The ACS has launched a new lifecycle program. To complement and strengthen existing programs for medical students, residents, young Fellows, and Fellows, the Board of Regents approved an ACS Senior Fellows Society (SFS).
The mission of the SFS is "To provide the opportunity for engagement of senior surgeons in the sharing of knowledge and experience to create a forum for mentorship and development of younger surgeons and their journey through their surgical careers. To serve as a focal point for collaboration across the lifecycle programs of the ACS.”
History of Embracing Senior Surgeons
In 2014, the ACS articulated a strategy that established education as the cornerstone of excellence, recognizing that education transforms possibilities into reality, and instilling the joy of lifelong learning for students at all levels. It was noted that the fulfillment of lifelong learning is accomplished by maintaining expertise during the three phases of a surgeon’s professional journey: training, practice, and sharing expertise as a senior surgeon.
To encourage senior surgeons to share their expertise, knowledge, and insights with others, an ACS Committee on Coaching the Next Generation was formed to develop programs that supported the education and training of practicing surgeons, surgical residents, and medical students.
The committee’s planned activities included mentoring, proctoring, role modeling, teaching in simulation centers, supervising the work of surgical trainees in ambulatory settings, and providing guidance in leadership and administration.
They initially focused on two domains: training and engagement of senior surgeons in simulation-based teaching and engagement of senior surgeons in coaching of surgeons and surgical trainees.
The committee developed and launched a course specifically for senior surgeons, “Introduction to Simulation-Based Teaching.” Senior surgeons who participated in the 2-day course received training in fundamental knowledge of simulation-based surgical education, participated in hands-on simulation-based experiences, and then used simulation to teach novice learners several procedures while faculty provided guidance and feedback. The popular courses reached capacity, signaling the interest and need for this type of instruction for senior surgeons.
Another area of focus for the committee was the creation of a model for coaching surgeons in nonsurgical skills, such as those related to administration, practice management, and other professional activities.
Committee on Professional Opportunities for Senior Surgeons
By 2018, the committee had established a distinct need for, and interest in, programs for senior surgeons, and changed its name to better reflect its purpose—the Committee on Professional Opportunities for Senior Surgeons (CPOSS).
In addition, initiatives guided by CPOSS expanded to include:
- ACS Colleague Connection Program—An ACS Fellow who seeks advice is matched with a senior surgeon for confidential consultation on a specific question topic, such as practice management, relations with colleagues, or administration, personal, and financial issues—but not clinical problems. The ACS Advisory Council for General Surgery is participating in this initiative, and other Advisory Councils will be added to the program.
- Aspiring Leaders Program—For mid-career surgeons, this program has been piloted for the past 2 years with small groups of mentor-coaches (senior surgeons) and mentees across surgical specialties. It aims to accelerate professional development and maximize leadership potential of the participants through a yearlong personal relationship. An external vendor with expertise in coaching has been engaged to provide support for the mentor-coaches and program. The pilot program has been well received by both the mentor-coaches and mentees and is being expanded incrementally.
CPOSS also has developed sessions for Clinical Congress to help senior surgeons with their personal financial planning, as well as options for professional activities that use a lifetime of experience after retirement.
Official Launch at Clinical Congress
The new SFS will be formally recognized during Clinical Congress at an event on Saturday, October 4, 11:30 am–1:30 pm, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago Hotel (Henry Clarke, Level 3).
Membership in the SFS is open to ACS Fellows age 65 years and older, as well as those who are officially retired.
For more information, contact Ulli Langenscheidt at ulangenscheidt@facs.org.
