Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons August 2023

The August ACS Bulletin is a special Resident and Associate Society (RAS) issue highlighting the theme “The Future of Surgical Training.” Read articles written by RAS members detailing the impact of online communication platforms, a major shift in surgery education, becoming a surgeon-advocate, AI and its influence on training, and the evolution of general surgery residency training.  

 

In this issue: 

Executive Director’s Update 

The Future of the Surgical Profession  
Dr. Patricia Turner explains that while surgeons cannot predict the future, they can meet the future by knowing, engaging, and welcoming the next generation of surgical colleagues. “I am proud that the College maintains a strong focus on supporting residents and fellows as they progress through training and establish their careers,” she says. 

 

Features 

Social Media Influences Surgical Training  
The rapid advancement of communication platforms, particularly social media, has revolutionized the way we connect, interact, and share information. One area that has been influenced profoundly by this digital revolution is surgical training. 

Future of Surgical Training Will Include Major Shift in Education Model  
Surgical educators will need to plan beyond acquisition of technical skills and medical knowledge to emphasize the value of ongoing self-reflection and feedback, increase specialized certification, and encourage the development of nontechnical skills. 

Champion the Future of Surgical Training by Becoming a Surgeon-Advocate  
Surgeons have unique qualifications and experiences that they can bring to policymaking. Therefore, strengthening the development of surgeon-advocates is integral to the surgical training paradigm.   

How Artificial Intelligence Is Expected to Transform Surgical Training  
This article explores how surgical trainees can interact with artificial intelligence (AI) through surgical education, skills acquisition, and intraoperative decision-making; it also examines ethical considerations surrounding AI. 

General Surgery Residency Training Continues to Evolve 
Surgical residency has evolved significantly over the course of the last several decades, and times continue to change. 

 

Viewpoints 

Next Generation of Clinicians Lead Charge Toward Healthcare Sustainability—But They Need Help 
This viewpoint article—written by a future orthopaedic surgeon—describes how surgical professionals are in a unique position to reduce the environmental impact of surgical services without compromising quality or patient safety.  

Cancer Teaches Unexpected Lessons in Self-Care 
While in residency, Dr. Anthony Duncan was diagnosed with cancer. He shares personal reflections and lessons learned from the life-changing experience, including the importance of taking care of yourself.  

Reports 
Light Source-Related Burns Are a Real Problem 

News 
Quality and Safety Conference Charts the North Star of Surgical Quality 
Are Early Specialization and Integrated Subspecialty Training the Fast Track to the Future? 
Participate in New Virtual Course on Using AI and ML in Surgery 
Member News

Target Audience

All members of the ACS, including: 

  • Practicing surgeons 
  • Residents 
  • Medical students 
  • Retired surgeons 
  • Members of the surgical care team 

Learning Objectives

To provide readers with information they can apply as leaders of their institutions and in their daily practices, as well as timely updates on ACS activities and initiatives. 

Contact

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Certificate of Completion
Course opens: 
08/10/2023
Course expires: 
11/30/2023

Disclosure Information

In accordance with the ACCME Accreditation Criteria, the American College of Surgeons must ensure that anyone in a position to control the content of the educational activity (planners and speakers/authors/discussants/moderators) has disclosed all financial relationships with any commercial interest (termed by the ACCME as “ineligible companies”, defined below) held in the last 24 months (see below for definitions). Please note that first authors were required to collect and submit disclosure information on behalf all other authors/contributors, if applicable.

Ineligible company

The ACCME defines an “ineligible company” as any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services used on or consumed by patients. Providers of clinical services directly to patients are NOT included in this definition.

Financial Relationships

Relationships in which the individual benefits by receiving a salary, royalty, intellectual property rights, consulting fee, honoraria, ownership interest (e.g., stocks, stock options or other ownership interest, excluding diversified mutual funds), or other financial benefit.  Financial benefits are usually associated with roles such as employment, management position, independent contractor (including contracted research), consulting, speaking and teaching, membership on advisory committees or review panels, board membership, and other activities from which remuneration is received, or expected.  ACCME considers relationships of the person involved in the CME activity to include financial relationships of a spouse or partner.

Conflict of Interest

Circumstances create a conflict of interest when an individual has an opportunity to affect CME content about products or services of an ineligible company with which he/she has a financial relationship.

The ACCME also requires that ACS manage any reported conflict and eliminate the potential for bias during the educational activity.  Any conflicts noted below have been managed to our satisfaction. The disclosure information is intended to identify any commercial relationships and allow learners to form their own judgments. However, if you perceive a bias during the educational activity, please report it on the evaluation. 

Editorial Committee Disclosures

Natalie Boden, MBA - Nothing to disclose
Director, Division of Integrated Communications
 

Continuing Medical Education Credit Information

Accreditation

The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

The American College of Surgeons designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

American College of Surgeons and ACGME Logos

CME Credit Claiming Information

All learners must complete the course evaluation in order to claim a CME Certificate or a Certificate of Completion. Participants may only claim a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per month.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Certificate of Completion
Please login or register to take this course.

You may enroll in the online learning course free of charge. 

You will be asked to register for the course and provide information to complete the registration process.

Once you have completed the registration process, an email will be sent to you with the confirmation and course login information.