North Carolina Surgeon Mark C. Weissler, MD, FACS, Elected Chair of ACS Board of Regents
CHICAGO (December 1, 2014): Mark C. Weissler, MD, FACS, has been elected Chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
South Dakota Surgeon Gary L. Timmerman, MD, FACS, Receives Appreciation Award for Service to the American College of Surgeons Board of Governors
CHICAGO (November 20, 2014): Gary L. Timmerman, MD, FACS was recently honored with an appreciation award for his many years of dedicated service to the ACS Board of Governors. Dr. Timmerman concluded his tenure as Chair of the Board of Governors during this year’s Clinical Congress.
Kentucky Surgeon J. David Richardson, MD, FACS is American College of Surgeons President-Elect
CHICAGO (November 12, 2014): J. David Richardson, MD, FACS, professor of surgery and vice-chairman, Hiram C. Polk, Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine was elected President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons last month during the College’s Annual Business Meeting that was held during its 2014 Clinical Congress in San Francisco.
Surgeons Employ Two New Computer Imaging Approaches to Accurately Measure Breast Tumors and Chronic Wounds
SAN FRANCISCO (October 30, 2014): Surgeons are tweaking existing computer technologies to enhance their visualization of cancerous tumors and persistent wounds according to two studies presented this week at the 2014 American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress.
Breast and Colorectal Cancers Remain More Aggressive in Children
SAN FRANCISCO (October 29, 2014): Breast and colorectal cancers rarely occur in children, but when they do, these conditions are more precarious, according to a pair of National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) studies presented this week at the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
Injury Prevention Intervention Cuts Distracted Driving in Half, According To Trauma Surgeons
SAN FRANCISCO (October 28, 2014): A simple intervention designed to raise awareness about the use of communication devices while driving reduced the incidence of distracted driving by 50 percent in hospital personnel, according to findings from a single site study presented today at the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
Poor Access to General Surgeons Increases the Risk of a Ruptured Appendix for Many Young Children in North Carolina
SAN FRANCISCO (October 28, 2014): Delayed treatment for appendicitis can often lead to a ruptured appendix. That’s exactly what is more likely to happen to many children in North Carolina if they have to delay getting treatment because of poor access to general surgeons, according to new study findings presented this week at the American College of Surgeons 2014 Clinical Congress.
Universal Helmet Laws Reduce Traumatic Brain Injuries in Young Motorcyclists, According To Trauma Surgeons
SAN FRANCISCO (October 28, 2014, 5:45 pm): Young motorcycle riders are significantly less likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) if they live in a state with universal motorcycle helmet laws instead of a state with age-restricted ones, according to new findings presented today at the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
A New Frailty Test Predicts Risk of Poor Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Joint Replacement Operations
SAN FRANCISCO (October 28, 2014, 6:00 pm): A simplified frailty index created by surgeons at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Mich., is a reliable tool for assessing risk of mortality and serious complications in older patients considering total hip and knee replacement procedures, according to new study findings presented today at the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
ACS Honors Four Members with Surgical Humanitarian and Volunteerism Awards
On October 28, 2014, four members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) were named recipients of the 2014 ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian and Volunteerism Awards in recognition of their selfless efforts as volunteer surgeons who provide care to medically underserved patients, domestically and abroad.
Boston Surgeon Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS, Installed as 95th President of the American College of Surgeons
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014): Andrew L. Warshaw, MD, FACS, a general surgeon from Boston, Mass., was installed as the new President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) last night during the 100th Convocation ceremony of the College.
Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons is Awarded to Six Prominent Surgeons
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014): Last night Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) was awarded to six prominent surgeons from Switzerland, Scotland, Hong Kong SAR China, Argentina, Belgium, and Ecuador during the Convocation ceremony that preceded the official opening of the College’s 2014 Annual Clinical Congress.
New Drug Delivered through a Skin Patch Shows Promise in Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014): A foot ulcer is typically a painful inconvenience to most people, but to a person with diabetes it could mean an infection, or worse, an amputation. But a research team at Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif., has developed a drug delivered through a skin patch that not only helps foot wounds heal better, but also prevents those wounds from recurring, according to study results they presented this week at the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress.
Many Older Trauma Patients Would Benefit from Palliative Care
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014, 4:00 pm): Half of older adults who sustain injuries severe enough that they could die in the hospital or become unable to function independently are not asked in the intensive care unit (ICU) if they wish to speak with palliative care specialists about their preferences for end-of-life care, a new study finds.
North Carolina Surgeon J. Wayne Meredith, MD, FACS, receives 2014 Distinguished Service Award of the American College of Surgeons
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014, 12:01 am): J. Wayne Meredith, MD, FACS, a trauma surgeon from Winston-Salem, NC, received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) of the American College of Surgeons last night during the Convocation ceremony that preceded the opening of the College’s 2014 Clinical Congress, one of the largest international meetings of surgeons in the world.
American College of Surgeons Lifetime Achievement Award Given to Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014, 9:00 am): Last night the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) was presented posthumously to Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS (1940-2014), during the Convocation ceremony at the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, one of the largest educational meetings of surgeons in the world.
An Estimated Two Million Pounds of Unused Medical Supplies May Be Recoverable in U.S. Operating Rooms Each Year
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014): Recovering unused medical supplies from operating rooms (ORs) in the United States for donation to surgical centers developing countries can potentially alleviate a significant global burden of surgical diseases, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported today during the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
Most Internet Sources on Prostate Cancer Disagree with Expert Panel’s No-Screening Recommendation
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2014, 5:45 pm): Only 17 percent of top-ranked consumer health websites advise against screening for prostate cancer, a recommendation made more than two years ago by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), according to a study presented at the 2014 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons.
American College of Surgeons Announces Strategic Partnership with the Military Health System
The American College of Surgeons is forming a strategic partnership with the Department of Defense and the Military Health System (MHS).
44 ACS NSQIP® Participating Hospitals Recognized for Achieving Meritorious Outcomes for Surgical Patient Care
CHICAGO (October 22, 2014): The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has recognized 44 of their participating hospitals for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2013. The recognized hospitals are deemed “Meritorious” for their composite quality scores in eight surgical care outcome areas.
American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Releases Sixth Edition of Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient
CHICAGO (October 6, 2014): The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) has released the 2014 edition of the Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. Now in its sixth edition, the COT’s Resources document provides the guidelines used by the ACS Verification/Consultation Program to evaluate trauma centers.
Sen. Reed Sets Sights on Overdue Trauma System Funding Legislation Following New Trauma Law to Improve Burn Care
CHICAGO (August 29, 2014): After authoring a new law to include burn injuries as part of trauma care, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), is working on legislation to provide long overdue financing to develop and revitalize the nation’s state and rural trauma systems and to create innovative new models of regionalized emergency care.
Institute of Medicine Releases Important Report on the Future of Graduate Medical Education
WASHINGTON, DC (July 29, 2014): The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report, Graduate Medical Education That Meets the Nation’s Health Needs, containing recommendations to improve the graduate medical education (GME) system. The country faces a severe physician workforce shortage that will only worsen as health insurance coverage is expanded to millions of Americans and the baby boomers continue to reach retirement age.
ACS NSQIP® Database Helps Hospital Identify and Curb Its Surgical Risk: Blood Clots in Patients Placed in Isolation
NEW YORK, NY (Monday, July 28, 2014 – 5:00 pm ET): Surgical patients placed in contact isolation after their operations are at a higher risk for developing life-threatening blood clots; ensuring movement helped curb the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in one hospital. This case study on how one surgical team prevented VTEs in their patients placed in isolation.
Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative Saves 533 Lives and $75 Million in Three Years
NEW YORK, NY (Monday, July 28, 2014 – 2:45 pm ET): Ten hospitals in the Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative (TSQC) have reduced surgical complications by 19.7 percent since 2009, resulting in at least 533 lives saved and $75.2 million in reduced costs, according to new results presented at the 2014 ACS NSQIP National Conference.
Surgical Patient Safety Program Greatly Reduces Surgical Site Infections in Patients Who Undergo Heart Operations
NEW YORK, NY (Sunday, July 27, 2014 – 11:45 am ET): Study presented at the ACS NSQIP® National Conference reports that evidence-based measures plus an interdisciplinary team approach reduces surgical site infection rates in a high-risk patient population.
Nearly 74 Years After His Death, a Headstone is Placed in Cambridge to Memorialize Ernest Amory Codman, MD, FACS
CAMBRIDGE, MA (July 22, 2014 – 2:30 pm ET):
To recognize the valiant contributions of Ernest Amory Codman, MD, FACS (1869–1940), to American surgery and to patient care as a whole, a memorial headstone has been placed at his previously unmarked gravesite in the historic Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. Leaders from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and other medical organizations gathered at a dedication event to pay homage to the renegade surgeon from Boston.
American College of Surgeons and Iowa Health Care Leaders Unite to Focus on Improving the Quality of Surgical Care in Rural Communities
CHICAGO (June 30, 2014): On Friday, June 27, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) hosted the
ACS Surgical Health Care Quality Forum Iowa, featuring a panel of health care leaders who shared insights into the unique health care issues that rural areas face today, including workforce shortages, quality education and training for the next generation of rural surgeons, and access to trauma care. Speakers at the forum highlighted how the trauma system has evolved in Iowa and discussed best practices for improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs among the rural population.
Cincinnati Surgeon Robin T. Cotton, MD, FACS, FRCS(C), Receives 2014 Jacobson Innovation Award of the American College of Surgeons
CHICAGO (June 10, 2014): Dr. Cotton was honored with the Jacobson Innovation Award in recognition of his seminal work in the care and reconstruction of the stenotic pediatric airway.
74 Cancer Care Facilities Receive National Achievement Award from American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer
CHICAGO (May 6, 2014): The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted its 2013 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of 74 accredited cancer programs throughout the United States. Award criteria were based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted last year.
American College of Surgeons Launches Home Skills Program for Patients Who Require Feeding Tubes
CHICAGO (April 11, 2014): An Applied Medical Technology grant will allow for the development and distribution of 2,500 kits to educate patients and families about delivering self-care.
Forum Discusses SC Surgical Safety Checklist Initiative
CHICAGO (April 3, 2014): ACS Surgical Health Care Quality Forum South Carolina discussed successes and challenges of implementing the surgical checklist in 100% of ORs in the state.
American College of Surgeons Calls on Senate to Vote Against the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014
WASHINGTON, DC (March 28, 2014): ACS calls on the Senate to vote against the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 and for Congress to return to bipartisan, bicameral efforts to resolve budgetary issues and enact the SGR Repeal Act
ACS and Ohio Leaders Identify Tools for Improving Health Care Quality
CHICAGO (March 28, 2014): The ACS quality forum focused on the importance of payment and delivery system reform in Ohio. The forum also discussed the state of health care in Ohio.
ACS and Ohio Strategize for Improving Health Care
CHICAGO (March 7, 2014): The ACS Surgical Health Care Quality Forum Ohio will inspire community discussion about the state of health care quality in Ohio on March 28.
ACS Launches Grassroots Campaign to Drive Public Awareness on Repealing the SGR
CHICAGO (March 4, 2014): The ACS has launched a campaign to bring public awareness to the SGR, encouraging constituents to ask their officials to bring the SGR to a vote and repeal it.
ACS Clinical Congress in San Francisco October 26–30
CHICAGO (February 20, 2014): Save the date for the 2014 ACS Clinical Congress in San Francisco, October 26–30. The theme is “The Surgeon of the Future: Anchoring Innovation and Science with Moral Values.
ACS and NC Leaders Identify Challenges, Opportunities for Improving Quality
CHICAGO (February 19, 2014): Surgical Health Care Quality Forum North Carolina discussed the political realities of our health care system and collaborating and using proven programs to increase health care value.
MBSAQIP Releases Unified Accreditation Standards
CHICAGO (February 4, 2014): The Metabolic Bariatric Surgery and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) standards provide guidance for inpatient and outpatient facilities in the U.S. and Canada seeking accreditation.
Surgical Quality Alliance Reporting Resource
WASHINGTON, DC (February 3, 2014): The Surgical Quality Alliance’s guidance document provides a better understanding of the considerations that must be made when reporting on surgical care.
ACS and San Francisco Leaders Work to Improve Emergency Care System
CHICAGO (January 17, 2014): The ACS and Bay Area leaders offered solutions to improve patient care and strengthen emergency response with regionalization, coordination, and enhanced communication between hospitals and on-site responders.
ACS Northern California Leaders Look to Improve Emergency Care System
CHICAGO (January 8, 2014): The ACS will bring together health care leaders from the Bay Area to share about trauma/critical care delivery after the July 2013 Asiana Airlines accident.