Military Surgery Is Emphasized in History of Surgery Poster Exhibit

The history of surgery is vast and varied, and exploring its unique advances can offer real insights into the development of modern surgical successes and ongoing challenges. You are invited to learn about some of these notable developments at this year’s History of Surgery Posters exhibit.

The exhibit will feature 21 posters that explore the history of fetal surgery, surgery in the US’s “Wild West,” and the 2,500-year-old origin of trauma surgery, among other unique topics.

In addition, to recognize the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, there is an emphasis on military surgical history for the posters. Topics will include the underground medical networks that developed in conflict zones, the surgical aftermath of the nuclear bombs dropped in Japan, laryngeal surgery developments in World War II, and Navy medial units at Normandy.

The posters are available for viewing 9:00 am–3:30 pm today and Monday, and 9:00 am–2:00 pm on Tuesday in the Exhibit Hall. Presenters—who were selected from a group of 270 abstract submissions and will participate in the History of Surgery Poster Competition—will share their posters this morning from 9:45 am to 12:30 pm when judging takes place. Six judges, who are members of the ACS History and Archives Committee, will evaluate the posters displayed and select the first- and second-place winners.

The winners will be announced tomorrow during the History of Surgery Community Breakfast at 7:00 am in the South Building, Room 101.

The authors of the two winning posters will be invited to write an in-depth article on their respective topics for a 2026 issue of the ACS Bulletin.

In addition, more than four dozen History of Surgery ePosters are available for online viewing through Tuesday via the online meeting platform or on viewing stations in the Exhibit Hall.