The 2025 North Carolina/South Carolina ACS Joint Annual Meeting, held July 11–12 at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, was a gathering focused on surgical excellence, innovation, and collegiality.
Against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 134 attendees from across the Carolinas convened for two inspiring days of scholarly exchange, professional development, and memorable fellowship celebrating the 50th anniversary of both chapters. Forty-three surgical residents and medical students attended, and the event was supported by 22 exhibitors.
The meeting opened on Friday morning with bariatric- and cancer-focused tracks. The Bariatric Society of the Carolinas held its annual meeting, moderated by Keri A. Seymour, DO, FACS, society president, showcasing the latest techniques and outcomes in metabolic surgery.
Concurrently, the cancer resident paper competitions brought forward promising young surgeons from both states. Under the thoughtful moderation of Richard White, MD, FACS, Chair of North Carolina Commission on Cancer (CoC), these sessions highlighted the outstanding academic training and research being conducted throughout North and South Carolina.
I was honored to provide an update on the ACS Cancer Quality Programs, underscoring the vital role of quality metrics and patient-centered care in oncology. The attendees were most enthusiastic about the planned roll-out of a CoC Rural participation option.
The afternoon sessions broadened the focus on trauma and hernia surgery. Eric Toschlog, MD, FACS, Chair of the North Carolina Committee on Trauma (COT), and South Carolina ACS Chapter President and COT Chair Brian Thurston, MD, FACS, led the trauma paper competitions, showcasing high-impact research and case studies.
In parallel, the hernia collaborative meetings, moderated by William W. Hope, MD, FACS, President-Elect of the North Carolina ACS Chapter, offered deep dives into advanced techniques and evolving best practices in hernia repair—highlighting the power of regional collaboration.
Friday concluded with the Association of Women Surgeons/Women in Surgery Networking Reception.
One of the weekend’s most compelling sessions was a panel on the impacts of funding cuts on surgical research, with thought leaders Anthony Atala, MD, FACS, and Mitchell Ladd, MD, PhD, moderated by Akiko Chiba, MD, FACS. Their candid insights ignited high-value discussions on how to preserve academic innovation in challenging times.
I provided an ACS update, reaffirming the College’s commitment to excellence, advocacy, quality, and education. NC Chapter President Leah Sieren, MD, FACS, delivered a heartfelt and eloquent address on meaning, purpose, and legacy in surgery and life—a talk that deeply resonated with the audience and reinforced the humanism at the core of our surgical profession.
The Military Surgery Panel, moderated by Britton Christmas, MD, FACS, and featuring Booker King, MD, FACS, Matthew Eckert, MD, FACS, and Tom Sullivan, MS3, was a powerful reminder of the dedication, courage, and challenges faced by surgeons in uniform. This was followed by a cross-disciplinary presentation on veterinary surgery by Jennifer Hoch, DVM.
Cynthia Talley, MD, FACS, South Carolina ACS Governor, and Dr. Hope led a high-level general surgery paper competition, highlighting fresh perspectives from trainees across both states. A moving Surgical Palliative Care Panel, led by Dr. Sieren, and featuring Jeremiah “Jig” Deneve, DO, FACS, and Buddy Marterre, MD, MDiv, emphasized the importance of compassion, communication, and patient dignity in all aspects of surgical care.
Brief but vital updates from Dr. Christmas (ACS Advocacy) and Amy Hildreth, MD, MHPE, FACS (American Board of Surgery) kept attendees informed on national developments.
The meeting culminated in an elegant president’s party and awards presentation, a joyful evening celebrating the remarkable achievements of surgeons from across both states.
The 2025 NC/SC ACS Chapter Annual Meeting was more than a conference—it was a celebration of 50 years of surgical excellence, mentorship, innovation, and community in the Carolinas.
Nancy L. Gantt, MD, FACS
First Vice-President
