ACS President Reports on Visit with ACOG

(from left) Passing of the ACOG Presidency: Dr. Hoskins and Dr. Hicks

ACS President E. Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS, MAMSE, was in attendance last month when an ACS Fellow ACS became president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Dr. Ellison provided the following report about his experience:

I was invited to attend the ACOG convocation, along with 18 other leaders representing collaborative organizations. The meeting took place May 19-21 in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1951, ACOG is the premier professional membership organization for obstetricians and gynecologists. With more than 60,000 members spanning the entire career life cycle, ACOG comprises 12 Districts made up of 98 sections representing various regions, countries, territories, and states in North and South America.

There are 1,453 ACS Fellows who identify as obstetricians and gynecologists and an additional 305 who are in the field of gynecologic oncology.

President Iffath A. Hoskins MD, FACS, FACOG, from New York, NY, presided over the convocation. Her presidential initiative was minding mental health through education. There was an energetic group of initiates from 2021, 2022, and 2023. She introduced new President Verda J. Hicks, MD, FACS, FACOG, a gynecologic oncologist from Leawood, Kansas. Her message to the new fellows and audience was the essential importance of leadership at all levels to continue the important work of ACOG in representing women’s health while reducing physician burnout.

As an organization, it faces many of the same opportunities and challenges as the ACS. We continue to have the real possibility to unite surgeons through the ACS and bring together the House of Surgery. Being invited to attend the annual meeting and convocation of like member organizations is a privilege and honor as well as a unique opportunity to better understand the mission and culture of other surgical organizations. I encourage current and future leaders to participate when invited, it is well worth the time.

Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS, MAMSE

ACS President