The Medical Student Program at Clinical Congress 2024—which starts today and runs through Monday, October 21—is a dynamic, transformative 3-day program that provides a unique learning environment designed to offer medical students a compelling glimpse into the field of surgery.
More than 350 participants will experience dedicated educational activities, interactive discussions, presentations from surgeon leaders, and opportunities to enrich their medical careers and broaden their professional networks. The program, for which advance registration was required, is at capacity.
“Every year at Clinical Congress, the ACS Committee on Medical Student Education facilitates a comprehensive program aimed at helping medical students enter the field of surgery,” said Paul J. Schenarts, MD, FACS, Chair of the committee. “We have past participants, who are now members of the ACS, return to the meeting year after year and volunteer to help the future generations of surgeons. Every member of our committee contributes to the ACS in other ways, but for all of us, helping develop future surgeons is our favorite activity.”
Today’s packed programming—11:15 am–6:00 pm—will include a discussion of the multifaceted nature of surgery, as well as a presentation on the integrated national curriculum in surgical education. Later in the day, there will be a networking event with surgeon representatives from different surgical specialties and practice settings.
During the Medical Student Program ePoster Session—2:15–4:05 pm in Room 201-204 Level 2 South—48 medical students will present their research.
Sunday is expected to be another full day—1:00–6:00 pm—with keynote speaker Andre R. Campbell, MD, FACS, professor of surgery at the University of California San Francisco, discussing “Disparities in Trauma Care.” Also part of the program is a panel session that highlights options for professional development during residency.
In addition, medical students in year 4 will hear from a resident panel about decision-making on the path to residency and participate in an interactive session focused on tips for rising residents. Medical students in years 1 to 3 will join engaging roundtable sessions, discuss elements of an effective personal statement, and learn about away rotations, the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities program, and the residency application process.
The final day will feature a Fireside Chat with ACS President Beth H. Sutton, MD, FACS, and the ACS Board of Regents Chair Anthony Atala, MD, FACS, as well as a presentation from Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, Director of the ACS Division of Education. The day’s schedule—12:45–6:00 pm—also will include the opportunity for students to learn what to expect when transitioning from medical school to residency, hear about critical elements of the residency interview, and refine their interviewing skills. The program will conclude with the always-popular networking event with residency program directors.
The Medical Student Program has served more than 7,000 students with support from 150 committee members. Over the past 2 decades, annual attendance has increased more than tenfold, from just 30 attendees the first year to more than 350 today.
If you’re not already an ACS Medical Student Member, learn more today. Medical Student membership is only $20 and covers all years of medical school.
