Register for the 2027 Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course

Registration is open for the next ACS Residents as Teachers and Leaders Course (RATAL), which will be held April 9–11, 2027, at 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 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 health care team 

• Time Management Skill for Teaching 

• Teaching in ambulatory settings and the operating room 

• Giving performance feedback  

Successful Leading  

• Developing and leading productive teams 

• Resolving conflict 

• Development of 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.

Due to space limitations, it is recommended to register for the course as soon as possible, as the course has historically met capacity quickly. When registration closes, individuals interested in attending the 2027 course can place their names on a waitlist.

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