The Skill of Delivering Difficult Patient Conversations Discussed in February Bulletin

Breaking bad news to patients and their families is complex and one of the most sensitive tasks in medicine. Few professional interactions create more anxiety, worry, and deep concern. “If giving difficult news feels easy, you probably aren’t doing it right,” says Dr. Kimberly Kopecky in the cover article of the recently released February Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons. Learn about strategies for leading these difficult conversations, including innovative tools to aid in their delivery.

Other highlights of the February issue include:

Executive Director’s Update: Making Members’ Voices Heard through Leadership and Advocacy

Dr. Patricia Turner highlights legislative developments and also offers a reminder that members should take advantage of opportunities to develop and enhance their leadership and advocacy skills: “Surgeons work tirelessly to fulfill—and advocate on behalf of—their patients’ needs. Developing and enhancing our leadership and advocacy skills are essential as we move into a new Congress.”

Check out what the advocacy from ACS Members helped to accomplish in the end of year omnibus spending bill.

Passion for Athletics, Past Injury Inspire Surgeon’s Research in Regenerative Medicine

As an undergraduate at Stanford University, Dr. Ashley Titan suffered a serious wrist injury. The recovery process stoked her interest in surgery and would lay the groundwork for her ACS Foundation-supported research in regenerative medicine.

Liver Transplantation for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Pushes Treatment Boundaries

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, with as many as 50% of patients developing colorectal liver metastasis at some point in their disease course. In recent years, the field of transplant oncology has gained interest and “is showing great promise.”

Surgical Chairs Playbook Offers Proven Strategies for High-Performance Leadership

The Surgical Chairs Playbook—designed to help surgeon leaders feel more confident when transitioning into the role of surgical chair—is now available. This comprehensive collection of innovative leadership strategies, evidence-based practices, personal experiences, and advice is a must-read, according to its four surgeon editors.

The issue also includes viewpoint articles on the ethics of AI in decision-making, reports on a quality improvement initiative to reduce smoking in cancer patients, member news, and more.