ACS Residents as Teachers and Leaders (RATAL)

Residents are expected to master a broad expanse of clinical and basic science knowledge as well as operative skills. Residency programs tailor their educational programs to meet these needs. Residents are also expected to master a number of critical nonclinical skills, including leading teams and teaching. However, very few residency programs are able to offer opportunities for residents to become proficient in these areas. The ACS Division of Education worked to develop a course to address this need.

The goal of this course is to help surgery residents develop some of the essential nonclinical skills that will be critical to their success as senior-level residents and practicing surgeons. The course faculty are nationally renowned clinical and educational professionals who will provide an interactive learning environment. Residents will learn to lead a team more effectively, resolve conflict, be better teachers, give constructive feedback, and apply these skills during and after residency. The number of participants is limited to allow ample interaction with faculty and to facilitate networking with other attendees. This course is designed specifically for mid- to senior-level surgery residents and trainees in fellowship across the House of Surgery, but all trainees who are currently in a surgical residency program are welcome to attend.

Please note that the agenda above is tentative. All course attendees will receive the final schedule two weeks prior to the start of the program.

Course Content

The course will address the following essential skills for residents’ lifelong roles as teachers, leaders, and practicing surgeons:

Effective Teaching

• Establishing a positive learning climate
• Finding time to teach
• Teaching in ambulatory settings and the operating room
• Giving feedback on performance

Successful Leading

• Developing and leading productive teams
• Resolving conflict
• Using different leadership styles effectively
• Maximizing various working styles

Registration

Registration for the course is $695.

Space is limited for this course. Once the course reaches capacity, individuals interested in attending the course will be added to the wait list.

Cancelations & Substitutions

Requests for refunds must be made in writing and received on or before Monday, August 31, 2026. There is a $50 handling fee for ALL refunds and returned checks. Cancelations and registrations postmarked after the deadline date will not be eligible for refunds. Please note: Substitutions from one registrant to another are not permitted.

Hotel Accommodations

Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
633 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611

Reservations

Standard Guestrooms: Attendees will receive a special group rate of $219 plus tax per night for a single or double room. You must make your reservations no later than August 20, 2026. The hotel will honor this rate only until the room block fills or until August 20.

A reservation link for the RATAL hotel group rate will be coming soon.

Reservation Cancelation

To avoid a one-night room and tax charge, individual reservations must be canceled at least 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival.

Interested in Exhibiting?

View the Exhibitor Prospectus or contact Dana McClure, Coordinator, Industry Relations & Exhibits, at dmcclure@facs.org or 312-202-5532. 

Contact ACS

If you have questions regarding your registration, please contact Registration Services at registration@facs.org. If you have questions about the RATAL course, please contact Stephanie Hermes or Michelle Armstrong at ratl@facs.org.