News From the College

Registration is open to attend an American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 General Surgery Coding Workshop. With Medicare and third-party payor policy and coding changes taking effect this year, it is imperative that surgeons have accurate and up-to-date information to protect their reimbursements and optimize efficiency.

During the coding workshop, you will learn how to report surgical procedures and medical services and will have access to the tools necessary to succeed, including a coding workbook to keep for future reference with checklists, resource guides, templates, and examples. Physicians receive up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each day of participation. In addition, each day of the workshop meets AAPC guidelines for 6.5 continuing education units.

The ACS will offer the following five remaining coding workshops in 2018:

Chicago, IL, April 12–13

New York, NY, May 17–19

Nashville, TN, August 9–10

Chicago, IL, November 1–3

The ACS also will offer a three-day course, including a day devoted to trauma and critical care coding at the New York City and (November) Chicago workshops.

Register for a course at www.karenzupko.com/workshops2/gensurg-workshops/. For more information about the 2018 ACS coding workshops, visit the ACS website www.facs.org/advocacy/practmanagement/workshops or e-mail [email protected].

Registration is open to attend an American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 General Surgery Coding Workshop. With Medicare and third-party payor policy and coding changes taking effect this year, it is imperative that surgeons have accurate and up-to-date information to protect their reimbursements and optimize efficiency.

During the coding workshop, you will learn how to report surgical procedures and medical services and will have access to the tools necessary to succeed, including a coding workbook to keep for future reference with checklists, resource guides, templates, and examples. Physicians receive up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each day of participation. In addition, each day of the workshop meets AAPC guidelines for 6.5 continuing education units.

The ACS will offer the following five remaining coding workshops in 2018:

Chicago, IL, April 12–13

New York, NY, May 17–19

Nashville, TN, August 9–10

Chicago, IL, November 1–3

The ACS also will offer a three-day course, including a day devoted to trauma and critical care coding at the New York City and (November) Chicago workshops.

Register for a course at www.karenzupko.com/workshops2/gensurg-workshops/. For more information about the 2018 ACS coding workshops, visit the ACS website www.facs.org/advocacy/practmanagement/workshops or e-mail [email protected].

Registration is open to attend an American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 General Surgery Coding Workshop. With Medicare and third-party payor policy and coding changes taking effect this year, it is imperative that surgeons have accurate and up-to-date information to protect their reimbursements and optimize efficiency.

During the coding workshop, you will learn how to report surgical procedures and medical services and will have access to the tools necessary to succeed, including a coding workbook to keep for future reference with checklists, resource guides, templates, and examples. Physicians receive up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each day of participation. In addition, each day of the workshop meets AAPC guidelines for 6.5 continuing education units.

The ACS will offer the following five remaining coding workshops in 2018:

Chicago, IL, April 12–13

New York, NY, May 17–19

Nashville, TN, August 9–10

Chicago, IL, November 1–3

The ACS also will offer a three-day course, including a day devoted to trauma and critical care coding at the New York City and (November) Chicago workshops.

Register for a course at www.karenzupko.com/workshops2/gensurg-workshops/. For more information about the 2018 ACS coding workshops, visit the ACS website www.facs.org/advocacy/practmanagement/workshops or e-mail [email protected].

To help address the severe shortage of surgeons in Sub-Saharan Africa, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) have developed a scholarship program to support women in surgical residency, help them complete their training, and encourage other women in medicine to consider surgery as a profession. 

The program is open to senior female surgical residents enrolled in the COSECSA region. Each $2,500 scholarship will go toward educational expenses, including accreditation, the fellowship examination, and five-years of membership dues to COSECSA and the ACS.  Applicants should include a personal statement indicating future goals, a current curriculum vitae, and a letter of support from the surgical training program director.  Completed applications should be sent via e-mail to [email protected] and will be reviewed in conjunction with the Operation Giving Back committee. 

Applications are due no later than April 1.  Contact [email protected] with any questions. 

To help address the severe shortage of surgeons in Sub-Saharan Africa, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) have developed a scholarship program to support women in surgical residency, help them complete their training, and encourage other women in medicine to consider surgery as a profession. 

The program is open to senior female surgical residents enrolled in the COSECSA region. Each $2,500 scholarship will go toward educational expenses, including accreditation, the fellowship examination, and five-years of membership dues to COSECSA and the ACS.  Applicants should include a personal statement indicating future goals, a current curriculum vitae, and a letter of support from the surgical training program director.  Completed applications should be sent via e-mail to [email protected] and will be reviewed in conjunction with the Operation Giving Back committee. 

Applications are due no later than April 1.  Contact [email protected] with any questions. 

To help address the severe shortage of surgeons in Sub-Saharan Africa, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) have developed a scholarship program to support women in surgical residency, help them complete their training, and encourage other women in medicine to consider surgery as a profession. 

The program is open to senior female surgical residents enrolled in the COSECSA region. Each $2,500 scholarship will go toward educational expenses, including accreditation, the fellowship examination, and five-years of membership dues to COSECSA and the ACS.  Applicants should include a personal statement indicating future goals, a current curriculum vitae, and a letter of support from the surgical training program director.  Completed applications should be sent via e-mail to [email protected] and will be reviewed in conjunction with the Operation Giving Back committee. 

Applications are due no later than April 1.  Contact [email protected] with any questions. 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering fellowships in surgical ethics with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL. The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics, beginning with a five-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, 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 about this fellowship, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at [email protected]. Application materials are now due March 15.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering fellowships in surgical ethics with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL. The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics, beginning with a five-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, 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 about this fellowship, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at [email protected]. Application materials are now due March 15.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education is offering fellowships in surgical ethics with the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, IL. The MacLean Center will prepare two surgeons for careers that combine clinical surgery with scholarly studies in surgical ethics, beginning with a five-week, full-time course in Chicago in July and August 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, 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 about this fellowship, contact Patrice Gabler Blair, MPH, Associate Director, ACS Division of Education, at [email protected]. Application materials are now due March 15.

Registration is open for the 12th annual Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course hosted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education. The 2018 program, April 13−15 at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, is designed specifically for surgery residents and will address the essential nonclinical skills—teaching and leading—that are required for success as surgeons and members of the health care team.

The course faculty, all experts in resident education, will provide an interactive learning environment. Residents will learn to lead a team more effectively, resolve conflict, be better teachers, give constructive feedback, and apply these skills during and after residency. The number of participants is limited to allow ample interaction with faculty and to facilitate networking. This course is targeted at mid- to senior-level residents, but all are welcome to attend.

Registration information and a brochure are available on the course web page at www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/courses/residents-as-teachers; the advance registration discount ends March 16. Note that last year’s course was oversubscribed, so register soon if you are interested in attending. Contact Kim Echert at [email protected] or at 312-202-5488 with any questions.








 

Registration is open for the 12th annual Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course hosted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education. The 2018 program, April 13−15 at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, is designed specifically for surgery residents and will address the essential nonclinical skills—teaching and leading—that are required for success as surgeons and members of the health care team.

The course faculty, all experts in resident education, will provide an interactive learning environment. Residents will learn to lead a team more effectively, resolve conflict, be better teachers, give constructive feedback, and apply these skills during and after residency. The number of participants is limited to allow ample interaction with faculty and to facilitate networking. This course is targeted at mid- to senior-level residents, but all are welcome to attend.

Registration information and a brochure are available on the course web page at www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/courses/residents-as-teachers; the advance registration discount ends March 16. Note that last year’s course was oversubscribed, so register soon if you are interested in attending. Contact Kim Echert at [email protected] or at 312-202-5488 with any questions.








 

Registration is open for the 12th annual Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course hosted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education. The 2018 program, April 13−15 at the ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL, is designed specifically for surgery residents and will address the essential nonclinical skills—teaching and leading—that are required for success as surgeons and members of the health care team.

The course faculty, all experts in resident education, will provide an interactive learning environment. Residents will learn to lead a team more effectively, resolve conflict, be better teachers, give constructive feedback, and apply these skills during and after residency. The number of participants is limited to allow ample interaction with faculty and to facilitate networking. This course is targeted at mid- to senior-level residents, but all are welcome to attend.

Registration information and a brochure are available on the course web page at www.facs.org/education/division-of-education/courses/residents-as-teachers; the advance registration discount ends March 16. Note that last year’s course was oversubscribed, so register soon if you are interested in attending. Contact Kim Echert at [email protected] or at 312-202-5488 with any questions.








 

Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS, Tucson, AZ, is the 2017–2018 Chair of the Board of Regents (B/R) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). She was elected at the Annual Business Meeting of Members, October 25, 2017, in San Diego, CA.

A general surgeon, Dr. Neumayer is professor and chair, department of surgery, and the Margaret and Fenton Maynard Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine, Tucson. She also is the interim senior vice-president for UA Health Sciences. Before accepting these positions in Arizona, Dr. Neumayer was professor, department of surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, and the Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City.

Previous leadership roles

A Fellow of the ACS since 1994 and a member of the B/R since 2009, Dr. Neumayer has served in many leadership roles within the organization. She was Chair of the Committee on Medical Student Education (2001–2003), Vice-Chair of the Surgical Research Committee (2015–2016), a Governor for the ACS Utah Chapter (2002–2008), and Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents (2016–2017). Dr. Neumayer also was Vice-Chair of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (2004–2006) and a Board of Governors Executive Committee Member (2008–2011).

Nationally, Dr. Neumayer has served on the board of directors of the American Board of Surgery (2005–2011) and as the President of the Association of Women Surgeons (1997–1998), the Association for Surgical Education (2001–2002), the Association of Veterans Administration Surgeons (2002–2003), and the Society of Clinical Surgery (2012–2014).

At present, she serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and Annals of Surgery.

Dr. Neumayer’s most recent work is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer via innovative technology and clinical trials. She has led investigations in hernia repair techniques, breast cancer treatment, surgical quality and outcomes, and surgical education techniques. Dr. Neumayer has mentored students, residents, and colleagues in these and other pursuits.

Dr. Neumayer studied biomedical engineering at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, before getting her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. She trained in general surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and at the University of Arizona, Tuscon. Dr. Neumayer then studied clinical research design and statistical analysis at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Dr. Schwartz elected Vice-Chair

A Fellow of the College since 1982, Dr. Schwartz has been a Regent since 2009 and has served on many ACS Committees. He was Chair of the Advisory Council Chairs (2004–2008), the Advisory Council for Pediatric Surgery (2004–2008), and the Health Policy and Advocacy Group (2014–2017). At present, he is Chair of the Comprehensive Communications Committee and a Member of the Surgical History Group Executive Committee.

Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS, Tucson, AZ, is the 2017–2018 Chair of the Board of Regents (B/R) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). She was elected at the Annual Business Meeting of Members, October 25, 2017, in San Diego, CA.

A general surgeon, Dr. Neumayer is professor and chair, department of surgery, and the Margaret and Fenton Maynard Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine, Tucson. She also is the interim senior vice-president for UA Health Sciences. Before accepting these positions in Arizona, Dr. Neumayer was professor, department of surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, and the Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City.

Previous leadership roles

A Fellow of the ACS since 1994 and a member of the B/R since 2009, Dr. Neumayer has served in many leadership roles within the organization. She was Chair of the Committee on Medical Student Education (2001–2003), Vice-Chair of the Surgical Research Committee (2015–2016), a Governor for the ACS Utah Chapter (2002–2008), and Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents (2016–2017). Dr. Neumayer also was Vice-Chair of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (2004–2006) and a Board of Governors Executive Committee Member (2008–2011).

Nationally, Dr. Neumayer has served on the board of directors of the American Board of Surgery (2005–2011) and as the President of the Association of Women Surgeons (1997–1998), the Association for Surgical Education (2001–2002), the Association of Veterans Administration Surgeons (2002–2003), and the Society of Clinical Surgery (2012–2014).

At present, she serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and Annals of Surgery.

Dr. Neumayer’s most recent work is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer via innovative technology and clinical trials. She has led investigations in hernia repair techniques, breast cancer treatment, surgical quality and outcomes, and surgical education techniques. Dr. Neumayer has mentored students, residents, and colleagues in these and other pursuits.

Dr. Neumayer studied biomedical engineering at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, before getting her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. She trained in general surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and at the University of Arizona, Tuscon. Dr. Neumayer then studied clinical research design and statistical analysis at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Dr. Schwartz elected Vice-Chair

A Fellow of the College since 1982, Dr. Schwartz has been a Regent since 2009 and has served on many ACS Committees. He was Chair of the Advisory Council Chairs (2004–2008), the Advisory Council for Pediatric Surgery (2004–2008), and the Health Policy and Advocacy Group (2014–2017). At present, he is Chair of the Comprehensive Communications Committee and a Member of the Surgical History Group Executive Committee.

Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, FACS, Tucson, AZ, is the 2017–2018 Chair of the Board of Regents (B/R) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). She was elected at the Annual Business Meeting of Members, October 25, 2017, in San Diego, CA.

A general surgeon, Dr. Neumayer is professor and chair, department of surgery, and the Margaret and Fenton Maynard Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine, Tucson. She also is the interim senior vice-president for UA Health Sciences. Before accepting these positions in Arizona, Dr. Neumayer was professor, department of surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, and the Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor, University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City.

Previous leadership roles

A Fellow of the ACS since 1994 and a member of the B/R since 2009, Dr. Neumayer has served in many leadership roles within the organization. She was Chair of the Committee on Medical Student Education (2001–2003), Vice-Chair of the Surgical Research Committee (2015–2016), a Governor for the ACS Utah Chapter (2002–2008), and Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents (2016–2017). Dr. Neumayer also was Vice-Chair of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (2004–2006) and a Board of Governors Executive Committee Member (2008–2011).

Nationally, Dr. Neumayer has served on the board of directors of the American Board of Surgery (2005–2011) and as the President of the Association of Women Surgeons (1997–1998), the Association for Surgical Education (2001–2002), the Association of Veterans Administration Surgeons (2002–2003), and the Society of Clinical Surgery (2012–2014).

At present, she serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and Annals of Surgery.

Dr. Neumayer’s most recent work is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer via innovative technology and clinical trials. She has led investigations in hernia repair techniques, breast cancer treatment, surgical quality and outcomes, and surgical education techniques. Dr. Neumayer has mentored students, residents, and colleagues in these and other pursuits.

Dr. Neumayer studied biomedical engineering at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, before getting her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. She trained in general surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and at the University of Arizona, Tuscon. Dr. Neumayer then studied clinical research design and statistical analysis at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Dr. Schwartz elected Vice-Chair

A Fellow of the College since 1982, Dr. Schwartz has been a Regent since 2009 and has served on many ACS Committees. He was Chair of the Advisory Council Chairs (2004–2008), the Advisory Council for Pediatric Surgery (2004–2008), and the Health Policy and Advocacy Group (2014–2017). At present, he is Chair of the Comprehensive Communications Committee and a Member of the Surgical History Group Executive Committee.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2018 Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards. These annual awards recognize surgeons who have made significant contributions to communities in need of surgical aid, be that through organized volunteer activities or through the dedication of a significant portion of their surgical career to the underserved or a retirement characterized by surgical outreach.

Submit nominations today at www.facs.org/ogb/award-winners/nominations. All nominations must be received by February 28, 2018. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit the awards web page.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (NCBG) will be selecting nominees for leadership positions in the College.

The 2018 NCF will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the ACS:

• President-Elect

• First Vice-President-Elect

• Second Vice-President-Elect

The 2018 NCBG will select nominees for pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2018. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given this nomination cycle to those in the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• General surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Transplantation

• Trauma

• Vascular surgery

For information only, the members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection in 2018 are (all MD, FACS) John L. D. Atkinson, James C. Denneny III, Timothy J. Eberlein, Henri R. Ford, Enrique Hernandez, L. Scott Levin, Linda Phillips, Anton A. Sidawy, Beth H. Sutton, and Steven D. Wexner.

Visit the Bulletin website at http://bit.ly/2l69j2Y for a list of criteria for each nominating committee, as well as further details on how to submit a nomination and the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 23, 2018.

Nominations may be submitted to [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, Staff Liaison for the NCF and NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (NCBG) will be selecting nominees for leadership positions in the College.

The 2018 NCF will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the ACS:

• President-Elect

• First Vice-President-Elect

• Second Vice-President-Elect

The 2018 NCBG will select nominees for pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2018. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given this nomination cycle to those in the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• General surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Transplantation

• Trauma

• Vascular surgery

For information only, the members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection in 2018 are (all MD, FACS) John L. D. Atkinson, James C. Denneny III, Timothy J. Eberlein, Henri R. Ford, Enrique Hernandez, L. Scott Levin, Linda Phillips, Anton A. Sidawy, Beth H. Sutton, and Steven D. Wexner.

Visit the Bulletin website at http://bit.ly/2l69j2Y for a list of criteria for each nominating committee, as well as further details on how to submit a nomination and the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 23, 2018.

Nominations may be submitted to [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, Staff Liaison for the NCF and NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Governors (NCBG) will be selecting nominees for leadership positions in the College.

The 2018 NCF will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the ACS:

• President-Elect

• First Vice-President-Elect

• Second Vice-President-Elect

The 2018 NCBG will select nominees for pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2018. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given this nomination cycle to those in the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• General surgery

• Surgical oncology

• Transplantation

• Trauma

• Vascular surgery

For information only, the members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection in 2018 are (all MD, FACS) John L. D. Atkinson, James C. Denneny III, Timothy J. Eberlein, Henri R. Ford, Enrique Hernandez, L. Scott Levin, Linda Phillips, Anton A. Sidawy, Beth H. Sutton, and Steven D. Wexner.

Visit the Bulletin website at http://bit.ly/2l69j2Y for a list of criteria for each nominating committee, as well as further details on how to submit a nomination and the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 23, 2018.

Nominations may be submitted to [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, Staff Liaison for the NCF and NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) will host the seventh annual Leadership & Advocacy Summit May 19–22 at the Renaissance Washington, DC, Downtown Hotel. The summit is a dual meeting offering comprehensive and specialized sessions that provide volunteer leaders and advocates with the skills and tools necessary to be effective in those roles. Registration for the event is now open at facs.org/summit.
 

Leadership Summit

The Leadership Summit provides a venue for members to network with ACS leaders, attend professional development sessions, and engage with colleagues to determine new and innovative ways to face challenges and enhance their leadership skills. It begins Saturday evening, May 19, with a Welcome Reception open to all registrants, followed by a full day of programming on Sunday, May 20.

Advocacy Summit

The Advocacy Summit provides a unique opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a surgeon advocate. With several legislative priorities for Congress to consider before the 2018 midterm elections, surgeons are encouraged to travel to Washington to learn about and participate in this unique political climate.

Since last year’s summit, the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy (DAHP) has been focused on an extensive list of federal legislative priorities, including reducing administrative practice burdens; modifying and implementing new physician payment reforms; improving electronic health record and health information technology interoperability; increasing funding for trauma systems; enhancing cancer care and accreditation; and addressing surgical workforce and graduate medical education issues. ACS staff also will help members and attendees navigate the many additional legislative changes that lie ahead.

The Advocacy Summit will begin after the Leadership Summit on Sunday, May 20, with a dinner and keynote address. Past speakers have included television journalist Chuck Todd, political commentator Chris Matthews, U.S. Army Gen. (Retired) Stanley A. McChrystal, author Thomas Goetz, and journalists Bob Woodward and George Will. Sessions planned for the following day will focus on the political environment in Washington, and speakers will provide updates on important health care policies and issues that detract from surgeons’ ability to provide quality patient care. Attendees will then apply this knowledge in face-to-face meetings with their senators and representatives and congressional staff. This portion of the program provides an opportunity to demonstrate surgery’s strength on Capitol Hill regarding issues of importance to surgeons and the surgical patient.

During this three-day conference, participants can expect to receive comprehensive advocacy training and learn how to use these skills throughout the year, not just in Washington. The Advocacy Summit is a great place to interact and share ideas with other surgeon advocates; meet face-to-face with key health care policymakers and legislators; and, perhaps most importantly, become the constituents their legislators know and trust to offer advice on surgical issues.

The ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) sponsors various events for members and SurgeonsPAC contributors. These events provide contributors with unique networking opportunities and advanced educational sessions aimed at providing an insider’s perspective on how College members can remain active participants in the political process.

In addition to raising funds to elect or re-elect congressional candidates who support a pro-surgeon, pro-patient agenda, SurgeonsPAC will host a reception at which PAC contributors will be recognized for their commitment to the surgical profession. Other SurgeonsPAC-sponsored events include an annual drawing with a grand prize valued at $3,000, a political luncheon featuring a renowned guest speaker, and presentation of the 2017 PAC awards. Resident engagement opportunities will be provided as well. In addition, the SurgeonsPAC information booth will provide attendees with a venue to meet DAHP staff to learn more about the College’s advocacy and political efforts.

For more information about the Advocacy Summit, contact Michael Carmody, ACS Congressional Affairs Coordinator, at [email protected] or 202-672-1511. For more information about SurgeonsPAC activities, e-mail [email protected] or call 202-672-1520.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) will host the seventh annual Leadership & Advocacy Summit May 19–22 at the Renaissance Washington, DC, Downtown Hotel. The summit is a dual meeting offering comprehensive and specialized sessions that provide volunteer leaders and advocates with the skills and tools necessary to be effective in those roles. Registration for the event is now open at facs.org/summit.
 

Leadership Summit

The Leadership Summit provides a venue for members to network with ACS leaders, attend professional development sessions, and engage with colleagues to determine new and innovative ways to face challenges and enhance their leadership skills. It begins Saturday evening, May 19, with a Welcome Reception open to all registrants, followed by a full day of programming on Sunday, May 20.

Advocacy Summit

The Advocacy Summit provides a unique opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a surgeon advocate. With several legislative priorities for Congress to consider before the 2018 midterm elections, surgeons are encouraged to travel to Washington to learn about and participate in this unique political climate.

Since last year’s summit, the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy (DAHP) has been focused on an extensive list of federal legislative priorities, including reducing administrative practice burdens; modifying and implementing new physician payment reforms; improving electronic health record and health information technology interoperability; increasing funding for trauma systems; enhancing cancer care and accreditation; and addressing surgical workforce and graduate medical education issues. ACS staff also will help members and attendees navigate the many additional legislative changes that lie ahead.

The Advocacy Summit will begin after the Leadership Summit on Sunday, May 20, with a dinner and keynote address. Past speakers have included television journalist Chuck Todd, political commentator Chris Matthews, U.S. Army Gen. (Retired) Stanley A. McChrystal, author Thomas Goetz, and journalists Bob Woodward and George Will. Sessions planned for the following day will focus on the political environment in Washington, and speakers will provide updates on important health care policies and issues that detract from surgeons’ ability to provide quality patient care. Attendees will then apply this knowledge in face-to-face meetings with their senators and representatives and congressional staff. This portion of the program provides an opportunity to demonstrate surgery’s strength on Capitol Hill regarding issues of importance to surgeons and the surgical patient.

During this three-day conference, participants can expect to receive comprehensive advocacy training and learn how to use these skills throughout the year, not just in Washington. The Advocacy Summit is a great place to interact and share ideas with other surgeon advocates; meet face-to-face with key health care policymakers and legislators; and, perhaps most importantly, become the constituents their legislators know and trust to offer advice on surgical issues.

The ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) sponsors various events for members and SurgeonsPAC contributors. These events provide contributors with unique networking opportunities and advanced educational sessions aimed at providing an insider’s perspective on how College members can remain active participants in the political process.

In addition to raising funds to elect or re-elect congressional candidates who support a pro-surgeon, pro-patient agenda, SurgeonsPAC will host a reception at which PAC contributors will be recognized for their commitment to the surgical profession. Other SurgeonsPAC-sponsored events include an annual drawing with a grand prize valued at $3,000, a political luncheon featuring a renowned guest speaker, and presentation of the 2017 PAC awards. Resident engagement opportunities will be provided as well. In addition, the SurgeonsPAC information booth will provide attendees with a venue to meet DAHP staff to learn more about the College’s advocacy and political efforts.

For more information about the Advocacy Summit, contact Michael Carmody, ACS Congressional Affairs Coordinator, at [email protected] or 202-672-1511. For more information about SurgeonsPAC activities, e-mail [email protected] or call 202-672-1520.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) will host the seventh annual Leadership & Advocacy Summit May 19–22 at the Renaissance Washington, DC, Downtown Hotel. The summit is a dual meeting offering comprehensive and specialized sessions that provide volunteer leaders and advocates with the skills and tools necessary to be effective in those roles. Registration for the event is now open at facs.org/summit.
 

Leadership Summit

The Leadership Summit provides a venue for members to network with ACS leaders, attend professional development sessions, and engage with colleagues to determine new and innovative ways to face challenges and enhance their leadership skills. It begins Saturday evening, May 19, with a Welcome Reception open to all registrants, followed by a full day of programming on Sunday, May 20.

Advocacy Summit

The Advocacy Summit provides a unique opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a surgeon advocate. With several legislative priorities for Congress to consider before the 2018 midterm elections, surgeons are encouraged to travel to Washington to learn about and participate in this unique political climate.

Since last year’s summit, the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy (DAHP) has been focused on an extensive list of federal legislative priorities, including reducing administrative practice burdens; modifying and implementing new physician payment reforms; improving electronic health record and health information technology interoperability; increasing funding for trauma systems; enhancing cancer care and accreditation; and addressing surgical workforce and graduate medical education issues. ACS staff also will help members and attendees navigate the many additional legislative changes that lie ahead.

The Advocacy Summit will begin after the Leadership Summit on Sunday, May 20, with a dinner and keynote address. Past speakers have included television journalist Chuck Todd, political commentator Chris Matthews, U.S. Army Gen. (Retired) Stanley A. McChrystal, author Thomas Goetz, and journalists Bob Woodward and George Will. Sessions planned for the following day will focus on the political environment in Washington, and speakers will provide updates on important health care policies and issues that detract from surgeons’ ability to provide quality patient care. Attendees will then apply this knowledge in face-to-face meetings with their senators and representatives and congressional staff. This portion of the program provides an opportunity to demonstrate surgery’s strength on Capitol Hill regarding issues of importance to surgeons and the surgical patient.

During this three-day conference, participants can expect to receive comprehensive advocacy training and learn how to use these skills throughout the year, not just in Washington. The Advocacy Summit is a great place to interact and share ideas with other surgeon advocates; meet face-to-face with key health care policymakers and legislators; and, perhaps most importantly, become the constituents their legislators know and trust to offer advice on surgical issues.

The ACS Professional Association political action committee (ACSPA-SurgeonsPAC) sponsors various events for members and SurgeonsPAC contributors. These events provide contributors with unique networking opportunities and advanced educational sessions aimed at providing an insider’s perspective on how College members can remain active participants in the political process.

In addition to raising funds to elect or re-elect congressional candidates who support a pro-surgeon, pro-patient agenda, SurgeonsPAC will host a reception at which PAC contributors will be recognized for their commitment to the surgical profession. Other SurgeonsPAC-sponsored events include an annual drawing with a grand prize valued at $3,000, a political luncheon featuring a renowned guest speaker, and presentation of the 2017 PAC awards. Resident engagement opportunities will be provided as well. In addition, the SurgeonsPAC information booth will provide attendees with a venue to meet DAHP staff to learn more about the College’s advocacy and political efforts.

For more information about the Advocacy Summit, contact Michael Carmody, ACS Congressional Affairs Coordinator, at [email protected] or 202-672-1511. For more information about SurgeonsPAC activities, e-mail [email protected] or call 202-672-1520.
 

The annual American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Education Institutes (AEI) Surgical Simulation Summit will take place March 16−17 at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL.

Retired Army Lieutenant General James B. Peake, MD, FACS, senior vice-president, CGI Federal, and immediate past-president, American Telemedicine Association, will deliver the keynote address, which will focus on advances in technology that would affect simulation-based surgical education and training and areas for research and development to advance the field. A special panel on advances in technology will follow. Meeting sessions will include an interactive debate about industry’s role in training and credentialing of new technology, and participants will have access to interactive workshops, scientific paper presentations, posters, and networking opportunities.

New this year is a pre-meeting Simulation Research Summit on March 15, the goal of which is development of a research agenda for the future that focuses on three core areas: impact of simulation training on patient safety and outcomes, the value proposition of simulation, and simulation use for physician credentialing. David M. Gaba, MD, associate dean for immersive and simulation-based learning and professor of anesthesiology, perioperative, and pain medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, CA, will kick off the inaugural Simulation Research Summit with a keynote address. A separate registration fee applies for the pre-meeting.

Visit the ACS website at www.facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/surgical-simulation-summit to view the Surgical Simulation Summit program, register for the meeting, and reserve a hotel room. The deadline to register for the summit is March 2.

For more information about the meeting or the AEI program, contact Cathy Wojcik, Manager, Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at [email protected].
 

The annual American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Education Institutes (AEI) Surgical Simulation Summit will take place March 16−17 at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL.

Retired Army Lieutenant General James B. Peake, MD, FACS, senior vice-president, CGI Federal, and immediate past-president, American Telemedicine Association, will deliver the keynote address, which will focus on advances in technology that would affect simulation-based surgical education and training and areas for research and development to advance the field. A special panel on advances in technology will follow. Meeting sessions will include an interactive debate about industry’s role in training and credentialing of new technology, and participants will have access to interactive workshops, scientific paper presentations, posters, and networking opportunities.

New this year is a pre-meeting Simulation Research Summit on March 15, the goal of which is development of a research agenda for the future that focuses on three core areas: impact of simulation training on patient safety and outcomes, the value proposition of simulation, and simulation use for physician credentialing. David M. Gaba, MD, associate dean for immersive and simulation-based learning and professor of anesthesiology, perioperative, and pain medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, CA, will kick off the inaugural Simulation Research Summit with a keynote address. A separate registration fee applies for the pre-meeting.

Visit the ACS website at www.facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/surgical-simulation-summit to view the Surgical Simulation Summit program, register for the meeting, and reserve a hotel room. The deadline to register for the summit is March 2.

For more information about the meeting or the AEI program, contact Cathy Wojcik, Manager, Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at [email protected].
 

The annual American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Education Institutes (AEI) Surgical Simulation Summit will take place March 16−17 at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL.

Retired Army Lieutenant General James B. Peake, MD, FACS, senior vice-president, CGI Federal, and immediate past-president, American Telemedicine Association, will deliver the keynote address, which will focus on advances in technology that would affect simulation-based surgical education and training and areas for research and development to advance the field. A special panel on advances in technology will follow. Meeting sessions will include an interactive debate about industry’s role in training and credentialing of new technology, and participants will have access to interactive workshops, scientific paper presentations, posters, and networking opportunities.

New this year is a pre-meeting Simulation Research Summit on March 15, the goal of which is development of a research agenda for the future that focuses on three core areas: impact of simulation training on patient safety and outcomes, the value proposition of simulation, and simulation use for physician credentialing. David M. Gaba, MD, associate dean for immersive and simulation-based learning and professor of anesthesiology, perioperative, and pain medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, CA, will kick off the inaugural Simulation Research Summit with a keynote address. A separate registration fee applies for the pre-meeting.

Visit the ACS website at www.facs.org/education/accreditation/aei/surgical-simulation-summit to view the Surgical Simulation Summit program, register for the meeting, and reserve a hotel room. The deadline to register for the summit is March 2.

For more information about the meeting or the AEI program, contact Cathy Wojcik, Manager, Program for Accreditation of Education Institutes, at [email protected].
 

Registration is now open to attend American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 General Surgery Coding Workshops. With Medicare and third-party payor policy and coding changes taking effect this year, it is imperative that surgeons have accurate and up-to-date information to protect reimbursement from Medicare and other payors and to optimize efficiency.

During the coding workshop, you will learn how to report surgical procedures and medical services and will have access to the tools necessary to succeed, including a coding workbook to keep for future reference with checklists, resource guides, templates, and examples. Physicians receive up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each day of participation. In addition, each day of the workshop meets AAPC guidelines for 6.5 continuing education units.

The ACS will offer the following seven coding workshops in 2018:

• Southlake, TX, January 25¬–26

• Las Vegas, NV, February 8–10

• Orlando, FL, February 22–23

• Chicago, IL, April 12–13

• New York, NY, May 17–19

• Nashville, TN, August 9–10

• Chicago, IL, November 1–3


For the first time, the ACS also will offer a three-day course, including a day devoted to trauma and critical care coding at the Las Vegas, New York City, and (November) Chicago workshops.

To register, visit www.karenzupko.com/workshops2/gensurg-workshops. For more details, visit the ACS website at www.facs.org/advocacy/practmanagement/workshops or e-mail [email protected].

Registration is now open to attend American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 General Surgery Coding Workshops. With Medicare and third-party payor policy and coding changes taking effect this year, it is imperative that surgeons have accurate and up-to-date information to protect reimbursement from Medicare and other payors and to optimize efficiency.

During the coding workshop, you will learn how to report surgical procedures and medical services and will have access to the tools necessary to succeed, including a coding workbook to keep for future reference with checklists, resource guides, templates, and examples. Physicians receive up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each day of participation. In addition, each day of the workshop meets AAPC guidelines for 6.5 continuing education units.

The ACS will offer the following seven coding workshops in 2018:

• Southlake, TX, January 25¬–26

• Las Vegas, NV, February 8–10

• Orlando, FL, February 22–23

• Chicago, IL, April 12–13

• New York, NY, May 17–19

• Nashville, TN, August 9–10

• Chicago, IL, November 1–3


For the first time, the ACS also will offer a three-day course, including a day devoted to trauma and critical care coding at the Las Vegas, New York City, and (November) Chicago workshops.

To register, visit www.karenzupko.com/workshops2/gensurg-workshops. For more details, visit the ACS website at www.facs.org/advocacy/practmanagement/workshops or e-mail [email protected].

Registration is now open to attend American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2018 General Surgery Coding Workshops. With Medicare and third-party payor policy and coding changes taking effect this year, it is imperative that surgeons have accurate and up-to-date information to protect reimbursement from Medicare and other payors and to optimize efficiency.

During the coding workshop, you will learn how to report surgical procedures and medical services and will have access to the tools necessary to succeed, including a coding workbook to keep for future reference with checklists, resource guides, templates, and examples. Physicians receive up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each day of participation. In addition, each day of the workshop meets AAPC guidelines for 6.5 continuing education units.

The ACS will offer the following seven coding workshops in 2018:

• Southlake, TX, January 25¬–26

• Las Vegas, NV, February 8–10

• Orlando, FL, February 22–23

• Chicago, IL, April 12–13

• New York, NY, May 17–19

• Nashville, TN, August 9–10

• Chicago, IL, November 1–3


For the first time, the ACS also will offer a three-day course, including a day devoted to trauma and critical care coding at the Las Vegas, New York City, and (November) Chicago workshops.

To register, visit www.karenzupko.com/workshops2/gensurg-workshops. For more details, visit the ACS website at www.facs.org/advocacy/practmanagement/workshops or e-mail [email protected].