Society News

SVSConnect, your online community, is now open! This online space gives members a place for discussion, collaboration and a chance to expand their professional networks. This initial launch starts with a single forum for all members to get signed up and post discussions on everything from case complications and surgical procedures, to research projects, wellness topics and more. Users also have an opportunity to leave general questions for SVS. Login to engage and help shape this community, and your Society, for the future.

SVSConnect, your online community, is now open! This online space gives members a place for discussion, collaboration and a chance to expand their professional networks. This initial launch starts with a single forum for all members to get signed up and post discussions on everything from case complications and surgical procedures, to research projects, wellness topics and more. Users also have an opportunity to leave general questions for SVS. Login to engage and help shape this community, and your Society, for the future.

SVSConnect, your online community, is now open! This online space gives members a place for discussion, collaboration and a chance to expand their professional networks. This initial launch starts with a single forum for all members to get signed up and post discussions on everything from case complications and surgical procedures, to research projects, wellness topics and more. Users also have an opportunity to leave general questions for SVS. Login to engage and help shape this community, and your Society, for the future.

A total of 91 surgeons from seven countries comprised the inaugural class of esteemed surgeon educators who were admitted into the new American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™ as Members or Associate Members. The Academy’s inaugural induction ceremony occurred on October 3 at the John B. Murphy Memorial Auditorium in Chicago, IL. Academy Members and Associate Members in attendance were publicly recognized at the annual Convocation Sunday, October 21, at the ACS Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA.

Developed under the auspices of the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members or Associate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety. 
In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. “To start, small groups of Members and Associate Members will be assembled to work on addressing these goals. We also plan to publish an annual publication, Proceedings of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, which will be launched in late 2019,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, Director of the ACS Division of Education and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy. 

“With highest quality patient care through education being the paramount theme of the American College of Surgeons, the establishment of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is an important new chapter for the ACS, the world’s largest organization for surgeons,” explained L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon), Past-President of the ACS and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.

A complete list of selected Members and Associate Members is available at www.facs.org/education/academy/2018selection.
 

A total of 91 surgeons from seven countries comprised the inaugural class of esteemed surgeon educators who were admitted into the new American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™ as Members or Associate Members. The Academy’s inaugural induction ceremony occurred on October 3 at the John B. Murphy Memorial Auditorium in Chicago, IL. Academy Members and Associate Members in attendance were publicly recognized at the annual Convocation Sunday, October 21, at the ACS Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA.

Developed under the auspices of the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members or Associate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety. 
In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. “To start, small groups of Members and Associate Members will be assembled to work on addressing these goals. We also plan to publish an annual publication, Proceedings of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, which will be launched in late 2019,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, Director of the ACS Division of Education and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy. 

“With highest quality patient care through education being the paramount theme of the American College of Surgeons, the establishment of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is an important new chapter for the ACS, the world’s largest organization for surgeons,” explained L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon), Past-President of the ACS and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.

A complete list of selected Members and Associate Members is available at www.facs.org/education/academy/2018selection.
 

A total of 91 surgeons from seven countries comprised the inaugural class of esteemed surgeon educators who were admitted into the new American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™ as Members or Associate Members. The Academy’s inaugural induction ceremony occurred on October 3 at the John B. Murphy Memorial Auditorium in Chicago, IL. Academy Members and Associate Members in attendance were publicly recognized at the annual Convocation Sunday, October 21, at the ACS Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA.

Developed under the auspices of the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members or Associate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety. 
In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. “To start, small groups of Members and Associate Members will be assembled to work on addressing these goals. We also plan to publish an annual publication, Proceedings of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, which will be launched in late 2019,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, Director of the ACS Division of Education and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy. 

“With highest quality patient care through education being the paramount theme of the American College of Surgeons, the establishment of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators is an important new chapter for the ACS, the world’s largest organization for surgeons,” explained L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCSGlasg(Hon), Past-President of the ACS and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.

A complete list of selected Members and Associate Members is available at www.facs.org/education/academy/2018selection.
 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has posted a document that outlines key changes in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule for the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the 2019 Quality Payment Program (QPP). The final rule and its effects on payment to surgeons will be described in greater detail in the January 2019 issue of the Bulletin, and the ACS will continue to develop resources to assist Fellows in meeting the requirements for these programs.


The document is available at bit.ly/2PH566U.


For more information, contact the Regulatory and Quality Affairs team, ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy, at [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has posted a document that outlines key changes in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule for the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the 2019 Quality Payment Program (QPP). The final rule and its effects on payment to surgeons will be described in greater detail in the January 2019 issue of the Bulletin, and the ACS will continue to develop resources to assist Fellows in meeting the requirements for these programs.


The document is available at bit.ly/2PH566U.


For more information, contact the Regulatory and Quality Affairs team, ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy, at [email protected].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has posted a document that outlines key changes in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule for the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the 2019 Quality Payment Program (QPP). The final rule and its effects on payment to surgeons will be described in greater detail in the January 2019 issue of the Bulletin, and the ACS will continue to develop resources to assist Fellows in meeting the requirements for these programs.


The document is available at bit.ly/2PH566U.


For more information, contact the Regulatory and Quality Affairs team, ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy, at [email protected].

As health care changes, it is critical that surgeons continue to have a strong voice and seat at the table in all patient care decisions. A video encouraging Fellows to become actively involved in helping the American College of Surgeons (ACS) take bold steps and speak with a unified voice on behalf of patients was released during Clinical Congress. The ACS encourages Fellows to share the video with colleagues and at your chapter meetings.

As health care changes, it is critical that surgeons continue to have a strong voice and seat at the table in all patient care decisions. A video encouraging Fellows to become actively involved in helping the American College of Surgeons (ACS) take bold steps and speak with a unified voice on behalf of patients was released during Clinical Congress. The ACS encourages Fellows to share the video with colleagues and at your chapter meetings.

As health care changes, it is critical that surgeons continue to have a strong voice and seat at the table in all patient care decisions. A video encouraging Fellows to become actively involved in helping the American College of Surgeons (ACS) take bold steps and speak with a unified voice on behalf of patients was released during Clinical Congress. The ACS encourages Fellows to share the video with colleagues and at your chapter meetings.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2019 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 as follows.

Call for nominations for Officers-Elect

The 2019 NCF will select nominees for the three Officers-Elect positions of the ACS: President-Elect, First Vice-President-Elect, and Second Vice-President-Elect. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 22, 2019.

Criteria for consideration

The NCF will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.
• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities, such as service and active participation on ACS committees or in other areas of the College.
• The ACS encourages consideration of women and underrepresented minorities for all leadership positions.

All nominations must include the following:

• A letter/letters of nomination
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

In addition, nominations for President-Elect must include the following:

• A personal statement from the candidate detailing their ACS service and interest in the position

Further details

Entities such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, ACS Committees, and ACS chapters that provide a letter of nomination must provide a description of their selection process and the total list of applicants reviewed.

Any attempt to contact or influence members of the NCF by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed negatively and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered.

Nominations must be submitted to [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, staff liaison for the NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or [email protected].

Call for nominations for Board of Regents

The 2019 NCBG will select nominees for two pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2019. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 22, 2019.

Criteria for consideration

The NCBG will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.
• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities, such as service and active participation on ACS committees or in other areas of the College.
• The ACS encourages consideration of women and underrepresented minorities for all leadership positions.
• Only individuals who are currently and expected to remain in active surgical practice for their entire term may be nominated for election or reelection to the Board of Regents.

The NCBG recognizes the importance of the Board of Regents representing all who practice surgery in both academic and community practice, regardless of practice location or configuration. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given in this nomination cycle to the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• General surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Transplant surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Vascular surgery

All nominations must include the following:

• A letter of nomination
• A personal statement from the candidate detailing their ACS service and interest in the position
• A current CV
• The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

Further details

Entities such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, ACS Committees, and ACS chapters who wish to provide a letter of nomination must provide at least two nominees, and a description of their selection process, along with the total list of applicants reviewed.

Any attempt to contact or influence members of the NCBG by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed in a negative manner and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered.

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

For information only, the current members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection are (all MD, FACS): Anthony Atala, James W. Gigantelli, and Fabrizio Michelassi.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2019 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 as follows.

Call for nominations for Officers-Elect

The 2019 NCF will select nominees for the three Officers-Elect positions of the ACS: President-Elect, First Vice-President-Elect, and Second Vice-President-Elect. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 22, 2019.

Criteria for consideration

The NCF will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.
• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities, such as service and active participation on ACS committees or in other areas of the College.
• The ACS encourages consideration of women and underrepresented minorities for all leadership positions.

All nominations must include the following:

• A letter/letters of nomination
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

In addition, nominations for President-Elect must include the following:

• A personal statement from the candidate detailing their ACS service and interest in the position

Further details

Entities such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, ACS Committees, and ACS chapters that provide a letter of nomination must provide a description of their selection process and the total list of applicants reviewed.

Any attempt to contact or influence members of the NCF by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed negatively and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered.

Nominations must be submitted to [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, staff liaison for the NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or [email protected].

Call for nominations for Board of Regents

The 2019 NCBG will select nominees for two pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2019. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 22, 2019.

Criteria for consideration

The NCBG will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.
• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities, such as service and active participation on ACS committees or in other areas of the College.
• The ACS encourages consideration of women and underrepresented minorities for all leadership positions.
• Only individuals who are currently and expected to remain in active surgical practice for their entire term may be nominated for election or reelection to the Board of Regents.

The NCBG recognizes the importance of the Board of Regents representing all who practice surgery in both academic and community practice, regardless of practice location or configuration. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given in this nomination cycle to the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• General surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Transplant surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Vascular surgery

All nominations must include the following:

• A letter of nomination
• A personal statement from the candidate detailing their ACS service and interest in the position
• A current CV
• The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

Further details

Entities such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, ACS Committees, and ACS chapters who wish to provide a letter of nomination must provide at least two nominees, and a description of their selection process, along with the total list of applicants reviewed.

Any attempt to contact or influence members of the NCBG by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed in a negative manner and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered.

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

For information only, the current members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection are (all MD, FACS): Anthony Atala, James W. Gigantelli, and Fabrizio Michelassi.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) 2019 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 as follows.

Call for nominations for Officers-Elect

The 2019 NCF will select nominees for the three Officers-Elect positions of the ACS: President-Elect, First Vice-President-Elect, and Second Vice-President-Elect. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 22, 2019.

Criteria for consideration

The NCF will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.
• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities, such as service and active participation on ACS committees or in other areas of the College.
• The ACS encourages consideration of women and underrepresented minorities for all leadership positions.

All nominations must include the following:

• A letter/letters of nomination
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)
• The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

In addition, nominations for President-Elect must include the following:

• A personal statement from the candidate detailing their ACS service and interest in the position

Further details

Entities such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, ACS Committees, and ACS chapters that provide a letter of nomination must provide a description of their selection process and the total list of applicants reviewed.

Any attempt to contact or influence members of the NCF by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed negatively and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered.

Nominations must be submitted to [email protected]. If you have any questions, contact Emily Kalata, staff liaison for the NCBG, at 312-202-5360 or [email protected].

Call for nominations for Board of Regents

The 2019 NCBG will select nominees for two pending vacancies on the Board of Regents to be filled at Clinical Congress 2019. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 22, 2019.

Criteria for consideration

The NCBG will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.
• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities, such as service and active participation on ACS committees or in other areas of the College.
• The ACS encourages consideration of women and underrepresented minorities for all leadership positions.
• Only individuals who are currently and expected to remain in active surgical practice for their entire term may be nominated for election or reelection to the Board of Regents.

The NCBG recognizes the importance of the Board of Regents representing all who practice surgery in both academic and community practice, regardless of practice location or configuration. Nominations are open to surgeons of all specialties, but particular consideration will be given in this nomination cycle to the following specialties:

• Burn and critical care surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• General surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Transplant surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Vascular surgery

All nominations must include the following:

• A letter of nomination
• A personal statement from the candidate detailing their ACS service and interest in the position
• A current CV
• The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

Further details

Entities such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, ACS Committees, and ACS chapters who wish to provide a letter of nomination must provide at least two nominees, and a description of their selection process, along with the total list of applicants reviewed.

Any attempt to contact or influence members of the NCBG by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed in a negative manner and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered.

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

For information only, the current members of the Board of Regents who will be considered for reelection are (all MD, FACS): Anthony Atala, James W. Gigantelli, and Fabrizio Michelassi.

The Board of Governors (B/G) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) elected two new members of the Board of Regents at the October 24 Annual Business Meeting of the Members.

Lena M. Napolitano, MD, FACS, FCCP, FCCM, is the Massey Foundation Professor of Surgery; founding division chief, acute care surgery; and director, surgical critical care, department of surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor. A Fellow of the ACS since 1995, Dr. Napolitano has been a tireless volunteer for the College and has served in several important leadership roles within the organization, including as Chair of the B/G.

Kenneth W. Sharp, MD, FACS, is professor of surgery and vice-chair, department of surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, and is a highly regarded surgical educator and mentor. He became an ACS Fellow in 1987 and has subsequently served in many roles for the ACS, starting as the Young Surgeon Representative for the Tennessee Chapter in 1989 and rising to serve on the ACS B/G.

The B/G has elected Steven C. Stain, MD, FACS, Henry and Sally Schaffer Chair, department of surgery, Albany Medical Center, NY, to serve as its Chair; he previously was Vice-Chair. The newly elected Vice-Chair is Daniel L. Dent, MD, FACS, Distinguished Teaching Professor, general surgery residency program director, and professor of surgery, University of Texas Health School of Medicine, San Antonio; he previously was Secretary. The new Secretary is Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chair of surgery, associate vice-president for UI Health Alliance, professor of surgery-surgical oncology and endocrine surgery, professor of biochemistry, professor of anatomy and cell biology, and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Other newly elected members of the B/G Executive Committee include Andre R. Campbell, MD, FACS, FACP, FCCM, professor of surgery, division of general surgery, director, surgery clerkship, and director, surgical critical care fellowship, University of California-San Francisco; Taylor Sohn Riall, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chief, division of general surgery and surgical oncology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson; and Mika N. Sinanan, MD, PhD, FACS, a general surgeon, UW Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and professor of general surgery and an adjunct professor of electrical engineering, University of Washington, Seattle.

Read more about the newly elected Regents, reelected Regents, and members of the B/G Executive Committee in the December Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons at www.bulletin.facs.org.

The Board of Governors (B/G) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) elected two new members of the Board of Regents at the October 24 Annual Business Meeting of the Members.

Lena M. Napolitano, MD, FACS, FCCP, FCCM, is the Massey Foundation Professor of Surgery; founding division chief, acute care surgery; and director, surgical critical care, department of surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor. A Fellow of the ACS since 1995, Dr. Napolitano has been a tireless volunteer for the College and has served in several important leadership roles within the organization, including as Chair of the B/G.

Kenneth W. Sharp, MD, FACS, is professor of surgery and vice-chair, department of surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, and is a highly regarded surgical educator and mentor. He became an ACS Fellow in 1987 and has subsequently served in many roles for the ACS, starting as the Young Surgeon Representative for the Tennessee Chapter in 1989 and rising to serve on the ACS B/G.

The B/G has elected Steven C. Stain, MD, FACS, Henry and Sally Schaffer Chair, department of surgery, Albany Medical Center, NY, to serve as its Chair; he previously was Vice-Chair. The newly elected Vice-Chair is Daniel L. Dent, MD, FACS, Distinguished Teaching Professor, general surgery residency program director, and professor of surgery, University of Texas Health School of Medicine, San Antonio; he previously was Secretary. The new Secretary is Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chair of surgery, associate vice-president for UI Health Alliance, professor of surgery-surgical oncology and endocrine surgery, professor of biochemistry, professor of anatomy and cell biology, and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Other newly elected members of the B/G Executive Committee include Andre R. Campbell, MD, FACS, FACP, FCCM, professor of surgery, division of general surgery, director, surgery clerkship, and director, surgical critical care fellowship, University of California-San Francisco; Taylor Sohn Riall, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chief, division of general surgery and surgical oncology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson; and Mika N. Sinanan, MD, PhD, FACS, a general surgeon, UW Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and professor of general surgery and an adjunct professor of electrical engineering, University of Washington, Seattle.

Read more about the newly elected Regents, reelected Regents, and members of the B/G Executive Committee in the December Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons at www.bulletin.facs.org.

The Board of Governors (B/G) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) elected two new members of the Board of Regents at the October 24 Annual Business Meeting of the Members.

Lena M. Napolitano, MD, FACS, FCCP, FCCM, is the Massey Foundation Professor of Surgery; founding division chief, acute care surgery; and director, surgical critical care, department of surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor. A Fellow of the ACS since 1995, Dr. Napolitano has been a tireless volunteer for the College and has served in several important leadership roles within the organization, including as Chair of the B/G.

Kenneth W. Sharp, MD, FACS, is professor of surgery and vice-chair, department of surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, and is a highly regarded surgical educator and mentor. He became an ACS Fellow in 1987 and has subsequently served in many roles for the ACS, starting as the Young Surgeon Representative for the Tennessee Chapter in 1989 and rising to serve on the ACS B/G.

The B/G has elected Steven C. Stain, MD, FACS, Henry and Sally Schaffer Chair, department of surgery, Albany Medical Center, NY, to serve as its Chair; he previously was Vice-Chair. The newly elected Vice-Chair is Daniel L. Dent, MD, FACS, Distinguished Teaching Professor, general surgery residency program director, and professor of surgery, University of Texas Health School of Medicine, San Antonio; he previously was Secretary. The new Secretary is Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chair of surgery, associate vice-president for UI Health Alliance, professor of surgery-surgical oncology and endocrine surgery, professor of biochemistry, professor of anatomy and cell biology, and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Other newly elected members of the B/G Executive Committee include Andre R. Campbell, MD, FACS, FACP, FCCM, professor of surgery, division of general surgery, director, surgery clerkship, and director, surgical critical care fellowship, University of California-San Francisco; Taylor Sohn Riall, MD, PhD, FACS, professor and chief, division of general surgery and surgical oncology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson; and Mika N. Sinanan, MD, PhD, FACS, a general surgeon, UW Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and professor of general surgery and an adjunct professor of electrical engineering, University of Washington, Seattle.

Read more about the newly elected Regents, reelected Regents, and members of the B/G Executive Committee in the December Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons at www.bulletin.facs.org.

Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, an esteemed thoracic surgeon who practices in New York, NY, was elected to serve as the 2018−2019 President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at the October 24 Annual Business Meeting of Members. Dr. Rusch is vice-chair, clinical research, department of surgery; Miner Family Chair in Intrathoracic Cancers; attending surgeon, thoracic service, department of surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; and professor of surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College. An ACS Fellow since 1986 and this year’s recipient of the ACS Distinguished Service Award (DSA), Dr. Rusch has led several prominent ACS bodies, including serving as Chair of the Board of Governors (2006−2008), Board of Regents (2015−2016), and several other ACS committees.

Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, an esteemed thoracic surgeon who practices in New York, NY, was elected to serve as the 2018−2019 President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at the October 24 Annual Business Meeting of Members. Dr. Rusch is vice-chair, clinical research, department of surgery; Miner Family Chair in Intrathoracic Cancers; attending surgeon, thoracic service, department of surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; and professor of surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College. An ACS Fellow since 1986 and this year’s recipient of the ACS Distinguished Service Award (DSA), Dr. Rusch has led several prominent ACS bodies, including serving as Chair of the Board of Governors (2006−2008), Board of Regents (2015−2016), and several other ACS committees.

Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, an esteemed thoracic surgeon who practices in New York, NY, was elected to serve as the 2018−2019 President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at the October 24 Annual Business Meeting of Members. Dr. Rusch is vice-chair, clinical research, department of surgery; Miner Family Chair in Intrathoracic Cancers; attending surgeon, thoracic service, department of surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; and professor of surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College. An ACS Fellow since 1986 and this year’s recipient of the ACS Distinguished Service Award (DSA), Dr. Rusch has led several prominent ACS bodies, including serving as Chair of the Board of Governors (2006−2008), Board of Regents (2015−2016), and several other ACS committees.

The abstract submission site for the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting is now open. Submissions may be considered for the following programs: Scientific Session, Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society (VESS), International Forum, International Fast Talk, Poster Competition and Interactive Poster. In addition to the International Forum and International Fast Talk, the international community has added two further opportunities to showcase research: The International Young Surgeon Competition and the International Poster Competition. This year the submission site is mobile friendly! Get more information on submission and policy guidelines here.

The abstract submission site for the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting is now open. Submissions may be considered for the following programs: Scientific Session, Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society (VESS), International Forum, International Fast Talk, Poster Competition and Interactive Poster. In addition to the International Forum and International Fast Talk, the international community has added two further opportunities to showcase research: The International Young Surgeon Competition and the International Poster Competition. This year the submission site is mobile friendly! Get more information on submission and policy guidelines here.

The abstract submission site for the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting is now open. Submissions may be considered for the following programs: Scientific Session, Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society (VESS), International Forum, International Fast Talk, Poster Competition and Interactive Poster. In addition to the International Forum and International Fast Talk, the international community has added two further opportunities to showcase research: The International Young Surgeon Competition and the International Poster Competition. This year the submission site is mobile friendly! Get more information on submission and policy guidelines here.

Anticipation is growing for SVSConnect, a new online community for SVS members. This site will give users an online home for connecting with colleagues on various topics including case complications, techniques, practice management and even work-life balance. A group of “early adopters” has already begun testing the waters, but the site will become open to all members before year’s end. Keep an eye on our Pulse newsletters, emails and the SVS website for an official launch date.
 

Anticipation is growing for SVSConnect, a new online community for SVS members. This site will give users an online home for connecting with colleagues on various topics including case complications, techniques, practice management and even work-life balance. A group of “early adopters” has already begun testing the waters, but the site will become open to all members before year’s end. Keep an eye on our Pulse newsletters, emails and the SVS website for an official launch date.
 

Anticipation is growing for SVSConnect, a new online community for SVS members. This site will give users an online home for connecting with colleagues on various topics including case complications, techniques, practice management and even work-life balance. A group of “early adopters” has already begun testing the waters, but the site will become open to all members before year’s end. Keep an eye on our Pulse newsletters, emails and the SVS website for an official launch date.
 

The SVS Foundation is supporting travel scholarships for trainees to attend the annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), which will be held on May 13, 2019, in Boston. Recipients of the scholarship will receive complimentary registration to both VRIC and the Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions, as well as a $1,000 award for conference travel. VRIC is considered a key event for connecting with vascular researchers and the theme this year is Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solution. Learn more and apply today. VRIC registration is now open; register today.

The SVS Foundation is supporting travel scholarships for trainees to attend the annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), which will be held on May 13, 2019, in Boston. Recipients of the scholarship will receive complimentary registration to both VRIC and the Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions, as well as a $1,000 award for conference travel. VRIC is considered a key event for connecting with vascular researchers and the theme this year is Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solution. Learn more and apply today. VRIC registration is now open; register today.

The SVS Foundation is supporting travel scholarships for trainees to attend the annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), which will be held on May 13, 2019, in Boston. Recipients of the scholarship will receive complimentary registration to both VRIC and the Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions, as well as a $1,000 award for conference travel. VRIC is considered a key event for connecting with vascular researchers and the theme this year is Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solution. Learn more and apply today. VRIC registration is now open; register today.