The Medical Student Program at Clinical Congress 2023—which starts today and runs through Tuesday, October 24—is a dynamic, transformative 3-day program that provides a unique learning environment designed to stimulate the interest of medical students in pursuing the field of surgery.
More than 350 participants will experience dedicated educational activities, hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, scientific presentations from surgeon leaders, and opportunities to enrich their medical careers and broaden their professional networks. The program, for which advance registration was required, is at capacity.
“The Medical Student Program provides those interested in a career in surgery the opportunity to participate in both Clinical Congress as well as a program that allows medical students to interact with some of the College's best surgical educators. Many former students are now in surgical residencies and members of the ACS,” said Paul J. Schenarts, MD, FACS, Chair of the ACS Committee on Medical Student Education.
Today’s packed programming—from 11:15 am to 6:00 pm—will include a discussion of the multifaceted nature of surgery, as well as a panel highlighting various options for professional development during residency. Later in the day, there will be a networking event with surgeon representatives from different surgical specialties and practice settings.
During the Medical Student Program ePoster Session—2:15–4:05 pm in Room 258ABC (level 2)—48 medical students will present their research.
Monday is expected to be another full day—from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm—with comments from newly installed ACS President Henri R. Ford, MD, MHA, FACS, as well as presentations from Daniel A. Hashimoto, MD, on artificial intelligence in surgery, and John L. Cameron, MD, FACS, on the history of surgery and the contributions of surgeon William Stewart Halsted, MD.
In addition, medical students in year 4 will hear from a resident panel about decision-making on the path to residency and participate in an interactive session focused on tips for rising residents. Medical students in years 1 to 3 will join engaging roundtable sessions to practice knot tying and suturing, discuss elements of an effective personal statement, and learn more about the residency application process.
The final day will feature presentations from ACS Board of Regents Chair Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, FACS, and Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, Director of the ACS Division of Education. The day’s schedule—from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm—also will include the opportunity for students to learn critical elements of the residency interview and refine their interviewing skills. The program will conclude with the always-popular networking event with residency program directors.
Now in its 21st year, the Medical Student Program has served more than 5,000 students with support from 150 committee members. Over the past 2 decades, annual attendance has increased more than tenfold, from just 30 attendees the first year to more than 350 today.
If you’re not already an ACS Medical Student Member, learn more today. Medical Student membership is only $20 and covers all years of medical school.
