The 2-day Surgery Resident Program is designed to prepare the next generation of surgeons for successful and fulfilling careers. Offered by the ACS Resident and Associate Society (RAS), the program is led by Leigh A. Neumayer, MD, MS, MBA, FACS, and promises a comprehensive curriculum addressing clinical and nonclinical aspects of surgical practice.
Held today and tomorrow in Room W-178, the program—open exclusively to current surgery residents only—offers attendees the opportunity to network with residents from across the country, engage with ACS leaders, and test their skills in a competitive surgical skills challenge.
“This longstanding program is designed to support the evolving needs of our residents beyond clinical skills, especially in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape. Over the course of this immersive 2-day event, residents have the opportunity to network, engage with surgeon leaders, and learn from one another in a collaborative and enriching environment,” said Dr. Neumayer.
Day 1
Today’s program begins at 9:30 am with welcome and introductory remarks from Dr. Neumayer, Rebecca Williams-Karnesky, MD, PhD, MEd Psych, Chair of the Committee on Resident Education, and Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, Senior Vice President, Education. Immediately following, ACS President Beth H. Sutton, MD, FACS, will present the Jameson L. Chassin, MD, FACS Award for Professionalism in General Surgery and ACS Resident Award for Exemplary Teaching.
A fireside chat with Dr. Sutton and RAS Chair Rachael Essig, MD, will give residents a personal perspective on career development and the evolving landscape of surgery. Attendees will then hear from Kyle Claussen, JD, CEO of Resolve Legal in Mitchell, South Dakota, on physician contract negotiations and securing favorable compensation and contract terms.
Next, Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS, Incoming Senior Vice President, Education, and Ajita Prabhu, MD, FACS, will lead a session on empowering residents as teachers and leaders, covering effective leadership, teaching strategies, and constructive feedback in the OR.
Comprehensive roundtable discussions addressing nonclinical skills critical to transitioning from residency to practice will be available in the afternoon. Topics include career sustainability, smart job search techniques, contract negotiation, financial planning, reimbursement basics, academic career planning, fellowship transitions, artificial intelligence in medicine, and navigating family dynamics.
The popular skills contest, “So You Think You Can Operate?,” will be held 3:30–5:30 pm in Room W-179. Eight teams are set for this interactive competition that will test surgical trainees' skills and teamwork. Cheer them on as they vie for institutional glory and bragging rights.
Day 2
Thomas K. Varghese Jr., MD, MS, MBA, FACS, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, will kick off tomorrow’s programming with a session on getting published as a surgical trainee.
Sunday’s sessions—which will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm—also will feature Joshua M. V. Mammen, MD, PhD, FACS, who will discuss early advocacy in surgery, emphasizing how residents can influence policy and contribute to the surgical community, and William L. MacDonald, founder of My Financial Coach, who will provide practical financial strategies for residents.
Afternoon presentations will focus on navigating difficult professional conversations, leadership pathways within RAS and the ACS, and maintaining professionalism while expanding professional reach via social media. Nabiha Quadri, MD, neurosurgery chief resident at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri, will provide guidance on preserving professionalism and privacy while leveraging social media effectively.
Comprehensive Approach to Resident Success
By combining expert-led presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, the ACS Surgery Resident Program provides a well-rounded platform to prepare residents for the challenges of modern surgical careers. From leadership and teaching skills to financial literacy, contract negotiation, and advocacy, the program is designed to equip residents with practical knowledge to thrive in the OR and beyond.
Also for Residents: RAS Symposium
The annual RAS Symposium—“Innovation, Industry, and Ethics: Navigating the Future of Surgical Research”—held today, 1:00–3:00 pm in Room W-180, will explore the intersection of funding, industry, and ethics, challenging surgeons to reflect on the role of funding sources in shaping the future of surgical research. Join the debate as RAS members and ACS leaders examine how the relationship between surgeons and scientific funding sources has become increasingly complex.
And, don’t forget: All Resident Members and Associate Fellows are invited to attend the RAS Business Meeting Monday, 2:00–4:00 pm in Room S-101. It will be a great opportunity to learn about each of the RAS committees and meet other RAS Members.
In-person and virtual registration for residents is $60. Learn more at at the Surgery Resident Program page. Share updates or follow Clinical Congress on X using #ACSCC25, and join the RAS WhatsApp group.
