TRACK(S): EDU, GEN, RES-MED

Moderator: Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS, Richmond, VA
Co-Moderator: Afif N. Kulaylat, MD, MSc, Hershey, PA

The rewards of a surgical career are many. Some are tangible such as the privilege of taking care of patients, performing surgical procedures, teaching patients and trainees, and striving for clinical excellence. Other rewards are humbling, such as the never-ending learning and improvement that one must maintain to be proficient. Further rewards can only be described as spiritual, such as the ability to initiate change in patients’ lives and indeed saving lives. This panel will welcome Initiates to an amazing career, review the importance of belonging to an organization, maintaining lifetime learning, and achieving work-life balance. It will also emphasize opportunities to get involved within the American College of Surgeons locally and nationally. This is the RAS/YFA yearly Initiates session.

Presentations and Speakers

How to Fail in Academic Surgery: A Cradle to Grave Guide to Professional Misery
David Spain, MD, FACS

Promotion and Tenure: Strategies to Get What You Deserve
Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS, Richmond, VA

How to Reach and Maintain Leadership Status at the American College of Surgeons
Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Chicago, IL

Questions
Afif N. Kulaylat, MD, MSc, Hershey, PA