Build Your Teaching and Leadership Skills in Chicago

Registration is open for the  ACS Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course (RATAL), which will be held September 11–13 at the ACS headquarters in Chicago. RATAL is designed specifically for mid- to senior-level surgery residents of all surgical specialties. Registration for the course is $695. 

The course faculty, featuring nationally renowned clinical and educational professionals, will provide an interactive learning environment. The course will address the following essential nonclinical skills for residents’ lifelong roles as teachers, leaders, and practicing surgeons:  

Effective Teaching  

• Establishing a positive learning climate for the entire healthcare team 

• Time management skills for teaching 

• Teaching in ambulatory settings and the OR 

• Giving performance feedback  

Successful Leading  

• Developing and leading productive teams 

• Resolving conflict 

• Developing leadership styles 
• Maximizing various working styles 

“This course was great because sometimes these courses emphasize learning theory, but this course put it in a practical way and also gave me skills at every session I can take back to my institution,” said one attendee of the April 2026 course. 

Because space is limited, register for the course as soon as possible. The course has historically reached capacity quickly. Once registration closes, interested participants may add their names to the waitlist.  

Registration information is available on the RATAL web page. Contact Stephanie Hermes at ratl@facs.org for more information.