Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons May 2023

The May issue of the ACS Bulletin includes a cover story on adolescent obesity and bariatric surgery, as well as features on robotics in surgery, research to reverse hearing loss, building surgical capacity in Africa, and lessons learned from California advocacy. 

 

In this issue: 

Executive Director’s Update 
The Power of Unity: Collaborating across Specialties within the House of Surgery 
Dr. Patricia Turner details how surgeons can have greater influence by working together to advocate for surgical advancements, leadership, and quality improvements. “Regardless of specialty or subspecialty, we all can maximize our impact on our profession by collaborating to advance initiatives that enhance the practices of all surgeons and every patient," she shared. 

Features 

Surgeons Meet Adolescent Obesity Epidemic Head-On with Bariatric Surgery 
A new debate on the use of bariatric surgery is emerging in severely obese adolescents. Research shows positive outcomes for this younger age group have been growing, and leading health authorities have created guidelines that suggest bariatric surgery is a viable, effective treatment option for select patients. 

Robotic Surgery Is Here to Stay—and So Are Surgeons 
The overall use of robotic surgery has grown significantly over the past 25 years, which may be due largely to its apparent benefits to patients, surgeons, and hospital systems. “Robotics are here to stay,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. T. Sloane Guy. 

ACS Award Helps Surgeon-Scientist Reverse Hearing Loss 
Dr. Rick Nelson—a neurotologist and founder of the Nelson Lab at Indiana University School of Medicine—is performing innovative research in the field of inner ear disorders, while developing new treatments for congenital and adult-onset hearing loss.   

Three ACS Training Hubs Help Build Surgical Capacity in Africa 
In sub-Saharan Africa, ACS Operation Giving Back (OGB) is transforming how ACS members and their colleagues help populations with limited access to surgical care. The work of OGB volunteers contributes to a larger-scale, sustainable shift in the way African surgeons gain skills and improve patient care. 

California Advocacy Produces Six Lessons for Surgeons across America  
Surgeon-led healthcare advocacy in California, with its long and accomplished history, has paved the way for new trends across the nation. This article offers important lessons learned through the years that can be applied to any state-led advocacy work.   

Viewpoint 

Skeletonize or Modernize: Which Approach Will Define the Future of Rural Surgery?   
Overhauling rural surgery is a challenging task. Multiple solutions have been entertained, and according to Dr. Medhat Fanous, they boil down to two strategies that hinge on whether to transfer the patient to surgical care at larger hospitals or make the care available locally.  

Reports 

SSA Program Supports Next Generation of Inclusive Leadership 

News 

ACS Launches “The Power of Quality” Campaign 
Leadership & Advocacy Summit Proves to Be Powerful Catalyst for Change 
Register for the 2023 ACS Quality and Safety Conference 
New Educational Resource on Cancer Surgery Protocols Is Available  
Thank You National Doctors’ Day Contributors  
Members in the News  
Celebrate STOP THE BLEED Month in May 
 

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: 
05/10/2023
Course expires: 
12/31/2023

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
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