My recent trip to Lake Chelan for the ACS Washington/Oregon Chapter meeting was professionally rewarding and personally memorable. Travel was seamless, beginning with a flight into Seattle and continuing with a 3-hour drive through varied and beautiful landscapes—from the cityscape, through the pine forests of the Cascades, into the high desert, and finally along the lush lakeshore dotted with orchards and vineyards. For anyone with an interest in geography and climate, the journey itself was a highlight.
The hospitality throughout the visit was equally remarkable. Judy Chen, MD, FACS, Eduardo Smith-Singares, MD, FACS, and the other chapter leaders and attendees ensured a warm welcome and smooth integration into the meeting. The sessions were excellent, covering topics ranging from advances in surgical techniques and novel technologies to the persistent challenges of burnout. The program was thoughtfully designed, and the energy and collegiality of the group were inspiring. This is clearly a strong, cohesive chapter with phenomenal leadership.
A particular highlight was the session led by general surgeon Giana Davidson, MD, MPH, FACS, “Designing a Career that Fits: Aligning Passion, Purpose, and Practice.” This 90-minute interactive session encouraged participants—from medical students to senior surgeons—to reflect on how to align professional pursuits with personal priorities. The discussion was highly engaging and resonant, and I believe this type of session would be an excellent addition to the annual Clinical Congress.
I had the privilege of delivering two lectures. The ACS update was well-received, though it reinforced a theme I have observed in other settings: younger and mid-career surgeons often feel somewhat disconnected from the College. Many voiced interest in more tangible benefits and visible impact. While I highlighted ongoing initiatives—including advocacy, pipeline programs, and outreach—there remains opportunity to engage this important group more directly. The new ACS mobile app may serve as a valuable tool in this effort, particularly if promoted actively to residents and young surgeons. Douglas E. Wood, MD, FACS, echoed these concerns during the Q&A, underscoring that this is an issue we must continue to address strategically.
My second lecture, “Pediatric Surgical Emergencies for the Rural Surgeon,” was also well received. Although few in the audience were pediatric specialists, several rural surgeons engaged with thoughtful questions and discussion. Their genuine interest in a topic outside their typical practice environment was encouraging and underscored the value of cross-disciplinary exchange.
Another highlight of the weekend was spending time with medical students at the evening reception. Their enthusiasm for surgery was contagious and inspiring. Their presence reinforced the importance of continued investment in the surgical pipeline, beginning with students as the foundation of the profession’s future.
Overall, the meeting reflected the strength and cohesion of the Washington/Oregon Chapter and its outstanding leadership. I am grateful for the generosity of the hosts, the collegiality of the members, and the opportunity to contribute. The weekend was a reminder not only of the vitality of our chapters but also of the importance of building meaningful connections across all stages of a surgical career.
Edward M. Barksdale Jr., MD, FACS
ACS Second Vice President
