ACS Upcoming Meetings—COVID-19 Impact
After closely monitoring developments related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and assessing its current and potential impact, the American College of Surgeons has made the decision to reschedule or change the format of some upcoming events convened by the College. This includes the ACS Residents as Teachers and Leaders (RATL) Course, originally slated for March 20–22, 2020, which will now be rescheduled.
The health and well-being of our members, employees, partners, and others who help us host these events is our top priority. Many attendees at our events are health care professionals who are on the frontlines of caring for the public. This is a fast-changing situation and the College will make decisions on future events with these important principles in mind.
We apologize for the difficulty and inconvenience resulting from these changes. While this is not an easy decision, we believe it is in the best interest of all parties.
Future meetings will be considered as we closely watch this situation as it unfolds. We will share information soon regarding when the postponed events will be rescheduled.
Sincerely,
David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS
Executive Director, American College of Surgeons
Dear Course Registrant,
In view of the above communication from David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, Executive Director of the American College of Surgeons, additional information regarding the rescheduling of the RATL course is below. We recognize the value of learning in person with your peers and believe rescheduling is the safest course of action for residents, faculty, and the communities you serve.
Registration
Your full registration fee will be refunded during the next two weeks. No request is needed on your part; refunds will be initiated by ACS.
Hotel
Please call the Hyatt Magnificent Mile Hotel at 1-888-591-1234 to cancel your room as soon as possible. If canceled 72 hours prior to the arrival date, no penalties should apply. The hotel has been informed of this situation as well.
Rescheduling of the Course
Plans are underway to reschedule the ACS Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course to later this year, most likely in Fall 2020. Additional information will be shared as details become available.
We will miss seeing everyone in Chicago later this month. We appreciate your making plans to join this event and hope that you will be able to attend the course later in the year.
If you have questions regarding the course, please contact staff via the RATL email box at RATL@facs.org.
Kim Echert
Senior Manager, Programs to Enhance Resident and Medical Student Education
American College of Surgeons Division of Education