Educational Activities
A primary goal of the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care is to ensure that the highest quality scientific information is used to support surgical care. Continuous Quality Improvement’s (CQI) role in supporting this goal is multifaceted and includes offering several educational opportunities for surgeons. The three courses provided by CQI focus on preparing and encouraging surgeons to dedicate a portion of their professional efforts to conducting basic clinical and health services research. Each course (described below) has a different focus but emphasizes the similar aspects for conducting quality research: the methodological issues of study design, the importance of sound statistical analysis, the necessity of collaborating both internally and externally, and the resources necessary to conduct high quality research. The courses focus on outcomes and health services research; securing grant funded support from the National Institutes of Health; and developing clinical trials. A main strength of these courses is the extensive interaction available between participants and leaders in the topic field. Each course qualifies participants for continuing medical education and is offered biennially. For additional information about each course please select the appropriate link below. For additional information, contact Rhoby Tio, Administrator, Committees and Educational Programs, at rtio@facs.org or call 312-202-5319.
Clinical Trials Methods Course
The Clinical Trials Methods Course teaches surgical investigators the concepts and skills necessary to develop a protocol for a clinical trial that is fundable by a peer-reviewed agency. The next Clinical Trials Methods Course will be held in November 2011 at ACS Headquarters in Chicago.
Clinical Trials Methods Course
Outcomes Research Course
The fourth biennial Outcomes Research Course was offered at ACS headquarters November 11-13, 2010. The course is designed to provide clinical and health services researchers with the fundamentals, mechanisms, and resources to conduct effective outcomes research.
Click below for a link for online registration, an application form, list of faculty, and a preliminary schedule for the 2010 course.
Surgical Investigators Conference
The Surgical Investigators Conference provides surgeon scientists seeking to obtain extramural, peer-reviewed grant support for their work with an in-depth introduction to the process, the content, and the style involved in successful grant-writing. Attendees meet with key NIH staff and participate in a mock study section led by senior surgeon researchers and SRO’s. The next Surgical Investigators Conference will take place in North Bethesda, MD in March 2012.
Surgical Investigators Conference
ACS NSQIP National Conference
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) holds an annual conference in which ACS NSQIP participating sites present quality improvement initiatives and results from the data they receive from participating in the program. Quality improvement professionals, surgeons, nurses, and researchers have the opportunity to learn the latest advancements and best practices for surgical quality improvement, and how they can implement these projects in their own hospitals.
Revised November 22, 2011