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Register Now for 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit
Register today for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, April 9-12, at the J.W. Marriott, Washington, DC. This dual meeting offers volunteer leaders and advocates educational sessions focused on effective surgeon leadership, as well as interactive advocacy training with coordinated visits to congressional offices.
The 2016 Leadership Summit will commence Saturday, April 9, with an evening Welcome Reception, followed the next day by presentations on strategic thinking, the latest on social media for surgeons, building better team communication, improving emotional intelligence, and leading through team conflict, among other topics. Find more information about the Leadership Summit at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016. Summit attendees will also meet over lunch in small groups organized by state/region to identify areas for unified efforts in the upcoming year. The Leadership Summit preliminary agenda is available at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016/leadership-agenda.
The Advocacy Summit will kick off the evening of April 10 with a dinner featuring political pundit and MSNBC Hardball host and Today Show commentator Chris Matthews. The next day, a number of speakers will discuss the political environment in Washington, DC, and provide updates on important health care issues. Monday’s program will include a luncheon sponsored by the ACS Professional Association’s political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC), featuring Larry J. Sabato, PhD, election analyst and author; professor of politics, University of Virginia Center for Politics, Charlottesville. Participants will use the lessons learned at the Advocacy Summit in meetings with their senators and representatives and/or congressional staff on Tuesday. Find more information on the Advocacy Summit at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016/advocacy-agenda.
Register today for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, April 9-12, at the J.W. Marriott, Washington, DC. This dual meeting offers volunteer leaders and advocates educational sessions focused on effective surgeon leadership, as well as interactive advocacy training with coordinated visits to congressional offices.
The 2016 Leadership Summit will commence Saturday, April 9, with an evening Welcome Reception, followed the next day by presentations on strategic thinking, the latest on social media for surgeons, building better team communication, improving emotional intelligence, and leading through team conflict, among other topics. Find more information about the Leadership Summit at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016. Summit attendees will also meet over lunch in small groups organized by state/region to identify areas for unified efforts in the upcoming year. The Leadership Summit preliminary agenda is available at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016/leadership-agenda.
The Advocacy Summit will kick off the evening of April 10 with a dinner featuring political pundit and MSNBC Hardball host and Today Show commentator Chris Matthews. The next day, a number of speakers will discuss the political environment in Washington, DC, and provide updates on important health care issues. Monday’s program will include a luncheon sponsored by the ACS Professional Association’s political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC), featuring Larry J. Sabato, PhD, election analyst and author; professor of politics, University of Virginia Center for Politics, Charlottesville. Participants will use the lessons learned at the Advocacy Summit in meetings with their senators and representatives and/or congressional staff on Tuesday. Find more information on the Advocacy Summit at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016/advocacy-agenda.
Register today for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, April 9-12, at the J.W. Marriott, Washington, DC. This dual meeting offers volunteer leaders and advocates educational sessions focused on effective surgeon leadership, as well as interactive advocacy training with coordinated visits to congressional offices.
The 2016 Leadership Summit will commence Saturday, April 9, with an evening Welcome Reception, followed the next day by presentations on strategic thinking, the latest on social media for surgeons, building better team communication, improving emotional intelligence, and leading through team conflict, among other topics. Find more information about the Leadership Summit at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016. Summit attendees will also meet over lunch in small groups organized by state/region to identify areas for unified efforts in the upcoming year. The Leadership Summit preliminary agenda is available at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016/leadership-agenda.
The Advocacy Summit will kick off the evening of April 10 with a dinner featuring political pundit and MSNBC Hardball host and Today Show commentator Chris Matthews. The next day, a number of speakers will discuss the political environment in Washington, DC, and provide updates on important health care issues. Monday’s program will include a luncheon sponsored by the ACS Professional Association’s political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC), featuring Larry J. Sabato, PhD, election analyst and author; professor of politics, University of Virginia Center for Politics, Charlottesville. Participants will use the lessons learned at the Advocacy Summit in meetings with their senators and representatives and/or congressional staff on Tuesday. Find more information on the Advocacy Summit at https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016/advocacy-agenda.
ACS cosponsors fellowships in ethics and leadership
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering two new fellowships – one in conjunction with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL, and the other with the department of surgery at the University of Wisconsin (UW), Madison.
The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics, beginning with a 5-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August. From September 2016 to June 2017, fellowship recipients will meet weekly for a structured ethics curriculum. In addition, fellows will participate in an ethics consultation service and complete a research project. For additional information, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at [email protected]. Application materials are due April 30, 2016.
In addition, the ACS Division of Education and the UW department of surgery have developed a fellowship program that will allow surgery residents who have completed 2 or 3 years of postgraduate training to attain leadership skills in surgical education. This 2-year fellowship also allows fellows to participate in the UW School of Education master’s degree program. Faculty from the ACS Division of Education, UW department of surgery, and UW School of Education will guide the participants in a mentored surgical education research project. Two years of funding will become available in July 2016. Additional information can be found online at www.surgery.wisc.edu/uw-acs or by contacting Maria Branca-Afrazi, department of surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering two new fellowships – one in conjunction with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL, and the other with the department of surgery at the University of Wisconsin (UW), Madison.
The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics, beginning with a 5-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August. From September 2016 to June 2017, fellowship recipients will meet weekly for a structured ethics curriculum. In addition, fellows will participate in an ethics consultation service and complete a research project. For additional information, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at [email protected]. Application materials are due April 30, 2016.
In addition, the ACS Division of Education and the UW department of surgery have developed a fellowship program that will allow surgery residents who have completed 2 or 3 years of postgraduate training to attain leadership skills in surgical education. This 2-year fellowship also allows fellows to participate in the UW School of Education master’s degree program. Faculty from the ACS Division of Education, UW department of surgery, and UW School of Education will guide the participants in a mentored surgical education research project. Two years of funding will become available in July 2016. Additional information can be found online at www.surgery.wisc.edu/uw-acs or by contacting Maria Branca-Afrazi, department of surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering two new fellowships – one in conjunction with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL, and the other with the department of surgery at the University of Wisconsin (UW), Madison.
The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics, beginning with a 5-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August. From September 2016 to June 2017, fellowship recipients will meet weekly for a structured ethics curriculum. In addition, fellows will participate in an ethics consultation service and complete a research project. For additional information, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at [email protected]. Application materials are due April 30, 2016.
In addition, the ACS Division of Education and the UW department of surgery have developed a fellowship program that will allow surgery residents who have completed 2 or 3 years of postgraduate training to attain leadership skills in surgical education. This 2-year fellowship also allows fellows to participate in the UW School of Education master’s degree program. Faculty from the ACS Division of Education, UW department of surgery, and UW School of Education will guide the participants in a mentored surgical education research project. Two years of funding will become available in July 2016. Additional information can be found online at www.surgery.wisc.edu/uw-acs or by contacting Maria Branca-Afrazi, department of surgery, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
New standards for children’s surgery verification released
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program recently released its latest standards document, Optimal Resources for Children’s Surgical Care. These standards, developed by the ACS in collaboration with the Task Force for Children’s Surgical Care from 2012 through 2014, are the nation’s first and only multispecialty standards that seek to improve surgical care for pediatric surgical patients.
“This is the first time that there has been a formal delineation of resource standards that relate specifically to children’s surgical care across all relevant disciplines,” said Keith T. Oldham, MD, FACS, chair, Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, and surgeon in chief, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
The pilot phase of the program launched in April 2015. Within 1 month, six pilot site visits were completed at diverse institutions nationwide. The final document includes revisions to the 2014 draft standards and updates from lessons learned during the pilot phase of the program, such as the need for alternative training pathways for anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and radiology. The new standards also clearly define the safety data elements required for all level designations.
The new standards document comes in advance of the online application – a prereview questionnaire for centers seeking designation through the Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program – expected to launch later this year.
“The standards presented in this document are the basis for the Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, for which the ACS will visit centers periodically and verify that relevant standards are met and related quality improvement mechanisms are in place,” Dr. Oldham said.
To access the standards, visit facs.org/quality-programs/childrens-surgery.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program recently released its latest standards document, Optimal Resources for Children’s Surgical Care. These standards, developed by the ACS in collaboration with the Task Force for Children’s Surgical Care from 2012 through 2014, are the nation’s first and only multispecialty standards that seek to improve surgical care for pediatric surgical patients.
“This is the first time that there has been a formal delineation of resource standards that relate specifically to children’s surgical care across all relevant disciplines,” said Keith T. Oldham, MD, FACS, chair, Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, and surgeon in chief, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
The pilot phase of the program launched in April 2015. Within 1 month, six pilot site visits were completed at diverse institutions nationwide. The final document includes revisions to the 2014 draft standards and updates from lessons learned during the pilot phase of the program, such as the need for alternative training pathways for anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and radiology. The new standards also clearly define the safety data elements required for all level designations.
The new standards document comes in advance of the online application – a prereview questionnaire for centers seeking designation through the Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program – expected to launch later this year.
“The standards presented in this document are the basis for the Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, for which the ACS will visit centers periodically and verify that relevant standards are met and related quality improvement mechanisms are in place,” Dr. Oldham said.
To access the standards, visit facs.org/quality-programs/childrens-surgery.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program recently released its latest standards document, Optimal Resources for Children’s Surgical Care. These standards, developed by the ACS in collaboration with the Task Force for Children’s Surgical Care from 2012 through 2014, are the nation’s first and only multispecialty standards that seek to improve surgical care for pediatric surgical patients.
“This is the first time that there has been a formal delineation of resource standards that relate specifically to children’s surgical care across all relevant disciplines,” said Keith T. Oldham, MD, FACS, chair, Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, and surgeon in chief, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
The pilot phase of the program launched in April 2015. Within 1 month, six pilot site visits were completed at diverse institutions nationwide. The final document includes revisions to the 2014 draft standards and updates from lessons learned during the pilot phase of the program, such as the need for alternative training pathways for anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and radiology. The new standards also clearly define the safety data elements required for all level designations.
The new standards document comes in advance of the online application – a prereview questionnaire for centers seeking designation through the Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program – expected to launch later this year.
“The standards presented in this document are the basis for the Children’s Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program, for which the ACS will visit centers periodically and verify that relevant standards are met and related quality improvement mechanisms are in place,” Dr. Oldham said.
To access the standards, visit facs.org/quality-programs/childrens-surgery.
Show your FACS pride
The Division of Member Services strives to educate surgical patients about what it means to be treated by a surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). As part of this campaign, the College has created a poster of the Fellowship Pledge that is suitable for display in waiting areas, exam rooms, and offices, and is available for purchase or free download. The Fellowship Pledge poster—available in seven languages: English, Arabic, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, German, Portuguese and Spanish—may be displayed only by surgeons with the FACS designation.
ACS Fellows are committed to providing their patients with the highest standards of surgical care and pledge to protect the welfare and rights of their patients, to respect each patient’s autonomy and individuality, and to advance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The Fellowship Pledge poster is available for purchase for $10.00 including standard shipping, or can be downloaded for free. Visit the ACS Online Store at https://goo.gl/sCKiUc to download your poster. Two PDF versions are available; a 22” x 32” poster that may be printed by a professional print shop, or an 11” x 17” version that may be printed on a personal color printer.
The Division of Member Services strives to educate surgical patients about what it means to be treated by a surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). As part of this campaign, the College has created a poster of the Fellowship Pledge that is suitable for display in waiting areas, exam rooms, and offices, and is available for purchase or free download. The Fellowship Pledge poster—available in seven languages: English, Arabic, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, German, Portuguese and Spanish—may be displayed only by surgeons with the FACS designation.
ACS Fellows are committed to providing their patients with the highest standards of surgical care and pledge to protect the welfare and rights of their patients, to respect each patient’s autonomy and individuality, and to advance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The Fellowship Pledge poster is available for purchase for $10.00 including standard shipping, or can be downloaded for free. Visit the ACS Online Store at https://goo.gl/sCKiUc to download your poster. Two PDF versions are available; a 22” x 32” poster that may be printed by a professional print shop, or an 11” x 17” version that may be printed on a personal color printer.
The Division of Member Services strives to educate surgical patients about what it means to be treated by a surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). As part of this campaign, the College has created a poster of the Fellowship Pledge that is suitable for display in waiting areas, exam rooms, and offices, and is available for purchase or free download. The Fellowship Pledge poster—available in seven languages: English, Arabic, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, German, Portuguese and Spanish—may be displayed only by surgeons with the FACS designation.
ACS Fellows are committed to providing their patients with the highest standards of surgical care and pledge to protect the welfare and rights of their patients, to respect each patient’s autonomy and individuality, and to advance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The Fellowship Pledge poster is available for purchase for $10.00 including standard shipping, or can be downloaded for free. Visit the ACS Online Store at https://goo.gl/sCKiUc to download your poster. Two PDF versions are available; a 22” x 32” poster that may be printed by a professional print shop, or an 11” x 17” version that may be printed on a personal color printer.
Registration opens for 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit
Registration is now open for the fifth annual American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, April 9–12, at the JW Marriott, Washington, DC. The Summit is a dual meeting that offers volunteer leaders and advocates educational sessions fon effective surgeon leadership, as well as interactive advocacy training with coordinated visits to congressional offices.
The 2016 Leadership Summit
(https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016) will commence the evening of Saturday, April 9, with a Welcome Reception and continue the morning of April 12 with presentations on conflict management, managing difficult or “courageous” conversations, and emotional intelligence. In addition, Adil Haider, MD, MPH, FACS, director, Kessler Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH), a joint initiative of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, will discuss unconscious bias and cultural competency in surgical care. During lunch, attendees will meet in small groups by state/region to identify areas for unified efforts in the upcoming year.
The Advocacy Summit will begin the evening of Sunday, April 10, with a keynote address by MSNBC Hardball host, Chris Matthews, who is also a frequent commentator and expert analyst on NBC’s TODAY Show. Monday, April 11, attendees will hear from speakers examining the political environment in Washington, DC, and across the nation, and vital health care issues.
Tuesday morning, attendees will use the knowledge gathered at the Summit when they meet with their senators and representative and/or congressional staff. Tuesday’s meetings provide an opportunity to rally surgery’s collective grassroots advocacy voice on vital issues.
For more information or to register for the 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, go to the ACS website. (https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016 ) The conference hotel reservation deadline is Friday, March 4.
Registration is now open for the fifth annual American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, April 9–12, at the JW Marriott, Washington, DC. The Summit is a dual meeting that offers volunteer leaders and advocates educational sessions fon effective surgeon leadership, as well as interactive advocacy training with coordinated visits to congressional offices.
The 2016 Leadership Summit
(https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016) will commence the evening of Saturday, April 9, with a Welcome Reception and continue the morning of April 12 with presentations on conflict management, managing difficult or “courageous” conversations, and emotional intelligence. In addition, Adil Haider, MD, MPH, FACS, director, Kessler Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH), a joint initiative of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, will discuss unconscious bias and cultural competency in surgical care. During lunch, attendees will meet in small groups by state/region to identify areas for unified efforts in the upcoming year.
The Advocacy Summit will begin the evening of Sunday, April 10, with a keynote address by MSNBC Hardball host, Chris Matthews, who is also a frequent commentator and expert analyst on NBC’s TODAY Show. Monday, April 11, attendees will hear from speakers examining the political environment in Washington, DC, and across the nation, and vital health care issues.
Tuesday morning, attendees will use the knowledge gathered at the Summit when they meet with their senators and representative and/or congressional staff. Tuesday’s meetings provide an opportunity to rally surgery’s collective grassroots advocacy voice on vital issues.
For more information or to register for the 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, go to the ACS website. (https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016 ) The conference hotel reservation deadline is Friday, March 4.
Registration is now open for the fifth annual American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, April 9–12, at the JW Marriott, Washington, DC. The Summit is a dual meeting that offers volunteer leaders and advocates educational sessions fon effective surgeon leadership, as well as interactive advocacy training with coordinated visits to congressional offices.
The 2016 Leadership Summit
(https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016) will commence the evening of Saturday, April 9, with a Welcome Reception and continue the morning of April 12 with presentations on conflict management, managing difficult or “courageous” conversations, and emotional intelligence. In addition, Adil Haider, MD, MPH, FACS, director, Kessler Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH), a joint initiative of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, will discuss unconscious bias and cultural competency in surgical care. During lunch, attendees will meet in small groups by state/region to identify areas for unified efforts in the upcoming year.
The Advocacy Summit will begin the evening of Sunday, April 10, with a keynote address by MSNBC Hardball host, Chris Matthews, who is also a frequent commentator and expert analyst on NBC’s TODAY Show. Monday, April 11, attendees will hear from speakers examining the political environment in Washington, DC, and across the nation, and vital health care issues.
Tuesday morning, attendees will use the knowledge gathered at the Summit when they meet with their senators and representative and/or congressional staff. Tuesday’s meetings provide an opportunity to rally surgery’s collective grassroots advocacy voice on vital issues.
For more information or to register for the 2016 Leadership & Advocacy Summit, go to the ACS website. (https://www.facs.org/advocacy/participate/summit-2016 ) The conference hotel reservation deadline is Friday, March 4.
Apply by April 1 to ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program
The application process for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Scholars in Residence Program, a two-year on-site fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy, opened January 1. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016.
The fellowship, which will start July 1, 2017, will be performed at ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, with additional funds provided for the scholar to complete a master’s program at Northwestern University in Chicago. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed two years of clinical training and are able to obtain two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. Applicants must be ACS members in good standing. The ACS will continue to seek external funding for the position, and candidates will be notified should funding become available.
The Clinical Scholar will work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to ongoing projects. The Clinical Scholar will receive strong mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research. ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have had excellent, productive experiences that have launched successful careers in this field.
Important Dates:
Interview notification: May 2, 2016
Interview process: May 2−31, 2016
Notification of appointment: June 10, 2016
Find more information on the ACS website. [https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/about/clinical-scholars-program] If you have additional questions, contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at [email protected].
The application process for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Scholars in Residence Program, a two-year on-site fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy, opened January 1. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016.
The fellowship, which will start July 1, 2017, will be performed at ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, with additional funds provided for the scholar to complete a master’s program at Northwestern University in Chicago. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed two years of clinical training and are able to obtain two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. Applicants must be ACS members in good standing. The ACS will continue to seek external funding for the position, and candidates will be notified should funding become available.
The Clinical Scholar will work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to ongoing projects. The Clinical Scholar will receive strong mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research. ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have had excellent, productive experiences that have launched successful careers in this field.
Important Dates:
Interview notification: May 2, 2016
Interview process: May 2−31, 2016
Notification of appointment: June 10, 2016
Find more information on the ACS website. [https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/about/clinical-scholars-program] If you have additional questions, contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at [email protected].
The application process for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Scholars in Residence Program, a two-year on-site fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy, opened January 1. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016.
The fellowship, which will start July 1, 2017, will be performed at ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, with additional funds provided for the scholar to complete a master’s program at Northwestern University in Chicago. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed two years of clinical training and are able to obtain two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. Applicants must be ACS members in good standing. The ACS will continue to seek external funding for the position, and candidates will be notified should funding become available.
The Clinical Scholar will work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the quality improvement initiatives of the ACS and to perform research relevant to ongoing projects. The Clinical Scholar will receive strong mentorship in clinical, statistical, and health services research. ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence have had excellent, productive experiences that have launched successful careers in this field.
Important Dates:
Interview notification: May 2, 2016
Interview process: May 2−31, 2016
Notification of appointment: June 10, 2016
Find more information on the ACS website. [https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/about/clinical-scholars-program] If you have additional questions, contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at [email protected].
ACS and AGS release geriatric perioperative recommendations
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Geriatrics-for-Specialists Initiative, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, on January 4 released Optimal Perioperative Management of the Geriatric Patient: A Best Practices Guideline. The consensus-based national guideline addresses perioperative care for patients ages 65 and older as defined by Medicare regulations. This population continues to grow, with more than 40 million older adults now living in the U.S., a number that is expected to more than double to 89 million by 2050.
The new guideline has been published on the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS) website and will run later this year in the print version of JACS and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. In addition, the ACS and AGS posted a freestanding volume of this perioperative guideline at facs.org/quality-programs/acs-nsqip/geriatric-periop-guideline.
A framework for excellence
The guideline provides a framework for addressing the complex issues facing patients of advanced age, who are more likely to experience postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. The ACS/AGS Geriatric Surgery Task Force developed the guideline with an expert multidisciplinary panel, which evaluated current evidence and best practices in the medical literature to produce expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals who work with older adults. This consensus-based guideline is “not a substitute for clinical judgment and experience,” the authors explain, but it can support tailored, comprehensive geriatric evaluations.
“It’s inspiring to see our collaboration achieve this next milestone. This new interdisciplinary guideline provides us with another meaningful tool for improving geriatric surgical care. We now have expert recommendations in place for older patients that range from preoperative assessment to perioperative management,” said guideline co-author Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Director of ACS NSQIP, and Principal Investigator of the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS) Project.
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Geriatrics-for-Specialists Initiative, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, on January 4 released Optimal Perioperative Management of the Geriatric Patient: A Best Practices Guideline. The consensus-based national guideline addresses perioperative care for patients ages 65 and older as defined by Medicare regulations. This population continues to grow, with more than 40 million older adults now living in the U.S., a number that is expected to more than double to 89 million by 2050.
The new guideline has been published on the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS) website and will run later this year in the print version of JACS and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. In addition, the ACS and AGS posted a freestanding volume of this perioperative guideline at facs.org/quality-programs/acs-nsqip/geriatric-periop-guideline.
A framework for excellence
The guideline provides a framework for addressing the complex issues facing patients of advanced age, who are more likely to experience postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. The ACS/AGS Geriatric Surgery Task Force developed the guideline with an expert multidisciplinary panel, which evaluated current evidence and best practices in the medical literature to produce expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals who work with older adults. This consensus-based guideline is “not a substitute for clinical judgment and experience,” the authors explain, but it can support tailored, comprehensive geriatric evaluations.
“It’s inspiring to see our collaboration achieve this next milestone. This new interdisciplinary guideline provides us with another meaningful tool for improving geriatric surgical care. We now have expert recommendations in place for older patients that range from preoperative assessment to perioperative management,” said guideline co-author Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Director of ACS NSQIP, and Principal Investigator of the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS) Project.
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Geriatrics-for-Specialists Initiative, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, on January 4 released Optimal Perioperative Management of the Geriatric Patient: A Best Practices Guideline. The consensus-based national guideline addresses perioperative care for patients ages 65 and older as defined by Medicare regulations. This population continues to grow, with more than 40 million older adults now living in the U.S., a number that is expected to more than double to 89 million by 2050.
The new guideline has been published on the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS) website and will run later this year in the print version of JACS and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. In addition, the ACS and AGS posted a freestanding volume of this perioperative guideline at facs.org/quality-programs/acs-nsqip/geriatric-periop-guideline.
A framework for excellence
The guideline provides a framework for addressing the complex issues facing patients of advanced age, who are more likely to experience postoperative complications and prolonged recovery. The ACS/AGS Geriatric Surgery Task Force developed the guideline with an expert multidisciplinary panel, which evaluated current evidence and best practices in the medical literature to produce expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals who work with older adults. This consensus-based guideline is “not a substitute for clinical judgment and experience,” the authors explain, but it can support tailored, comprehensive geriatric evaluations.
“It’s inspiring to see our collaboration achieve this next milestone. This new interdisciplinary guideline provides us with another meaningful tool for improving geriatric surgical care. We now have expert recommendations in place for older patients that range from preoperative assessment to perioperative management,” said guideline co-author Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Director of ACS NSQIP, and Principal Investigator of the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS) Project.
Nominations for 2016 volunteerism and humanitarian awards due February 29
The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2016 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award. All nominations must be received by February 29, 2016.
Volunteerism Awards
The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award—offered in four potential categories—recognizes surgeons who are committed to giving back to society by making significant contributions to surgical care through organized volunteer activities. The awards for domestic, international, and military outreach are intended for ACS Fellows in active surgical practice whose volunteer activities go above and beyond the usual professional commitments or for retired Fellows who have been involved in volunteerism in the course of active practice and into retirement. Resident Members and Associate Fellows of the College who have been involved in significant surgical volunteer activities as part of their postgraduate surgical training are eligible for the Resident award. Surgeons of all specialties are eligible for each of these awards.
For the purposes of these awards, “volunteerism” is defined as professional work in which one’s time or talents are donated for charitable clinical, educational, or other worthwhile activities related to surgery. Volunteerism in this case does not refer to uncompensated care provided as a matter of necessity in most clinical practices. Instead, volunteerism should be characterized by prospective, planned surgical care to underserved patients with no anticipation of reimbursement or economic gain.
Humanitarian Award
The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award recognizes an ACS Fellow whose career has been dedicated to ensuring the provision of surgical care to underserved populations without expectation of commensurate reimbursement. This award is intended for surgeons who have dedicated a significant portion of their surgical careers to full-time or near full-time humanitarian efforts rather than routine surgical practice. Examples include a career dedicated to missionary surgery, the founding and ongoing operations of a charitable organization dedicated to providing surgical care to the underserved, or a retirement characterized by surgical volunteer outreach. Having received compensation for this work does not preclude a nominee from consideration and, in fact, may be expected based on the extent of the professional obligation.
The ACS Board of Governors’ Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup will evaluate the nominations and forward their selections to the Board of Governors’ Executive Committee for final approval.
Nominations
The following conditions apply to the nominations process:
• Self-nominations are permissible but require at least one outside letter of support
• Re-nomination of previous nominees is acceptable but requires completion of a new application
For the nominee to have a fair review, detailed information is required, including the following:
• Demographic information about the nominee and nominator
• Details about the nominator’s relationship to the nominee, along with background information on the nominee’s career in surgery
• Completion of seven questions related to the nominee’s volunteerism or humanitarian work (2,500 characters maximum for each question) to include questions on the following: type of service provided, sustainability of programs, advocacy efforts, additional roles, and others
The nomination website will open January 4 for electronic submission and can be accessed through the Operation Giving Back (OBG) section of the ACS website at facs.org/ogb. For more information, contact the OGB at [email protected].
The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2016 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award. All nominations must be received by February 29, 2016.
Volunteerism Awards
The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award—offered in four potential categories—recognizes surgeons who are committed to giving back to society by making significant contributions to surgical care through organized volunteer activities. The awards for domestic, international, and military outreach are intended for ACS Fellows in active surgical practice whose volunteer activities go above and beyond the usual professional commitments or for retired Fellows who have been involved in volunteerism in the course of active practice and into retirement. Resident Members and Associate Fellows of the College who have been involved in significant surgical volunteer activities as part of their postgraduate surgical training are eligible for the Resident award. Surgeons of all specialties are eligible for each of these awards.
For the purposes of these awards, “volunteerism” is defined as professional work in which one’s time or talents are donated for charitable clinical, educational, or other worthwhile activities related to surgery. Volunteerism in this case does not refer to uncompensated care provided as a matter of necessity in most clinical practices. Instead, volunteerism should be characterized by prospective, planned surgical care to underserved patients with no anticipation of reimbursement or economic gain.
Humanitarian Award
The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award recognizes an ACS Fellow whose career has been dedicated to ensuring the provision of surgical care to underserved populations without expectation of commensurate reimbursement. This award is intended for surgeons who have dedicated a significant portion of their surgical careers to full-time or near full-time humanitarian efforts rather than routine surgical practice. Examples include a career dedicated to missionary surgery, the founding and ongoing operations of a charitable organization dedicated to providing surgical care to the underserved, or a retirement characterized by surgical volunteer outreach. Having received compensation for this work does not preclude a nominee from consideration and, in fact, may be expected based on the extent of the professional obligation.
The ACS Board of Governors’ Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup will evaluate the nominations and forward their selections to the Board of Governors’ Executive Committee for final approval.
Nominations
The following conditions apply to the nominations process:
• Self-nominations are permissible but require at least one outside letter of support
• Re-nomination of previous nominees is acceptable but requires completion of a new application
For the nominee to have a fair review, detailed information is required, including the following:
• Demographic information about the nominee and nominator
• Details about the nominator’s relationship to the nominee, along with background information on the nominee’s career in surgery
• Completion of seven questions related to the nominee’s volunteerism or humanitarian work (2,500 characters maximum for each question) to include questions on the following: type of service provided, sustainability of programs, advocacy efforts, additional roles, and others
The nomination website will open January 4 for electronic submission and can be accessed through the Operation Giving Back (OBG) section of the ACS website at facs.org/ogb. For more information, contact the OGB at [email protected].
The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2016 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award. All nominations must be received by February 29, 2016.
Volunteerism Awards
The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award—offered in four potential categories—recognizes surgeons who are committed to giving back to society by making significant contributions to surgical care through organized volunteer activities. The awards for domestic, international, and military outreach are intended for ACS Fellows in active surgical practice whose volunteer activities go above and beyond the usual professional commitments or for retired Fellows who have been involved in volunteerism in the course of active practice and into retirement. Resident Members and Associate Fellows of the College who have been involved in significant surgical volunteer activities as part of their postgraduate surgical training are eligible for the Resident award. Surgeons of all specialties are eligible for each of these awards.
For the purposes of these awards, “volunteerism” is defined as professional work in which one’s time or talents are donated for charitable clinical, educational, or other worthwhile activities related to surgery. Volunteerism in this case does not refer to uncompensated care provided as a matter of necessity in most clinical practices. Instead, volunteerism should be characterized by prospective, planned surgical care to underserved patients with no anticipation of reimbursement or economic gain.
Humanitarian Award
The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award recognizes an ACS Fellow whose career has been dedicated to ensuring the provision of surgical care to underserved populations without expectation of commensurate reimbursement. This award is intended for surgeons who have dedicated a significant portion of their surgical careers to full-time or near full-time humanitarian efforts rather than routine surgical practice. Examples include a career dedicated to missionary surgery, the founding and ongoing operations of a charitable organization dedicated to providing surgical care to the underserved, or a retirement characterized by surgical volunteer outreach. Having received compensation for this work does not preclude a nominee from consideration and, in fact, may be expected based on the extent of the professional obligation.
The ACS Board of Governors’ Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup will evaluate the nominations and forward their selections to the Board of Governors’ Executive Committee for final approval.
Nominations
The following conditions apply to the nominations process:
• Self-nominations are permissible but require at least one outside letter of support
• Re-nomination of previous nominees is acceptable but requires completion of a new application
For the nominee to have a fair review, detailed information is required, including the following:
• Demographic information about the nominee and nominator
• Details about the nominator’s relationship to the nominee, along with background information on the nominee’s career in surgery
• Completion of seven questions related to the nominee’s volunteerism or humanitarian work (2,500 characters maximum for each question) to include questions on the following: type of service provided, sustainability of programs, advocacy efforts, additional roles, and others
The nomination website will open January 4 for electronic submission and can be accessed through the Operation Giving Back (OBG) section of the ACS website at facs.org/ogb. For more information, contact the OGB at [email protected].
Last chance to register for 2016 ACS-AEI Consortium Meeting
February 29 is the deadline to register for the ninth annual American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) Consortium Meeting, which will take place March 7−8 at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL. The ACS-AEI Consortium, sponsored by the ACS Division of Education, is a global network of 94 ACS-AEIs that use simulation-based technology to educate and train practicing surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, and members of the surgical team.
Meeting sessions will examine various aspects of simulation-based training, including emerging technologies in simulation. Two interactive debates will explore whether higher fidelity is better for learning and whether Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for simulation is ready to be launched on a national level. Participants will have access to interactive workshops, scientific paper presentations, posters, and networking opportunities. Graham T. McMahon, MD, MMSc, president and chief executive officer of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, will deliver the keynote address, and a special panel will discuss simulation as a means of advancing continuing medical education.
Visit the ACS website at facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/consortium-meeting to view the agenda, register for the meeting, and reserve a hotel room.
For more information about the meeting or the AEI Program, contact Cathy Wojcik, Administrator, Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at [email protected].
February 29 is the deadline to register for the ninth annual American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) Consortium Meeting, which will take place March 7−8 at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL. The ACS-AEI Consortium, sponsored by the ACS Division of Education, is a global network of 94 ACS-AEIs that use simulation-based technology to educate and train practicing surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, and members of the surgical team.
Meeting sessions will examine various aspects of simulation-based training, including emerging technologies in simulation. Two interactive debates will explore whether higher fidelity is better for learning and whether Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for simulation is ready to be launched on a national level. Participants will have access to interactive workshops, scientific paper presentations, posters, and networking opportunities. Graham T. McMahon, MD, MMSc, president and chief executive officer of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, will deliver the keynote address, and a special panel will discuss simulation as a means of advancing continuing medical education.
Visit the ACS website at facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/consortium-meeting to view the agenda, register for the meeting, and reserve a hotel room.
For more information about the meeting or the AEI Program, contact Cathy Wojcik, Administrator, Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at [email protected].
February 29 is the deadline to register for the ninth annual American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) Consortium Meeting, which will take place March 7−8 at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL. The ACS-AEI Consortium, sponsored by the ACS Division of Education, is a global network of 94 ACS-AEIs that use simulation-based technology to educate and train practicing surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, and members of the surgical team.
Meeting sessions will examine various aspects of simulation-based training, including emerging technologies in simulation. Two interactive debates will explore whether higher fidelity is better for learning and whether Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for simulation is ready to be launched on a national level. Participants will have access to interactive workshops, scientific paper presentations, posters, and networking opportunities. Graham T. McMahon, MD, MMSc, president and chief executive officer of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, will deliver the keynote address, and a special panel will discuss simulation as a means of advancing continuing medical education.
Visit the ACS website at facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/consortium-meeting to view the agenda, register for the meeting, and reserve a hotel room.
For more information about the meeting or the AEI Program, contact Cathy Wojcik, Administrator, Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at [email protected].
Decline in antibiotic effectiveness could harm surgical, chemotherapy patients
An increase of surgical site infections (SSIs) stemming from pathogens resistant to antibiotic prophylaxis could result in thousands of infection-related deaths in surgical and chemotherapy patients, according to a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
A total of 31 published meta-analyses of randomized or quasi–randomized controlled trials were included in the study by Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy in Washington, and his associates. The researchers surveyed the 10 most common surgeries in which antibiotic prophylaxis provides the greatest benefit. The infection rate in surgical patients receiving prophylaxis was 4.2%, and was 11.1% in patients who did not receive prophylaxis. Relative risk reduction for infection was least in cancer chemotherapy at 35% and greatest in pacemaker implantation at 86%.
Between 38.7% and 50.9% of SSIs and 26.8% of infections after chemotherapy are caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. A decrease in prophylaxis effectiveness of 10% would cause 40,000 additional infections and 2,100 additional deaths, while a decrease in effectiveness of 70% would cause 280,000 additional infections and 15,000 additional deaths.
The authors say more data are needed to establish how antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations should be modified in the context of increasing rates of resistance.
In a related comment, Dr. Joshua Wolf from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, said, “To improve stewardship outcomes, we need more research that focuses on understanding impediments to appropriate antibiotic prescribing, strategies that target these impediments, resources to implement the strategies, and leadership that understands the urgency and complexity of the task. In view of the lack of progress so far, mandatory implementation of these steps could be necessary to achieve notable change.”
Find the full study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases (doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099[15]00270-4).
An increase of surgical site infections (SSIs) stemming from pathogens resistant to antibiotic prophylaxis could result in thousands of infection-related deaths in surgical and chemotherapy patients, according to a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
A total of 31 published meta-analyses of randomized or quasi–randomized controlled trials were included in the study by Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy in Washington, and his associates. The researchers surveyed the 10 most common surgeries in which antibiotic prophylaxis provides the greatest benefit. The infection rate in surgical patients receiving prophylaxis was 4.2%, and was 11.1% in patients who did not receive prophylaxis. Relative risk reduction for infection was least in cancer chemotherapy at 35% and greatest in pacemaker implantation at 86%.
Between 38.7% and 50.9% of SSIs and 26.8% of infections after chemotherapy are caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. A decrease in prophylaxis effectiveness of 10% would cause 40,000 additional infections and 2,100 additional deaths, while a decrease in effectiveness of 70% would cause 280,000 additional infections and 15,000 additional deaths.
The authors say more data are needed to establish how antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations should be modified in the context of increasing rates of resistance.
In a related comment, Dr. Joshua Wolf from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, said, “To improve stewardship outcomes, we need more research that focuses on understanding impediments to appropriate antibiotic prescribing, strategies that target these impediments, resources to implement the strategies, and leadership that understands the urgency and complexity of the task. In view of the lack of progress so far, mandatory implementation of these steps could be necessary to achieve notable change.”
Find the full study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases (doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099[15]00270-4).
An increase of surgical site infections (SSIs) stemming from pathogens resistant to antibiotic prophylaxis could result in thousands of infection-related deaths in surgical and chemotherapy patients, according to a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
A total of 31 published meta-analyses of randomized or quasi–randomized controlled trials were included in the study by Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy in Washington, and his associates. The researchers surveyed the 10 most common surgeries in which antibiotic prophylaxis provides the greatest benefit. The infection rate in surgical patients receiving prophylaxis was 4.2%, and was 11.1% in patients who did not receive prophylaxis. Relative risk reduction for infection was least in cancer chemotherapy at 35% and greatest in pacemaker implantation at 86%.
Between 38.7% and 50.9% of SSIs and 26.8% of infections after chemotherapy are caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. A decrease in prophylaxis effectiveness of 10% would cause 40,000 additional infections and 2,100 additional deaths, while a decrease in effectiveness of 70% would cause 280,000 additional infections and 15,000 additional deaths.
The authors say more data are needed to establish how antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations should be modified in the context of increasing rates of resistance.
In a related comment, Dr. Joshua Wolf from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, said, “To improve stewardship outcomes, we need more research that focuses on understanding impediments to appropriate antibiotic prescribing, strategies that target these impediments, resources to implement the strategies, and leadership that understands the urgency and complexity of the task. In view of the lack of progress so far, mandatory implementation of these steps could be necessary to achieve notable change.”
Find the full study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases (doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099[15]00270-4).