News From the College

The family and friends of the late Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Past-President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), have established an endowment through the ACS Foundation to provide funding for an annual fellowship to be awarded to an outstanding young surgeon from the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, or the Surgical Section of the National Medical Association. The ACS is accepting applications for the Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Traveling Fellowship through June 1.

The fellowship, in the amount of $5,000, enables a U.S. or Canadian Fellow or Associate Fellow younger than 45 years old who is a member of one of the previously mentioned societies to attend an educational meeting or make an extended visit to an institution of his or her choice, tailored to his or her research interests.

Past awardees have used their fellowships to develop their careers in creative ways. The 2017 fellow, Kakra Hughes, MD, FACS, visited locations in Ethiopia and Ghana to begin to develop partnerships and a program for resident training in vascular surgery.

The full requirements for the Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Traveling Fellowship are posted on the ACS website at www.facs.org/member-services/scholarships/special/organ. A decision regarding this year’s awardee is scheduled to be announced in August 2018. Questions and application materials should be submitted to the attention of the ACS Scholarships Administrator at [email protected].

The family and friends of the late Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Past-President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), have established an endowment through the ACS Foundation to provide funding for an annual fellowship to be awarded to an outstanding young surgeon from the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, or the Surgical Section of the National Medical Association. The ACS is accepting applications for the Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Traveling Fellowship through June 1.

The fellowship, in the amount of $5,000, enables a U.S. or Canadian Fellow or Associate Fellow younger than 45 years old who is a member of one of the previously mentioned societies to attend an educational meeting or make an extended visit to an institution of his or her choice, tailored to his or her research interests.

Past awardees have used their fellowships to develop their careers in creative ways. The 2017 fellow, Kakra Hughes, MD, FACS, visited locations in Ethiopia and Ghana to begin to develop partnerships and a program for resident training in vascular surgery.

The full requirements for the Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Traveling Fellowship are posted on the ACS website at www.facs.org/member-services/scholarships/special/organ. A decision regarding this year’s awardee is scheduled to be announced in August 2018. Questions and application materials should be submitted to the attention of the ACS Scholarships Administrator at [email protected].

The family and friends of the late Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Past-President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), have established an endowment through the ACS Foundation to provide funding for an annual fellowship to be awarded to an outstanding young surgeon from the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, or the Surgical Section of the National Medical Association. The ACS is accepting applications for the Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Traveling Fellowship through June 1.

The fellowship, in the amount of $5,000, enables a U.S. or Canadian Fellow or Associate Fellow younger than 45 years old who is a member of one of the previously mentioned societies to attend an educational meeting or make an extended visit to an institution of his or her choice, tailored to his or her research interests.

Past awardees have used their fellowships to develop their careers in creative ways. The 2017 fellow, Kakra Hughes, MD, FACS, visited locations in Ethiopia and Ghana to begin to develop partnerships and a program for resident training in vascular surgery.

The full requirements for the Claude H. Organ, Jr., MD, FACS, Traveling Fellowship are posted on the ACS website at www.facs.org/member-services/scholarships/special/organ. A decision regarding this year’s awardee is scheduled to be announced in August 2018. Questions and application materials should be submitted to the attention of the ACS Scholarships Administrator at [email protected].

Registration Now Open for 2018 ACS Quality and Safety Conference

Health care professionals dedicated to raising the bar on the quality of surgical care and patient safety are invited to attend the 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Quality and Safety Conference, July 21–24 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, FL.

• Trauma Quality Programs, including Pediatrics, Trauma Center Verification, the Trauma Quality Improvement Program, and Performance Improvement and Patient Safety

The conference theme, Partnering for Improvement, will set the tone for the meeting, as presenters and organizers strive to achieve the following:

• Provide a professional forum to discuss and apply the most recent knowledge on quality and safety initiatives in surgery

• Present methods used to analyze data from ACS Quality Programs and demonstrate practical ways to use the data for quality improvement (QI)

• Assist hospitals and providers in managing, analyzing, and interpreting data

• Enhance the learning experience by offering breakout sessions that educate attendees on topic areas of their interest

An additional track will be dedicated to Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety, the “red book,” which will explore concepts and resources from the manual, information on QI tools, methodology, nomenclature, and organizational design and infrastructure. Other notable sessions will highlight important clinical topics, including efficiency in surgical care, the opioid epidemic, and preoperative optimization.

Keynote speaker Rolf Benirschke, a former placekicker in the NFL, will discuss his experience collapsing on a cross-country team flight while battling ulcerative colitis and subsequently undergoing two emergency operations within six days.

Further details about the conference can be viewed on the Quality and Safety Conference website at www.facs.org/quality-programs/quality-safety-conference.

Registration Now Open for 2018 ACS Quality and Safety Conference

Health care professionals dedicated to raising the bar on the quality of surgical care and patient safety are invited to attend the 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Quality and Safety Conference, July 21–24 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, FL.

• Trauma Quality Programs, including Pediatrics, Trauma Center Verification, the Trauma Quality Improvement Program, and Performance Improvement and Patient Safety

The conference theme, Partnering for Improvement, will set the tone for the meeting, as presenters and organizers strive to achieve the following:

• Provide a professional forum to discuss and apply the most recent knowledge on quality and safety initiatives in surgery

• Present methods used to analyze data from ACS Quality Programs and demonstrate practical ways to use the data for quality improvement (QI)

• Assist hospitals and providers in managing, analyzing, and interpreting data

• Enhance the learning experience by offering breakout sessions that educate attendees on topic areas of their interest

An additional track will be dedicated to Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety, the “red book,” which will explore concepts and resources from the manual, information on QI tools, methodology, nomenclature, and organizational design and infrastructure. Other notable sessions will highlight important clinical topics, including efficiency in surgical care, the opioid epidemic, and preoperative optimization.

Keynote speaker Rolf Benirschke, a former placekicker in the NFL, will discuss his experience collapsing on a cross-country team flight while battling ulcerative colitis and subsequently undergoing two emergency operations within six days.

Further details about the conference can be viewed on the Quality and Safety Conference website at www.facs.org/quality-programs/quality-safety-conference.

Registration Now Open for 2018 ACS Quality and Safety Conference

Health care professionals dedicated to raising the bar on the quality of surgical care and patient safety are invited to attend the 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Quality and Safety Conference, July 21–24 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, FL.

• Trauma Quality Programs, including Pediatrics, Trauma Center Verification, the Trauma Quality Improvement Program, and Performance Improvement and Patient Safety

The conference theme, Partnering for Improvement, will set the tone for the meeting, as presenters and organizers strive to achieve the following:

• Provide a professional forum to discuss and apply the most recent knowledge on quality and safety initiatives in surgery

• Present methods used to analyze data from ACS Quality Programs and demonstrate practical ways to use the data for quality improvement (QI)

• Assist hospitals and providers in managing, analyzing, and interpreting data

• Enhance the learning experience by offering breakout sessions that educate attendees on topic areas of their interest

An additional track will be dedicated to Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety, the “red book,” which will explore concepts and resources from the manual, information on QI tools, methodology, nomenclature, and organizational design and infrastructure. Other notable sessions will highlight important clinical topics, including efficiency in surgical care, the opioid epidemic, and preoperative optimization.

Keynote speaker Rolf Benirschke, a former placekicker in the NFL, will discuss his experience collapsing on a cross-country team flight while battling ulcerative colitis and subsequently undergoing two emergency operations within six days.

Further details about the conference can be viewed on the Quality and Safety Conference website at www.facs.org/quality-programs/quality-safety-conference.

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), a Past-President of the American College of Surgeons, has received Seattle Business magazine’s 2018 Leaders in Health Care Lifetime Achievement Award for his committed service to improving the quality of patient care in the Seattle, WA, area.

Dr. Pellegrini has worked in the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, department of surgery since 1993, first as chair of the department and then in 1996 as the Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair, until 2015, when he was appointed to serve as UW Medicine’s first chief medical officer (CMO).

According to the Seattle Business article on Dr. Pellegrini’s achievement, as CMO, Dr. Pellegrini oversees thousands of health care providers and has led a program that has visibly improved patient care quality, reduced costs, and “ensured that all of the health care system’s 270,000 patients have an assigned primary care provider across its primary care clinics.” He also integrated clinical services for key programs and created a training program to prepare young clinicians for leadership roles.

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), a Past-President of the American College of Surgeons, has received Seattle Business magazine’s 2018 Leaders in Health Care Lifetime Achievement Award for his committed service to improving the quality of patient care in the Seattle, WA, area.

Dr. Pellegrini has worked in the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, department of surgery since 1993, first as chair of the department and then in 1996 as the Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair, until 2015, when he was appointed to serve as UW Medicine’s first chief medical officer (CMO).

According to the Seattle Business article on Dr. Pellegrini’s achievement, as CMO, Dr. Pellegrini oversees thousands of health care providers and has led a program that has visibly improved patient care quality, reduced costs, and “ensured that all of the health care system’s 270,000 patients have an assigned primary care provider across its primary care clinics.” He also integrated clinical services for key programs and created a training program to prepare young clinicians for leadership roles.

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), a Past-President of the American College of Surgeons, has received Seattle Business magazine’s 2018 Leaders in Health Care Lifetime Achievement Award for his committed service to improving the quality of patient care in the Seattle, WA, area.

Dr. Pellegrini has worked in the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, department of surgery since 1993, first as chair of the department and then in 1996 as the Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair, until 2015, when he was appointed to serve as UW Medicine’s first chief medical officer (CMO).

According to the Seattle Business article on Dr. Pellegrini’s achievement, as CMO, Dr. Pellegrini oversees thousands of health care providers and has led a program that has visibly improved patient care quality, reduced costs, and “ensured that all of the health care system’s 270,000 patients have an assigned primary care provider across its primary care clinics.” He also integrated clinical services for key programs and created a training program to prepare young clinicians for leadership roles.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), along with the American College of Surgeons (ACS), will host the 87th Annual Scientific Congress, May 7–11 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia.

The theme of the 2018 Scientific Congress, Reflecting on What Really Matters, explores the challenges of providing quality patient care within complex health care systems—a universal situation familiar to U.S. surgeons.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), along with the American College of Surgeons (ACS), will host the 87th Annual Scientific Congress, May 7–11 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia.

The theme of the 2018 Scientific Congress, Reflecting on What Really Matters, explores the challenges of providing quality patient care within complex health care systems—a universal situation familiar to U.S. surgeons.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), along with the American College of Surgeons (ACS), will host the 87th Annual Scientific Congress, May 7–11 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia.

The theme of the 2018 Scientific Congress, Reflecting on What Really Matters, explores the challenges of providing quality patient care within complex health care systems—a universal situation familiar to U.S. surgeons.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in collaboration with 15 other national specialty surgical organizations, has recently published the eighth edition of the Physicians as Assistants at Surgery report, a study first undertaken in 1994. The 2018 report reflects the most recent clinical practices and provides guidance on how often an operation might require a physician to assist at surgery. The report is available on the ACS website at www.facs.org/~/media/files/advocacy/pubs/2018_pas.ashx.

Using the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes from the 2018 manual, each participating organization reviewed new or revised codes since 2016 and any other codes of interest that are applicable to their specialty and indicated whether the operation requires a physician as an assistant with the following frequency: almost always, almost never, or some of the time. The 2018 report adds 93 codes that the CPT Editorial Panel has approved since the last report was issued in 2016. In addition, the 2018 report updates 384 revised codes and deletes 48 codes that are no longer in CPT.

The ACS maintains that a physician who assists with an operation should be trained to participate in and actively assist the surgeon in safely completing the operation. When a surgeon is unavailable to serve as an assistant, a qualified surgical resident or other qualified health care professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant with experience in assisting, may participate in operations, according to the ACS Statements on Principles (available at www.facs.org/about-acs/statements/stonprin).

Organizations that collaborated with the ACS to conduct the study include the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the American Pediatric Surgical Association, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the American Urological Association, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society for Surgical Oncology, the Society for Vascular Surgery, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in collaboration with 15 other national specialty surgical organizations, has recently published the eighth edition of the Physicians as Assistants at Surgery report, a study first undertaken in 1994. The 2018 report reflects the most recent clinical practices and provides guidance on how often an operation might require a physician to assist at surgery. The report is available on the ACS website at www.facs.org/~/media/files/advocacy/pubs/2018_pas.ashx.

Using the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes from the 2018 manual, each participating organization reviewed new or revised codes since 2016 and any other codes of interest that are applicable to their specialty and indicated whether the operation requires a physician as an assistant with the following frequency: almost always, almost never, or some of the time. The 2018 report adds 93 codes that the CPT Editorial Panel has approved since the last report was issued in 2016. In addition, the 2018 report updates 384 revised codes and deletes 48 codes that are no longer in CPT.

The ACS maintains that a physician who assists with an operation should be trained to participate in and actively assist the surgeon in safely completing the operation. When a surgeon is unavailable to serve as an assistant, a qualified surgical resident or other qualified health care professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant with experience in assisting, may participate in operations, according to the ACS Statements on Principles (available at www.facs.org/about-acs/statements/stonprin).

Organizations that collaborated with the ACS to conduct the study include the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the American Pediatric Surgical Association, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the American Urological Association, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society for Surgical Oncology, the Society for Vascular Surgery, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in collaboration with 15 other national specialty surgical organizations, has recently published the eighth edition of the Physicians as Assistants at Surgery report, a study first undertaken in 1994. The 2018 report reflects the most recent clinical practices and provides guidance on how often an operation might require a physician to assist at surgery. The report is available on the ACS website at www.facs.org/~/media/files/advocacy/pubs/2018_pas.ashx.

Using the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes from the 2018 manual, each participating organization reviewed new or revised codes since 2016 and any other codes of interest that are applicable to their specialty and indicated whether the operation requires a physician as an assistant with the following frequency: almost always, almost never, or some of the time. The 2018 report adds 93 codes that the CPT Editorial Panel has approved since the last report was issued in 2016. In addition, the 2018 report updates 384 revised codes and deletes 48 codes that are no longer in CPT.

The ACS maintains that a physician who assists with an operation should be trained to participate in and actively assist the surgeon in safely completing the operation. When a surgeon is unavailable to serve as an assistant, a qualified surgical resident or other qualified health care professional, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant with experience in assisting, may participate in operations, according to the ACS Statements on Principles (available at www.facs.org/about-acs/statements/stonprin).

Organizations that collaborated with the ACS to conduct the study include the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the American Pediatric Surgical Association, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the American Urological Association, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society for Surgical Oncology, the Society for Vascular Surgery, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, a new College enterprise that will advance the science and implementation of education across all surgical specialties, is now accepting applications for Membership and Associate Membership. Applications are due May 14, 2018.

You could be considered for membership in the Academy through two avenues:

• You may apply directly.

• You may be nominated by a colleague and then complete the application.
 

Background

In October 2014, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents approved a proposal from the ACS Division of Education to establish the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. A Steering Committee was appointed to create a model for the Academy, which articulated the desired outcomes, defined standards and criteria for membership, and developed the process for application. The ACS Steering Committee for the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is co-chaired by ACS Past-President L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon), and Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education. Other members include Sir Murray Brennan, MD, FACS, ACS Distinguished Service Award recipient; Haile Debas, MD, FACS, founding executive director, Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco; David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director; L. Scott Levin, MD, FACS, ACS Regent; Leigh Neumayer, MD, FACS, Chair, ACS Board of Regents; and Carlos Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), ACS Past-President.

The Academy formally launched at the ACS Clinical Congress 2017 in San Diego, CA, and was received enthusiastically.

Purposes of the Academy

The goals of this unique Academy are to define megatrends in surgical education, steer advances in this field, and underscore the critical importance of surgical education in the changing milieu of health care. The Academy will meet these goals by recognizing and assembling a cadre of master surgeon educators of national and international renown who will support cutting-edge surgical education and provide mentorship to the next generation of surgeon educators.

Members of the Academy will be selected through a rigorous peer-review process, and induction will be a high honor in the field of surgical education. Members of the Academy will be expected to engage in activities to address the aforementioned goals. Membership in the Academy will be open to Master Surgeon Educators from across the surgical specialties.

Three categories of membership will be available: Member, Associate Member, and Affiliate Member. Applications for Membership and Associate Membership in the Academy are now being accepted. You are invited to apply or nominate a colleague for membership via the ACS website at facs.org/acsacademy.

The ACS is truly excited about this seminal endeavor, which will impact the profession of surgery for generations to come.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, a new College enterprise that will advance the science and implementation of education across all surgical specialties, is now accepting applications for Membership and Associate Membership. Applications are due May 14, 2018.

You could be considered for membership in the Academy through two avenues:

• You may apply directly.

• You may be nominated by a colleague and then complete the application.
 

Background

In October 2014, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents approved a proposal from the ACS Division of Education to establish the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. A Steering Committee was appointed to create a model for the Academy, which articulated the desired outcomes, defined standards and criteria for membership, and developed the process for application. The ACS Steering Committee for the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is co-chaired by ACS Past-President L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon), and Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education. Other members include Sir Murray Brennan, MD, FACS, ACS Distinguished Service Award recipient; Haile Debas, MD, FACS, founding executive director, Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco; David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director; L. Scott Levin, MD, FACS, ACS Regent; Leigh Neumayer, MD, FACS, Chair, ACS Board of Regents; and Carlos Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), ACS Past-President.

The Academy formally launched at the ACS Clinical Congress 2017 in San Diego, CA, and was received enthusiastically.

Purposes of the Academy

The goals of this unique Academy are to define megatrends in surgical education, steer advances in this field, and underscore the critical importance of surgical education in the changing milieu of health care. The Academy will meet these goals by recognizing and assembling a cadre of master surgeon educators of national and international renown who will support cutting-edge surgical education and provide mentorship to the next generation of surgeon educators.

Members of the Academy will be selected through a rigorous peer-review process, and induction will be a high honor in the field of surgical education. Members of the Academy will be expected to engage in activities to address the aforementioned goals. Membership in the Academy will be open to Master Surgeon Educators from across the surgical specialties.

Three categories of membership will be available: Member, Associate Member, and Affiliate Member. Applications for Membership and Associate Membership in the Academy are now being accepted. You are invited to apply or nominate a colleague for membership via the ACS website at facs.org/acsacademy.

The ACS is truly excited about this seminal endeavor, which will impact the profession of surgery for generations to come.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, a new College enterprise that will advance the science and implementation of education across all surgical specialties, is now accepting applications for Membership and Associate Membership. Applications are due May 14, 2018.

You could be considered for membership in the Academy through two avenues:

• You may apply directly.

• You may be nominated by a colleague and then complete the application.
 

Background

In October 2014, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Regents approved a proposal from the ACS Division of Education to establish the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. A Steering Committee was appointed to create a model for the Academy, which articulated the desired outcomes, defined standards and criteria for membership, and developed the process for application. The ACS Steering Committee for the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is co-chaired by ACS Past-President L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon), and Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director, ACS Division of Education. Other members include Sir Murray Brennan, MD, FACS, ACS Distinguished Service Award recipient; Haile Debas, MD, FACS, founding executive director, Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco; David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director; L. Scott Levin, MD, FACS, ACS Regent; Leigh Neumayer, MD, FACS, Chair, ACS Board of Regents; and Carlos Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), ACS Past-President.

The Academy formally launched at the ACS Clinical Congress 2017 in San Diego, CA, and was received enthusiastically.

Purposes of the Academy

The goals of this unique Academy are to define megatrends in surgical education, steer advances in this field, and underscore the critical importance of surgical education in the changing milieu of health care. The Academy will meet these goals by recognizing and assembling a cadre of master surgeon educators of national and international renown who will support cutting-edge surgical education and provide mentorship to the next generation of surgeon educators.

Members of the Academy will be selected through a rigorous peer-review process, and induction will be a high honor in the field of surgical education. Members of the Academy will be expected to engage in activities to address the aforementioned goals. Membership in the Academy will be open to Master Surgeon Educators from across the surgical specialties.

Three categories of membership will be available: Member, Associate Member, and Affiliate Member. Applications for Membership and Associate Membership in the Academy are now being accepted. You are invited to apply or nominate a colleague for membership via the ACS website at facs.org/acsacademy.

The ACS is truly excited about this seminal endeavor, which will impact the profession of surgery for generations to come.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is seeking candidates to fill five vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2018.

The mission of the WiSC is to enable women surgeons of all ages, specialties, and practice types to develop their individual potential as professionals; promote an environment that fosters inclusion, respect, and success; develop, encourage, and advance women surgeons as leaders; and provide a forum and networking opportunities to enhance women’s surgical career satisfaction.

Surgeons interested in advancing the role of women in the ACS and encouraging and mentoring women in surgery should apply. Nominations are open to both men and women, and the committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Read the full eligibility requirements and how to apply on the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/wisc-call. Eligible candidates will be selected and notified by the committee in June, and will be invited to attend the October 22 meeting of the WiSC, held in conjunction with Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA. Travel reimbursement will not be provided.

Apply online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018WiSCMbrApp. Applications are due May 31, 2018. Questions can be directed to Connie Bura at [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is seeking candidates to fill five vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2018.

The mission of the WiSC is to enable women surgeons of all ages, specialties, and practice types to develop their individual potential as professionals; promote an environment that fosters inclusion, respect, and success; develop, encourage, and advance women surgeons as leaders; and provide a forum and networking opportunities to enhance women’s surgical career satisfaction.

Surgeons interested in advancing the role of women in the ACS and encouraging and mentoring women in surgery should apply. Nominations are open to both men and women, and the committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Read the full eligibility requirements and how to apply on the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/wisc-call. Eligible candidates will be selected and notified by the committee in June, and will be invited to attend the October 22 meeting of the WiSC, held in conjunction with Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA. Travel reimbursement will not be provided.

Apply online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018WiSCMbrApp. Applications are due May 31, 2018. Questions can be directed to Connie Bura at [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WiSC) is seeking candidates to fill five vacancies on the committee beginning in October 2018.

The mission of the WiSC is to enable women surgeons of all ages, specialties, and practice types to develop their individual potential as professionals; promote an environment that fosters inclusion, respect, and success; develop, encourage, and advance women surgeons as leaders; and provide a forum and networking opportunities to enhance women’s surgical career satisfaction.

Surgeons interested in advancing the role of women in the ACS and encouraging and mentoring women in surgery should apply. Nominations are open to both men and women, and the committee encourages representation by individuals of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Read the full eligibility requirements and how to apply on the ACS website at facs.org/about-acs/governance/acs-committees/women-in-surgery-committee/wisc-call. Eligible candidates will be selected and notified by the committee in June, and will be invited to attend the October 22 meeting of the WiSC, held in conjunction with Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA. Travel reimbursement will not be provided.

Apply online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018WiSCMbrApp. Applications are due May 31, 2018. Questions can be directed to Connie Bura at [email protected].

Eileen Metzger Bulger, MD, FACS, chief of trauma and trauma medical director for adults and pediatrics, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, begins serving as the new Chair of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) this month. Dr. Bulger was appointed as the next COT Chair in October 2017 by the ACS Board of Regents. She is the 20th Chair of the COT, succeeding Ronald M. Stewart, MD, FACS, of San Antonio, TX.

“We look forward to Dr. Bulger’s exceptional vision and leadership as she directs the COT into its 96th year of working to improve the care of the injured patient. She is the perfect person to lead the COT into its next century of transforming care and reducing injuries across the globe,” Dr. Stewart said.

A diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Bulger also is board certified in surgical critical care. She earned a medical doctorate at Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY (1992). She completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle (1992–1999), where she concurrently completed a two-year National Institutes of Health Trauma Research Fellowship during her years of residency training (1995–1997), and then went on to complete a surgical critical care fellowship at UW in 2000.
 

Recognized leadership

Throughout her career, Dr. Bulger has mentored many surgical residents in paper and scholarship competitions. For nearly two decades, she has served as the co-principal or principal investigator of a variety of innovative, grant-funded research projects related to trauma care, some of which focus on improving outcomes for crash injury victims, pediatric patients, and older adults.

Since her initial involvement with the COT in 2002, Dr. Bulger has contributed to many COT activities, often serving in a leadership role. She is a Course Instructor for the internationally recognized Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) program, and she served as the COT Washington State Chair (2003–2006); Region X Chief (2006–2012); Chair of the Emergency Medical Services Committee (2011–2015); Chair of the Membership Committee (2014–2017); and Executive Committee member (2014–2017).

The COT is dedicated to all phases of injury care, from prevention to rehabilitation. The committee is supported by a network of 65 state and provincial committees, 11 international committees, and five military committees, and the majority of members are ACS Fellows.

Eileen Metzger Bulger, MD, FACS, chief of trauma and trauma medical director for adults and pediatrics, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, begins serving as the new Chair of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) this month. Dr. Bulger was appointed as the next COT Chair in October 2017 by the ACS Board of Regents. She is the 20th Chair of the COT, succeeding Ronald M. Stewart, MD, FACS, of San Antonio, TX.

“We look forward to Dr. Bulger’s exceptional vision and leadership as she directs the COT into its 96th year of working to improve the care of the injured patient. She is the perfect person to lead the COT into its next century of transforming care and reducing injuries across the globe,” Dr. Stewart said.

A diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Bulger also is board certified in surgical critical care. She earned a medical doctorate at Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY (1992). She completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle (1992–1999), where she concurrently completed a two-year National Institutes of Health Trauma Research Fellowship during her years of residency training (1995–1997), and then went on to complete a surgical critical care fellowship at UW in 2000.
 

Recognized leadership

Throughout her career, Dr. Bulger has mentored many surgical residents in paper and scholarship competitions. For nearly two decades, she has served as the co-principal or principal investigator of a variety of innovative, grant-funded research projects related to trauma care, some of which focus on improving outcomes for crash injury victims, pediatric patients, and older adults.

Since her initial involvement with the COT in 2002, Dr. Bulger has contributed to many COT activities, often serving in a leadership role. She is a Course Instructor for the internationally recognized Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) program, and she served as the COT Washington State Chair (2003–2006); Region X Chief (2006–2012); Chair of the Emergency Medical Services Committee (2011–2015); Chair of the Membership Committee (2014–2017); and Executive Committee member (2014–2017).

The COT is dedicated to all phases of injury care, from prevention to rehabilitation. The committee is supported by a network of 65 state and provincial committees, 11 international committees, and five military committees, and the majority of members are ACS Fellows.

Eileen Metzger Bulger, MD, FACS, chief of trauma and trauma medical director for adults and pediatrics, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, begins serving as the new Chair of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) this month. Dr. Bulger was appointed as the next COT Chair in October 2017 by the ACS Board of Regents. She is the 20th Chair of the COT, succeeding Ronald M. Stewart, MD, FACS, of San Antonio, TX.

“We look forward to Dr. Bulger’s exceptional vision and leadership as she directs the COT into its 96th year of working to improve the care of the injured patient. She is the perfect person to lead the COT into its next century of transforming care and reducing injuries across the globe,” Dr. Stewart said.

A diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Bulger also is board certified in surgical critical care. She earned a medical doctorate at Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY (1992). She completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle (1992–1999), where she concurrently completed a two-year National Institutes of Health Trauma Research Fellowship during her years of residency training (1995–1997), and then went on to complete a surgical critical care fellowship at UW in 2000.
 

Recognized leadership

Throughout her career, Dr. Bulger has mentored many surgical residents in paper and scholarship competitions. For nearly two decades, she has served as the co-principal or principal investigator of a variety of innovative, grant-funded research projects related to trauma care, some of which focus on improving outcomes for crash injury victims, pediatric patients, and older adults.

Since her initial involvement with the COT in 2002, Dr. Bulger has contributed to many COT activities, often serving in a leadership role. She is a Course Instructor for the internationally recognized Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) program, and she served as the COT Washington State Chair (2003–2006); Region X Chief (2006–2012); Chair of the Emergency Medical Services Committee (2011–2015); Chair of the Membership Committee (2014–2017); and Executive Committee member (2014–2017).

The COT is dedicated to all phases of injury care, from prevention to rehabilitation. The committee is supported by a network of 65 state and provincial committees, 11 international committees, and five military committees, and the majority of members are ACS Fellows.

On February 9, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. The law addresses many key physician and patient issues, including important technical corrections to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) that the American College of Surgeons (ACS) strongly favors.

The law addresses several other ACS priorities, including:

The addition of a long-term funding extension (10 years) for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensuring that children continue to have access to surgical care

The inclusion of language that eases electronic health record system meaningful use requirements, alleviating some of the burdens imposed on physicians and their practices

Additional funding to address the opioid epidemic and to support the work of the National Institutes of Health Repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board

For more information, contact Mark Lukaszewski, ACS Congressional Lobbyist, at [email protected].






 

On February 9, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. The law addresses many key physician and patient issues, including important technical corrections to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) that the American College of Surgeons (ACS) strongly favors.

The law addresses several other ACS priorities, including:

The addition of a long-term funding extension (10 years) for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensuring that children continue to have access to surgical care

The inclusion of language that eases electronic health record system meaningful use requirements, alleviating some of the burdens imposed on physicians and their practices

Additional funding to address the opioid epidemic and to support the work of the National Institutes of Health Repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board

For more information, contact Mark Lukaszewski, ACS Congressional Lobbyist, at [email protected].






 

On February 9, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. The law addresses many key physician and patient issues, including important technical corrections to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) that the American College of Surgeons (ACS) strongly favors.

The law addresses several other ACS priorities, including:

The addition of a long-term funding extension (10 years) for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensuring that children continue to have access to surgical care

The inclusion of language that eases electronic health record system meaningful use requirements, alleviating some of the burdens imposed on physicians and their practices

Additional funding to address the opioid epidemic and to support the work of the National Institutes of Health Repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board

For more information, contact Mark Lukaszewski, ACS Congressional Lobbyist, at [email protected].






 

The American Medical Association (AMA) Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD) took place November 11–14, 2017, in Honolulu, HI. A total of 532 delegates were in attendance to debate the policy implications of 36 reports and 99 resolutions.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) sent a six-member delegation to the meeting. The ACS also participates in AMA activities in other capacities, including in the AMA Young Physician Section Assembly, the AMA Resident and Fellow Section Assembly, and the AMA Council on Medical Education. These three groups met in conjunction with the HOD meeting. See the sidebar on page 74 for the list of ACS delegates and their other AMA roles.
 

ACS cosponsored issues

The AMA HOD brings together a variety of perspectives in medicine, and the job of the ACS delegation is to shape AMA policy consistent with College priorities. One way the ACS achieves this objective is by cosponsoring resolutions that have been submitted by other delegations and that are relevant to the College Fellowship. The ACS delegation cosponsored the following three resolutions at the November meeting—two on scope-of-practice issues and one on physician payment—all of which were adopted.

Resolution 214, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact, was initiated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and strengthened with amendments. AMA policy opposes enactment of the Advanced APRN Multistate Compact because of its potential to supersede state laws that require APRNs to practice under physician supervision, as well as legislation that authorizes the independent practice of medicine by any individual who has not completed the state’s requirement for licensure to practice medicine. The AMA will convene an in-person meeting of relevant physician stakeholders to create a consistent national strategy to prevent fulfillment of the APRN Compact.

Resolution 230, Oppose Physician Assistant Independent Practice, with support from a spectrum of state medical and national specialty societies, continued the theme of opposition to legislation or regulation that allows physician extenders—in this case physician assistants—to practice independently. Another resolution addressed the emerging advanced physician assistant degree known as doctor of medical science. The AMA opposes holders of this degree from being recognized as a new category of health care practitioners licensed for the independent practice of medicine.

Resolution 808, Opposition to Reduced Payment for the 25-Modifier, was offered by the American Academy of Dermatology. The resolution was a response to private insurers discounting evaluation and management (E/M) codes by 50 percent when linked through the 25-modifier to a procedure on the same day. This resolution passed as simplified by amendment to have AMA aggressively and immediately advocate, through any legal means possible (such as direct payor negotiations, regulations, legislation, or litigation), for non-reduced allowable payment of appropriately reported 25-modifier E/M codes when linked with procedures.
 

Other HOD-adopted resolutions of interest

BOT (Board of Trustees) Report 5, Effective Peer Review, amended the AMA Physician and Medical Staff Member Bill of Rights to add “protection from any retaliatory actions” to the list of immunity rights when physicians participate in good faith peer-review activities. In testimony at the reference committee, the delegation highlighted the value of the new ACS “red book,” Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety, for establishing peer-review standards in surgical care.

Council on Science and Public Health Report 2, Targeted Education to Increase Organ Donation, amended the AMA policy, Methods to Increase the U.S. Organ Donor Pool. As a result, the AMA supports studies that evaluate the effectiveness of mandated choice and presumed consent models for increasing organ donation and urges development of effective methods to inform populations with historically low participation rates about donating.

Resolution 953, Fees for Taking Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Examination, amended AMA MOC policy to assert that the MOC process should reflect the cost of development and administration of the MOC components, ensure a fair fee structure, and not hinder patient care. The AMA will advocate that value in MOC includes cost-effectiveness with full financial transparency, respect for physicians’ time and patient care commitments, alignment of MOC requirements with other regulator and payor requirements, and adherence to an evidence basis for both MOC content and processes.

Not every item was viewed favorably at the AMA meeting. Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) Report 1, Competence, Self-Assessment and Self-Awareness, sought to provide guidance for physicians in determining their own competence when practicing medicine. The council observed, “As an ethical responsibility, competence encompasses more than medical knowledge and skill. It requires physicians to understand that as a practical matter in the care of actual patients, competence is fluid and dependent on context.” Considerable testimony emphasized a lack of reliable tools and available resources to assist physicians in self-assessment. Thus, the report was referred back to CEJA for more work.
 

Surgical caucus

In addition to facilitating an agenda review and business meeting for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians, the caucus sponsored a popular education session, Hazards of the Deep: Trauma in Paradise. Michael Hayashi, MD, FACS, Chair of the Hawaii Committee on Trauma, discussed system challenges in caring for injured patients from geographically remote and less populated areas. Lieutenant Matthew Brown, MC, USN, an undersea/diving medical officer stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI, shared insights about injuries and medical conditions experienced by scuba divers, swimmers, surfers, and other beach enthusiasts.
 

Leadership transition

After extended service on the delegation, including eight years as Chair, Dr. Armstrong bid “aloha” to the HOD as a retiring delegate. Dr. Turner has accepted the role as Chair, maintaining continued College leadership in the HOD.
 

Next meeting

The next meeting of the AMA HOD is scheduled for June 9–13 in Chicago, IL. In addition to debate on numerous issues, elections for AMA officers, trustees, and councils will be held at the meeting. Surgeons with suggestions for potential resolutions or questions about ACS activities at the AMA HOD should e-mail [email protected]
 

ACS Delegation at the AMA HOD

John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS (Delegation Chair), acute care surgery, Tampa, FL

Brian J. Gavitt, MD, MPH (also Young Physicians Section delegate), general surgery, Cincinnati, OH

Jacob Moalem, MD, FACS, general surgery, Rochester, NY

Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, FACS, general surgery, Tucson, AZ; Chair, ACS Board of Regents

Naveen F. Sangji, MD (also Resident and Fellow Section delegate), general surgery resident, Boston, MA

Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, general surgery, Chicago, IL; Director, ACS Division of Member Services; member and immediate past-chair, AMA Council on Medical EducationDr. Armstrong is affiliate associate professor of surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, and former Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health (2012–2016). He is a member, ACS Health Policy and Advocacy Group, and Past-Chair, ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC).



Mr. Sutton is Manager, State Affairs, ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy.

The American Medical Association (AMA) Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD) took place November 11–14, 2017, in Honolulu, HI. A total of 532 delegates were in attendance to debate the policy implications of 36 reports and 99 resolutions.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) sent a six-member delegation to the meeting. The ACS also participates in AMA activities in other capacities, including in the AMA Young Physician Section Assembly, the AMA Resident and Fellow Section Assembly, and the AMA Council on Medical Education. These three groups met in conjunction with the HOD meeting. See the sidebar on page 74 for the list of ACS delegates and their other AMA roles.
 

ACS cosponsored issues

The AMA HOD brings together a variety of perspectives in medicine, and the job of the ACS delegation is to shape AMA policy consistent with College priorities. One way the ACS achieves this objective is by cosponsoring resolutions that have been submitted by other delegations and that are relevant to the College Fellowship. The ACS delegation cosponsored the following three resolutions at the November meeting—two on scope-of-practice issues and one on physician payment—all of which were adopted.

Resolution 214, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact, was initiated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and strengthened with amendments. AMA policy opposes enactment of the Advanced APRN Multistate Compact because of its potential to supersede state laws that require APRNs to practice under physician supervision, as well as legislation that authorizes the independent practice of medicine by any individual who has not completed the state’s requirement for licensure to practice medicine. The AMA will convene an in-person meeting of relevant physician stakeholders to create a consistent national strategy to prevent fulfillment of the APRN Compact.

Resolution 230, Oppose Physician Assistant Independent Practice, with support from a spectrum of state medical and national specialty societies, continued the theme of opposition to legislation or regulation that allows physician extenders—in this case physician assistants—to practice independently. Another resolution addressed the emerging advanced physician assistant degree known as doctor of medical science. The AMA opposes holders of this degree from being recognized as a new category of health care practitioners licensed for the independent practice of medicine.

Resolution 808, Opposition to Reduced Payment for the 25-Modifier, was offered by the American Academy of Dermatology. The resolution was a response to private insurers discounting evaluation and management (E/M) codes by 50 percent when linked through the 25-modifier to a procedure on the same day. This resolution passed as simplified by amendment to have AMA aggressively and immediately advocate, through any legal means possible (such as direct payor negotiations, regulations, legislation, or litigation), for non-reduced allowable payment of appropriately reported 25-modifier E/M codes when linked with procedures.
 

Other HOD-adopted resolutions of interest

BOT (Board of Trustees) Report 5, Effective Peer Review, amended the AMA Physician and Medical Staff Member Bill of Rights to add “protection from any retaliatory actions” to the list of immunity rights when physicians participate in good faith peer-review activities. In testimony at the reference committee, the delegation highlighted the value of the new ACS “red book,” Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety, for establishing peer-review standards in surgical care.

Council on Science and Public Health Report 2, Targeted Education to Increase Organ Donation, amended the AMA policy, Methods to Increase the U.S. Organ Donor Pool. As a result, the AMA supports studies that evaluate the effectiveness of mandated choice and presumed consent models for increasing organ donation and urges development of effective methods to inform populations with historically low participation rates about donating.

Resolution 953, Fees for Taking Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Examination, amended AMA MOC policy to assert that the MOC process should reflect the cost of development and administration of the MOC components, ensure a fair fee structure, and not hinder patient care. The AMA will advocate that value in MOC includes cost-effectiveness with full financial transparency, respect for physicians’ time and patient care commitments, alignment of MOC requirements with other regulator and payor requirements, and adherence to an evidence basis for both MOC content and processes.

Not every item was viewed favorably at the AMA meeting. Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) Report 1, Competence, Self-Assessment and Self-Awareness, sought to provide guidance for physicians in determining their own competence when practicing medicine. The council observed, “As an ethical responsibility, competence encompasses more than medical knowledge and skill. It requires physicians to understand that as a practical matter in the care of actual patients, competence is fluid and dependent on context.” Considerable testimony emphasized a lack of reliable tools and available resources to assist physicians in self-assessment. Thus, the report was referred back to CEJA for more work.
 

Surgical caucus

In addition to facilitating an agenda review and business meeting for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians, the caucus sponsored a popular education session, Hazards of the Deep: Trauma in Paradise. Michael Hayashi, MD, FACS, Chair of the Hawaii Committee on Trauma, discussed system challenges in caring for injured patients from geographically remote and less populated areas. Lieutenant Matthew Brown, MC, USN, an undersea/diving medical officer stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI, shared insights about injuries and medical conditions experienced by scuba divers, swimmers, surfers, and other beach enthusiasts.
 

Leadership transition

After extended service on the delegation, including eight years as Chair, Dr. Armstrong bid “aloha” to the HOD as a retiring delegate. Dr. Turner has accepted the role as Chair, maintaining continued College leadership in the HOD.
 

Next meeting

The next meeting of the AMA HOD is scheduled for June 9–13 in Chicago, IL. In addition to debate on numerous issues, elections for AMA officers, trustees, and councils will be held at the meeting. Surgeons with suggestions for potential resolutions or questions about ACS activities at the AMA HOD should e-mail [email protected]
 

ACS Delegation at the AMA HOD

John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS (Delegation Chair), acute care surgery, Tampa, FL

Brian J. Gavitt, MD, MPH (also Young Physicians Section delegate), general surgery, Cincinnati, OH

Jacob Moalem, MD, FACS, general surgery, Rochester, NY

Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, FACS, general surgery, Tucson, AZ; Chair, ACS Board of Regents

Naveen F. Sangji, MD (also Resident and Fellow Section delegate), general surgery resident, Boston, MA

Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, general surgery, Chicago, IL; Director, ACS Division of Member Services; member and immediate past-chair, AMA Council on Medical EducationDr. Armstrong is affiliate associate professor of surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, and former Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health (2012–2016). He is a member, ACS Health Policy and Advocacy Group, and Past-Chair, ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC).



Mr. Sutton is Manager, State Affairs, ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy.

The American Medical Association (AMA) Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD) took place November 11–14, 2017, in Honolulu, HI. A total of 532 delegates were in attendance to debate the policy implications of 36 reports and 99 resolutions.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) sent a six-member delegation to the meeting. The ACS also participates in AMA activities in other capacities, including in the AMA Young Physician Section Assembly, the AMA Resident and Fellow Section Assembly, and the AMA Council on Medical Education. These three groups met in conjunction with the HOD meeting. See the sidebar on page 74 for the list of ACS delegates and their other AMA roles.
 

ACS cosponsored issues

The AMA HOD brings together a variety of perspectives in medicine, and the job of the ACS delegation is to shape AMA policy consistent with College priorities. One way the ACS achieves this objective is by cosponsoring resolutions that have been submitted by other delegations and that are relevant to the College Fellowship. The ACS delegation cosponsored the following three resolutions at the November meeting—two on scope-of-practice issues and one on physician payment—all of which were adopted.

Resolution 214, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact, was initiated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and strengthened with amendments. AMA policy opposes enactment of the Advanced APRN Multistate Compact because of its potential to supersede state laws that require APRNs to practice under physician supervision, as well as legislation that authorizes the independent practice of medicine by any individual who has not completed the state’s requirement for licensure to practice medicine. The AMA will convene an in-person meeting of relevant physician stakeholders to create a consistent national strategy to prevent fulfillment of the APRN Compact.

Resolution 230, Oppose Physician Assistant Independent Practice, with support from a spectrum of state medical and national specialty societies, continued the theme of opposition to legislation or regulation that allows physician extenders—in this case physician assistants—to practice independently. Another resolution addressed the emerging advanced physician assistant degree known as doctor of medical science. The AMA opposes holders of this degree from being recognized as a new category of health care practitioners licensed for the independent practice of medicine.

Resolution 808, Opposition to Reduced Payment for the 25-Modifier, was offered by the American Academy of Dermatology. The resolution was a response to private insurers discounting evaluation and management (E/M) codes by 50 percent when linked through the 25-modifier to a procedure on the same day. This resolution passed as simplified by amendment to have AMA aggressively and immediately advocate, through any legal means possible (such as direct payor negotiations, regulations, legislation, or litigation), for non-reduced allowable payment of appropriately reported 25-modifier E/M codes when linked with procedures.
 

Other HOD-adopted resolutions of interest

BOT (Board of Trustees) Report 5, Effective Peer Review, amended the AMA Physician and Medical Staff Member Bill of Rights to add “protection from any retaliatory actions” to the list of immunity rights when physicians participate in good faith peer-review activities. In testimony at the reference committee, the delegation highlighted the value of the new ACS “red book,” Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality and Safety, for establishing peer-review standards in surgical care.

Council on Science and Public Health Report 2, Targeted Education to Increase Organ Donation, amended the AMA policy, Methods to Increase the U.S. Organ Donor Pool. As a result, the AMA supports studies that evaluate the effectiveness of mandated choice and presumed consent models for increasing organ donation and urges development of effective methods to inform populations with historically low participation rates about donating.

Resolution 953, Fees for Taking Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Examination, amended AMA MOC policy to assert that the MOC process should reflect the cost of development and administration of the MOC components, ensure a fair fee structure, and not hinder patient care. The AMA will advocate that value in MOC includes cost-effectiveness with full financial transparency, respect for physicians’ time and patient care commitments, alignment of MOC requirements with other regulator and payor requirements, and adherence to an evidence basis for both MOC content and processes.

Not every item was viewed favorably at the AMA meeting. Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) Report 1, Competence, Self-Assessment and Self-Awareness, sought to provide guidance for physicians in determining their own competence when practicing medicine. The council observed, “As an ethical responsibility, competence encompasses more than medical knowledge and skill. It requires physicians to understand that as a practical matter in the care of actual patients, competence is fluid and dependent on context.” Considerable testimony emphasized a lack of reliable tools and available resources to assist physicians in self-assessment. Thus, the report was referred back to CEJA for more work.
 

Surgical caucus

In addition to facilitating an agenda review and business meeting for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians, the caucus sponsored a popular education session, Hazards of the Deep: Trauma in Paradise. Michael Hayashi, MD, FACS, Chair of the Hawaii Committee on Trauma, discussed system challenges in caring for injured patients from geographically remote and less populated areas. Lieutenant Matthew Brown, MC, USN, an undersea/diving medical officer stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI, shared insights about injuries and medical conditions experienced by scuba divers, swimmers, surfers, and other beach enthusiasts.
 

Leadership transition

After extended service on the delegation, including eight years as Chair, Dr. Armstrong bid “aloha” to the HOD as a retiring delegate. Dr. Turner has accepted the role as Chair, maintaining continued College leadership in the HOD.
 

Next meeting

The next meeting of the AMA HOD is scheduled for June 9–13 in Chicago, IL. In addition to debate on numerous issues, elections for AMA officers, trustees, and councils will be held at the meeting. Surgeons with suggestions for potential resolutions or questions about ACS activities at the AMA HOD should e-mail [email protected]
 

ACS Delegation at the AMA HOD

John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS (Delegation Chair), acute care surgery, Tampa, FL

Brian J. Gavitt, MD, MPH (also Young Physicians Section delegate), general surgery, Cincinnati, OH

Jacob Moalem, MD, FACS, general surgery, Rochester, NY

Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, FACS, general surgery, Tucson, AZ; Chair, ACS Board of Regents

Naveen F. Sangji, MD (also Resident and Fellow Section delegate), general surgery resident, Boston, MA

Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, general surgery, Chicago, IL; Director, ACS Division of Member Services; member and immediate past-chair, AMA Council on Medical EducationDr. Armstrong is affiliate associate professor of surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, and former Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health (2012–2016). He is a member, ACS Health Policy and Advocacy Group, and Past-Chair, ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC).



Mr. Sutton is Manager, State Affairs, ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy.