Chapter news

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect American College of Surgeons (ACS) chapter meetings and events. While some chapters are conducting in-person activities once again, others continue to provide opportunities in a virtual format so that networking, advocacy efforts, mentorship, and education can safely be offered to ACS members.

Domestic Chapters

Massachusetts Chapter

COVID-19 Panelists (left to right): David B. McAneny, MD, FACS (Boston Medical Center); Peter A. DePergola II, PhD, MTS (Baystate Health); Victor E. Pricolo, MD, FACS (Southcoast Health System); moderator Anne C. Larkin, MD, FACS (UMass Memorial Medical Center); and 2020 Annual Meeting Program Chair Neal E. Seymour, MD, FACS (Baystate Medical Center)

The chapter hosted a virtual Annual Meeting, December 5, 2020. The program included panel discussions on COVID-19 and Surgery in Massachusetts (pictured), Surgeon-Educator’s Virtual Toolkits, Training for Innovations in Surgery: Ensuring Competent Practice, and the traditional Resident Research Paper Competition with Translational and Clinical content. J. Wayne Meredith, MD, FACS, MCCM, ACS President, delivered the ACS Update. Supplementing the main program were electronic poster viewings, as well as an interactive Digital Marketplace for attendees to communicate with and view the products from the meeting’s industry supporters of the event.

Dmitry Nepomnayshy, MD, FACS, Chapter President, delivers opening remarks

International Chapters

Argentina Chapter

The chapter organized a webinar series started by ACS Past-President Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), FRCS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon) (U.S.), focused on trauma and emergency surgery. Another series focused on hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery (see photos).

The invited speakers included Juan C. Puyana, MD, FACS (U.S.); Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS (U.S.); William Sánchez, MD, FACS (Colombia); Esteban Foiannini, MD, FACS (Bolivia); Jamal Hoballah, MD, MBA, FACS (Lebanon); Juan Asensio, MD, FACS (U.S.); ACS Past-President Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon) (U.S.); C. Fernandez del Castillo, MD, FACS (U.S.); Cristina Ferrone, MD, FACS (U.S.); Xabier de Aretxabala, MD, FACS (Chilé); Eduardo Montalvo, MD, FACS (Mexico); and Matthew Walsh, MD, FACS (U.S.)

Ecuador

The chapter held a continuing education course November 26, 2020, in Guayaquil on the topic of principal management of stroke patients that go to the emergency room. Photos show participants and instructors during the course.

Thailand Chapter

The chapter conducted a live webinar November 29, 2020, Hot Topics in Colon Cancer Treatment. World-renowned speakers delivered talks to 325 participants from 47 countries and five continents. The event was hosted by Bangkok Hospital Phuket and facilitated by Prof. Art Hiranyakas, MD, PhD, FACS, President, ACS Thailand Chapter.