The Medical Student Program at Clinical Congress 2025—beginning today and continuing through Monday—offers a comprehensive, interactive 3-day experience designed to introduce students to the breadth and depth of surgical practice. This year’s program, which reached full capacity through advance registration, welcomes more than 350 medical students eager to expand their knowledge, connect with surgical leaders, and strengthen their professional networks.
“Each year at Clinical Congress, the ACS Committee on Medical Student Education delivers a robust program that supports students interested in pursuing surgery,” said Jeremy Lipman, MD, MHPE, FACS, Chair of the committee. “There is something profoundly inspiring about seeing former participants, now ACS members, return to guide and uplift the next generation. It’s a full-circle moment that captures the very heart of our mission. While our committee contributes meaningfully across many areas within The House of Surgery®, this initiative is, without question, one of the most powerful and fulfilling parts of our work.”
Today’s agenda (11:15 am–6:00 pm) includes an exploration of the diverse aspects of surgical practice and a networking event with surgeons representing different surgical specialties and practice settings. Participants also will hear from keynote speaker Mary E. Klingensmith, MD, FACS, professor emeritus at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and chief accreditation officer at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, who will address “Preparing Yourself for Success in Surgery: Lessons Learned from a Career as a Surgical Educator.” The Medical Student Program ePoster Session, where 48 students will showcase their research, will be held from 2:35 to 4:05 pm in Room W-196bc.
Sunday’s program (1:00–6:00 pm) will offer a lineup of sessions designed to guide students at every stage of their training. The day will kick off with a panel exploring professional development opportunities during residency, followed by targeted breakout sessions.
Third-year students and above can join a resident panel on making key career decisions and participate in an interactive session with teaching tips for future residents. Junior students will have the chance to attend roundtable discussions on preparing for the residency process, including away rotations, crafting a strong personal statement, navigating the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities program, and the residency application process.
For international and osteopathic medical students, a special session (11:30 am–12:45 pm) will address unique challenges and provide practical tools and resources to help them thrive on the path to residency.
The closing day (Monday, 12:45–6:00 pm) will feature remarks from Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, Senior Vice President, Education, followed by a conversation with ACS President Anton N. Sidawy, MD, MPH, FACS, and ACS Board of Regents Chair Fabrizio Michelassi, MD, FACS. Additional programming will help students learn the critical elements of the residency interview and refine their interviewing skills via an interactive practice session with surgeons. The program will conclude with the highly anticipated networking reception with residency program directors.
Medical students who are not yet ACS members are encouraged to join. Membership is available for a one-time processing fee of $20 and remains valid for the entire duration of medical school.
