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, will be open 9:00 am−4:30 pm, Monday through Wednesday. ACS volunteers are invited to visit the Volunteer Wall in the ACS Resource Center lounge where we will recognize and thank all of those members who contribute their time and expertise to the organization. Visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/clincon2016/about/resources/resource-center for more information about the ACS Resource Center.

Also located in the Exhibit Hall will be the ACS Theatre, which will be open to all attendees and will highlight select ACS programs during the lunch hour on Monday through Wednesday. Several short 30-minute programs will be featured each day, including the following:

Monday

Resources for International Members

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 10th Edition: Demonstrating Innovation through Multimodal Education

ACS NSQIP: Tools for Improvement in Geriatric Surgery

Tuesday

The New AJCC [American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM Staging System [extent of the tumor (T), the extent of spread to the lymph nodes (N), and the presence of metastasis (M)]: Vision, What’s New, and Preparing for Implementation January 1, 2017

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: Developing Geriatric Surgical Standards [https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/geriatric-coalition] to Improve all Older Adult Care

Member Engagement through Operation Giving Back

Wednesday

The National Stop the Bleed [http://www.bleedingcontrol.org] Campaign: The Bleeding Control (B-Con) Course

Strong for Surgery

Look for the ACS Theatre schedule which will be posted in the ACS Resource Center and near the Theatre in the Exhibit Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Find more information about the ACS Theatre Sessions on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/clincon2016/about/resources/theatre.

Make the most of your American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016 experience by visiting the ACS Resource Center to order the latest educational products; learn about the wide variety of programs, products, and services available to ACS members and meeting attendees; and meet ACS staff. You may update your ACS Member Profile and receive a flash drive with your own professional photo. The ACS Resource Center, located in the Exhibit Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, will be open 9:00 am−4:30 pm, Monday through Wednesday. ACS volunteers are invited to visit the Volunteer Wall in the ACS Resource Center lounge where we will recognize and thank all of those members who contribute their time and expertise to the organization. Visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/clincon2016/about/resources/resource-center for more information about the ACS Resource Center.

Also located in the Exhibit Hall will be the ACS Theatre, which will be open to all attendees and will highlight select ACS programs during the lunch hour on Monday through Wednesday. Several short 30-minute programs will be featured each day, including the following:

Monday

Resources for International Members

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 10th Edition: Demonstrating Innovation through Multimodal Education

ACS NSQIP: Tools for Improvement in Geriatric Surgery

Tuesday

The New AJCC [American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM Staging System [extent of the tumor (T), the extent of spread to the lymph nodes (N), and the presence of metastasis (M)]: Vision, What’s New, and Preparing for Implementation January 1, 2017

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: Developing Geriatric Surgical Standards [https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/geriatric-coalition] to Improve all Older Adult Care

Member Engagement through Operation Giving Back

Wednesday

The National Stop the Bleed [http://www.bleedingcontrol.org] Campaign: The Bleeding Control (B-Con) Course

Strong for Surgery

Look for the ACS Theatre schedule which will be posted in the ACS Resource Center and near the Theatre in the Exhibit Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Find more information about the ACS Theatre Sessions on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/clincon2016/about/resources/theatre.

Make the most of your American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016 experience by visiting the ACS Resource Center to order the latest educational products; learn about the wide variety of programs, products, and services available to ACS members and meeting attendees; and meet ACS staff. You may update your ACS Member Profile and receive a flash drive with your own professional photo. The ACS Resource Center, located in the Exhibit Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC, will be open 9:00 am−4:30 pm, Monday through Wednesday. ACS volunteers are invited to visit the Volunteer Wall in the ACS Resource Center lounge where we will recognize and thank all of those members who contribute their time and expertise to the organization. Visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/clincon2016/about/resources/resource-center for more information about the ACS Resource Center.

Also located in the Exhibit Hall will be the ACS Theatre, which will be open to all attendees and will highlight select ACS programs during the lunch hour on Monday through Wednesday. Several short 30-minute programs will be featured each day, including the following:

Monday

Resources for International Members

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 10th Edition: Demonstrating Innovation through Multimodal Education

ACS NSQIP: Tools for Improvement in Geriatric Surgery

Tuesday

The New AJCC [American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM Staging System [extent of the tumor (T), the extent of spread to the lymph nodes (N), and the presence of metastasis (M)]: Vision, What’s New, and Preparing for Implementation January 1, 2017

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: Developing Geriatric Surgical Standards [https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/geriatric-coalition] to Improve all Older Adult Care

Member Engagement through Operation Giving Back

Wednesday

The National Stop the Bleed [http://www.bleedingcontrol.org] Campaign: The Bleeding Control (B-Con) Course

Strong for Surgery

Look for the ACS Theatre schedule which will be posted in the ACS Resource Center and near the Theatre in the Exhibit Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Find more information about the ACS Theatre Sessions on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/clincon2016/about/resources/theatre.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Transition to Practice (TTP) Program in General Surgery will host an informal Meet and Greet at the ACS Clinical Congress 2016, 12:00 noon–1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The ACS TTP Program supports the transition from residency to independent practice in general surgery. Program participants will be available to speak with Clinical Congress attendees at the Division of Education Booth in the ACS Resource Center in Hall B. Residents who are considering careers in general surgery as well as faculty and practicing surgeons may be interested in learning more about the TTP Program. Successfully incorporating the TTP Program, Dennis W. Ashley, MD, FACS, FCCM, TTP chief , Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM), Cordele, GA, and William P. Pannell, MD, FACS, Senior Associate, MUSM, will share their experiences with participants. Learn more about the TTP Program on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/education/program/ttp. Contact [email protected] for more information or stop by the Division of Education booth at Clinical Congress and learn more about this growing program.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Transition to Practice (TTP) Program in General Surgery will host an informal Meet and Greet at the ACS Clinical Congress 2016, 12:00 noon–1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The ACS TTP Program supports the transition from residency to independent practice in general surgery. Program participants will be available to speak with Clinical Congress attendees at the Division of Education Booth in the ACS Resource Center in Hall B. Residents who are considering careers in general surgery as well as faculty and practicing surgeons may be interested in learning more about the TTP Program. Successfully incorporating the TTP Program, Dennis W. Ashley, MD, FACS, FCCM, TTP chief , Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM), Cordele, GA, and William P. Pannell, MD, FACS, Senior Associate, MUSM, will share their experiences with participants. Learn more about the TTP Program on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/education/program/ttp. Contact [email protected] for more information or stop by the Division of Education booth at Clinical Congress and learn more about this growing program.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Transition to Practice (TTP) Program in General Surgery will host an informal Meet and Greet at the ACS Clinical Congress 2016, 12:00 noon–1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The ACS TTP Program supports the transition from residency to independent practice in general surgery. Program participants will be available to speak with Clinical Congress attendees at the Division of Education Booth in the ACS Resource Center in Hall B. Residents who are considering careers in general surgery as well as faculty and practicing surgeons may be interested in learning more about the TTP Program. Successfully incorporating the TTP Program, Dennis W. Ashley, MD, FACS, FCCM, TTP chief , Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM), Cordele, GA, and William P. Pannell, MD, FACS, Senior Associate, MUSM, will share their experiences with participants. Learn more about the TTP Program on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/education/program/ttp. Contact [email protected] for more information or stop by the Division of Education booth at Clinical Congress and learn more about this growing program.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education has released a new video, Surgeons as Leaders: From Boardroom to Operating Room, which highlights the Surgeons as Leaders course, a three-day program for surgeons of all backgrounds and specialties who aspire to enhance their skills in leading individuals and organizations across the surgical landscape. The video is available at https://www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/courses/surgeons-as-leaders/video.

The two-minute video demonstrates how the course provides surgeons with the skills that are essential to effective leadership and with an understanding of the leadership required at all levels of practice and in the surgical community. ACS Fellows in the video describe how the course’s interactive forums, small group discussions, and presentations by national leaders have helped participants recognize and develop leadership attributes they already possess, as well as translate the principles of leadership into action.

Share the Surgeons as Leaders video with other surgeons in your network, and stay tuned for additional videos highlighting of ACS Division of Education programs. Visit the College’s website at https://www.facs.org/education to learn more about ACS Education and Training opportunities.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education has released a new video, Surgeons as Leaders: From Boardroom to Operating Room, which highlights the Surgeons as Leaders course, a three-day program for surgeons of all backgrounds and specialties who aspire to enhance their skills in leading individuals and organizations across the surgical landscape. The video is available at https://www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/courses/surgeons-as-leaders/video.

The two-minute video demonstrates how the course provides surgeons with the skills that are essential to effective leadership and with an understanding of the leadership required at all levels of practice and in the surgical community. ACS Fellows in the video describe how the course’s interactive forums, small group discussions, and presentations by national leaders have helped participants recognize and develop leadership attributes they already possess, as well as translate the principles of leadership into action.

Share the Surgeons as Leaders video with other surgeons in your network, and stay tuned for additional videos highlighting of ACS Division of Education programs. Visit the College’s website at https://www.facs.org/education to learn more about ACS Education and Training opportunities.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education has released a new video, Surgeons as Leaders: From Boardroom to Operating Room, which highlights the Surgeons as Leaders course, a three-day program for surgeons of all backgrounds and specialties who aspire to enhance their skills in leading individuals and organizations across the surgical landscape. The video is available at https://www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/courses/surgeons-as-leaders/video.

The two-minute video demonstrates how the course provides surgeons with the skills that are essential to effective leadership and with an understanding of the leadership required at all levels of practice and in the surgical community. ACS Fellows in the video describe how the course’s interactive forums, small group discussions, and presentations by national leaders have helped participants recognize and develop leadership attributes they already possess, as well as translate the principles of leadership into action.

Share the Surgeons as Leaders video with other surgeons in your network, and stay tuned for additional videos highlighting of ACS Division of Education programs. Visit the College’s website at https://www.facs.org/education to learn more about ACS Education and Training opportunities.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation Board of Directors will present the 2016 Distinguished Philanthropist Award to Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS, professor of surgery, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), at its annual Donor Recognition Luncheon Monday, October 17, at Clinical Congress 2016 in Washington, DC. Dr. McGrath will be recognized for her generous contributions to the College, her service to the larger philanthropic community, her long-standing record of ACS volunteerism, and a career-long dedication to the quality of surgical patient care.

A graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO (1970), she completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver (1976), trained in plastic surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine (1976–1978), New Haven, CT, and completed a fellowship in hand surgery at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, and Yale University (1978).

Contributions to the profession

Since then, Dr. McGrath has made outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of plastic surgery, especially in the areas of breast and hand surgery, wound healing, introduction of new technology, and workforce issues. Her career as an academic surgeon started at Yale in 1978 with a position as assistant professor of surgery in the school of medicine’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

In 1980, she became assistant professor of surgery, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. In 1984, she moved to the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she began as chief, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and director, residency training program, and ultimately, ascended to professor of surgery. She has held her current position at UCSF since 2003.

A Fellow of the College since 1983, Dr. McGrath has provided exceptional service to the ACS and has served for 25 years in leadership roles, including First Vice-President (2007–2008); Vice-Chair, Board of Regents (2005–2006); member, Executive Committee, Board of Regents (2002–2006); Regent (1997–2006); and Chair, Committee on Ethics (2003–2006).

She served on the Board of Governors Executive Committee and as a Governor-at-Large representing the District of Columbia and is a member of the ACS Foundation Board. In 2009, the ACS appointed her to serve on the Board of Commissioners of The Joint Commission; she is currently serving her third term in this capacity. For this remarkable service, Dr. McGrath received the College’s higher honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2011.

Generous philanthropist

As an ACS donor since 1994, Dr. McGrath’s generous philanthropy has elevated her to the Fellows Leadership Society Legacy Circle, one of the top giving tiers that ACS Foundation donors may achieve. Remarking on her reasons for supporting the ACS, she said, “The surgical profession and other surgeons have enabled me to be personally and financially successful, for which I am tremendously grateful. I encourage other Fellows to consider making their own contributions and join the community of colleagues planning to see surgery survive successfully in the future.”

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation Board of Directors will present the 2016 Distinguished Philanthropist Award to Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS, professor of surgery, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), at its annual Donor Recognition Luncheon Monday, October 17, at Clinical Congress 2016 in Washington, DC. Dr. McGrath will be recognized for her generous contributions to the College, her service to the larger philanthropic community, her long-standing record of ACS volunteerism, and a career-long dedication to the quality of surgical patient care.

A graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO (1970), she completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver (1976), trained in plastic surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine (1976–1978), New Haven, CT, and completed a fellowship in hand surgery at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, and Yale University (1978).

Contributions to the profession

Since then, Dr. McGrath has made outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of plastic surgery, especially in the areas of breast and hand surgery, wound healing, introduction of new technology, and workforce issues. Her career as an academic surgeon started at Yale in 1978 with a position as assistant professor of surgery in the school of medicine’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

In 1980, she became assistant professor of surgery, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. In 1984, she moved to the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she began as chief, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and director, residency training program, and ultimately, ascended to professor of surgery. She has held her current position at UCSF since 2003.

A Fellow of the College since 1983, Dr. McGrath has provided exceptional service to the ACS and has served for 25 years in leadership roles, including First Vice-President (2007–2008); Vice-Chair, Board of Regents (2005–2006); member, Executive Committee, Board of Regents (2002–2006); Regent (1997–2006); and Chair, Committee on Ethics (2003–2006).

She served on the Board of Governors Executive Committee and as a Governor-at-Large representing the District of Columbia and is a member of the ACS Foundation Board. In 2009, the ACS appointed her to serve on the Board of Commissioners of The Joint Commission; she is currently serving her third term in this capacity. For this remarkable service, Dr. McGrath received the College’s higher honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2011.

Generous philanthropist

As an ACS donor since 1994, Dr. McGrath’s generous philanthropy has elevated her to the Fellows Leadership Society Legacy Circle, one of the top giving tiers that ACS Foundation donors may achieve. Remarking on her reasons for supporting the ACS, she said, “The surgical profession and other surgeons have enabled me to be personally and financially successful, for which I am tremendously grateful. I encourage other Fellows to consider making their own contributions and join the community of colleagues planning to see surgery survive successfully in the future.”

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation Board of Directors will present the 2016 Distinguished Philanthropist Award to Mary H. McGrath, MD, MPH, FACS, professor of surgery, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), at its annual Donor Recognition Luncheon Monday, October 17, at Clinical Congress 2016 in Washington, DC. Dr. McGrath will be recognized for her generous contributions to the College, her service to the larger philanthropic community, her long-standing record of ACS volunteerism, and a career-long dedication to the quality of surgical patient care.

A graduate of St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO (1970), she completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver (1976), trained in plastic surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine (1976–1978), New Haven, CT, and completed a fellowship in hand surgery at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, and Yale University (1978).

Contributions to the profession

Since then, Dr. McGrath has made outstanding clinical and academic contributions to the field of plastic surgery, especially in the areas of breast and hand surgery, wound healing, introduction of new technology, and workforce issues. Her career as an academic surgeon started at Yale in 1978 with a position as assistant professor of surgery in the school of medicine’s division of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

In 1980, she became assistant professor of surgery, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. In 1984, she moved to the George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, where she began as chief, division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and director, residency training program, and ultimately, ascended to professor of surgery. She has held her current position at UCSF since 2003.

A Fellow of the College since 1983, Dr. McGrath has provided exceptional service to the ACS and has served for 25 years in leadership roles, including First Vice-President (2007–2008); Vice-Chair, Board of Regents (2005–2006); member, Executive Committee, Board of Regents (2002–2006); Regent (1997–2006); and Chair, Committee on Ethics (2003–2006).

She served on the Board of Governors Executive Committee and as a Governor-at-Large representing the District of Columbia and is a member of the ACS Foundation Board. In 2009, the ACS appointed her to serve on the Board of Commissioners of The Joint Commission; she is currently serving her third term in this capacity. For this remarkable service, Dr. McGrath received the College’s higher honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2011.

Generous philanthropist

As an ACS donor since 1994, Dr. McGrath’s generous philanthropy has elevated her to the Fellows Leadership Society Legacy Circle, one of the top giving tiers that ACS Foundation donors may achieve. Remarking on her reasons for supporting the ACS, she said, “The surgical profession and other surgeons have enabled me to be personally and financially successful, for which I am tremendously grateful. I encourage other Fellows to consider making their own contributions and join the community of colleagues planning to see surgery survive successfully in the future.”

The Convocation Ceremony on Sunday, October 16, which officially will open the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016, confers Fellowship upon surgeons who meet ACS requirements and provide optimal care to their patients. ACS Officers will be installed at the ceremony, and 2016−2017 ACS President Courtney M. Townsend, Jr., MD, FACS, will deliver the Presidential Address. The ceremony also will include recognition of the Honorary Fellows as well as presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, the Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award, and the Scientific Forum Award. In addition, this year’s Convocation Ceremony will recognize the 25- and 50-year Initiate classes from 1966 and 1991. The first Convocation Ceremony took place on November 13, 1913, at the Congress Hotel in Chicago, IL. The inaugural class of 1,059 surgeons represented the U.S. and Canada and included 6 female surgeons. Clinical Congress participants are encouraged to attend this year’s ceremony to welcome the 2016 class of 1,823 Initiates. Visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/member-services/initiates for more information on the ceremony and additional benefits that new initiates will receive.

The Convocation Ceremony on Sunday, October 16, which officially will open the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016, confers Fellowship upon surgeons who meet ACS requirements and provide optimal care to their patients. ACS Officers will be installed at the ceremony, and 2016−2017 ACS President Courtney M. Townsend, Jr., MD, FACS, will deliver the Presidential Address. The ceremony also will include recognition of the Honorary Fellows as well as presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, the Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award, and the Scientific Forum Award. In addition, this year’s Convocation Ceremony will recognize the 25- and 50-year Initiate classes from 1966 and 1991. The first Convocation Ceremony took place on November 13, 1913, at the Congress Hotel in Chicago, IL. The inaugural class of 1,059 surgeons represented the U.S. and Canada and included 6 female surgeons. Clinical Congress participants are encouraged to attend this year’s ceremony to welcome the 2016 class of 1,823 Initiates. Visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/member-services/initiates for more information on the ceremony and additional benefits that new initiates will receive.

The Convocation Ceremony on Sunday, October 16, which officially will open the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2016, confers Fellowship upon surgeons who meet ACS requirements and provide optimal care to their patients. ACS Officers will be installed at the ceremony, and 2016−2017 ACS President Courtney M. Townsend, Jr., MD, FACS, will deliver the Presidential Address. The ceremony also will include recognition of the Honorary Fellows as well as presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, the Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award, and the Scientific Forum Award. In addition, this year’s Convocation Ceremony will recognize the 25- and 50-year Initiate classes from 1966 and 1991. The first Convocation Ceremony took place on November 13, 1913, at the Congress Hotel in Chicago, IL. The inaugural class of 1,059 surgeons represented the U.S. and Canada and included 6 female surgeons. Clinical Congress participants are encouraged to attend this year’s ceremony to welcome the 2016 class of 1,823 Initiates. Visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/member-services/initiates for more information on the ceremony and additional benefits that new initiates will receive.