Policy, Advocacy, and Innovation Drive Discussions at Rural Surgery Symposium

The second annual Creighton-CHI Health Access in Rural Surgery Symposium, “Building a Sustainable Future for Rural Surgery,” held at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, brought together more than 100 surgeons, nurses, residents, policymakers, and advocates to address the unique challenges and opportunities in rural surgical care. 

Invited by Waddah B. Al-Refaie, MD, FACS, chair of the Department of Surgery at the Creighton University School of Medicine, ACS President Beth H. Sutton, MD, FACS, participated in the event, presenting on the College’s rural surgery initiatives and highlighting national programs aimed at improving access and outcomes for rural trauma and cancer patients. The symposium, held on May 30, featured dynamic discussions on federal and local advocacy, rural healthcare policy, and the future of the rural surgical workforce.

This travel report from Dr. Sutton provides a summary of the highlights:

I was invited to attend the Creighton Rural Surgery Symposium by Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie. This is the second year of the symposium, with attendance increasing from last year. A significant number of Creighton residents expressed interest in a career in rural surgery.

I gave the keynote address, “The Role of the American College of Surgeons in Supporting Rural Surgery,” which highlighted the Committee on Trauma initiative to establish a rural trauma program that improves the access and outcomes of rural trauma patients. I also discussed the Commission on Cancer's proposal to develop standards and support for rural hospitals caring for cancer patients. Challenges and opportunities in both rural trauma and rural cancer care were examined.

The afternoon also included an excellent fireside chat, “Rural Healthcare, Policy, and Advocacy in Nebraska,” which was moderated by Bonnie Simpson Mason, MD, Medical Director of the ACS Office of Inclusive Excellence, and Scott Reetz, MD, MPH, a surgical resident at Creighton. US Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) provided insights into legislative processes and issues that impact rural patient care.

In addition, Christian Shalgian, Senior Vice President of the ACS Division of Advocacy and Health Policy, joined the panel, “Federal vs. Local Advocacy.” And, later in the day, Tyler G. Hughes, MD, FACS, retired dean of The University of Kansas School of Medicine–Salina, along with other speakers, participated in the “Education, Sustainability, and Innovation” panel and provided personal insights into their careers in rural surgery.

Dr. Al-Refaie and his Creighton colleagues plan to host the Rural Surgery Symposium again in 2026.

Beth H. Sutton, MD, FACS
ACS President