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80/10 Anniversary Preserves the Legacy and Values of Military Surgery

Colonel Jennifer Gurney, MD, FACS

In February 1945, surgical legends met at the end of World War II at the Excelsior Hotel in Rome and formed the Excelsior Club. This group focused on preserving best practices and lessons learned from casualty care during World War II. The Excelsior Club dissolved after all of its original members passed away. 

In 2015, the Excelsior Surgical Society was formed as the “home of military surgeons within the ACS." In February 2025, 80 years to the month when the original Excelsior Club met, and 10 years after the re-establishment of the Excelsior Surgical Society, the society hosted its 80/10 Anniversary Meeting, with the theme “Back to Rome: Preserving the Ethos and Heritage of Military Surgery.” This was a truly memorable and historic occasion that served as a powerful reminder of the strength and dedication within the military surgical community, as well as the commitment to improving combat casualty care. The program featured presentations from US and European surgeons that delivered high-quality, high-impact content. The continued presence and engagement of retired and active-duty general officers underscored our shared commitment to advancing battlefield surgical care. 

Highlights included an outing to the Anzio War Cemetery and the closing banquet, both of which helped create an atmosphere that many described as unforgettable. The gathering was further enriched by the participation of international colleagues from 18 countries. View the collection photos and video from the gathering. As planning begins for future meetings, the momentum and camaraderie experienced in Rome will no doubt carry forward. This event would not have been possible without the time and monetary contributions of many individuals and organizations. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thank you to all who helped make it happen.

Read more about the event in the April 2025 Bulletin article," Excelsior Surgical Society Celebrates 80 Years of Legacy in Rome."