Resident and Associate Society (RAS-ACS) Chapter Representatives

The Resident and Associate Society of the American College of Surgeons (RAS-ACS) is the only national surgical organization devoted to the concerns and needs of surgical trainees and young surgeons. RAS-ACS is comprised of two groups: (1) surgical trainees (residents and those in fellowship) in all surgical specialties; and (2) Associate Fellows, practicing surgeons in all surgical specialties who have completed training but who are not yet eligible to become a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

RAS-ACS has a four-part mission:

1. To develop and promote programs for surgical trainees and young surgeons
2. To provide an avenue for leadership and engagement within the ACS
3. To support the professional development of surgical trainees and young surgeons through scholarships and research fellowships
4. To provide networking and mentorship opportunities for surgical trainees and young surgeons

Establishing RAS Representatives within each ACS chapter is a priority of the ACS. As chapters strive to provide educational, advocacy, and leadership opportunities for all local surgeons, representation from surgical trainees (residents and those in fellowship) and young surgeons (Associate Fellows) on the governing council of chapters is increasingly important. Chapters benefit from having RAS Representatives on their Chapter Council in the following ways:

• Chapters gain a fresh perspective of surgeons in training and surgeons new to practice
• Chapters create a pathway for young members to join and remain an active part ACS chapters
• RAS Representatives can promote peer-to-peer recruitment and distribution of information regarding the activities of the Chapter to trainees and young surgeons in practice
• Chapters provide an opportunity for RAS Representatives to become future leaders of chapters and the American College of Surgeons
• RAS Representatives bring the energy and enthusiasm of trainees and young surgeons to chapter meetings and activities
• RAS Representatives can contribute to the planning of events specifically for trainees and Associate Fellows

RAS Representatives are typically selected by chapters and not by the College. However, if a chapter needs assistance in identifying RAS Representatives, the RAS-ACS can assist.

An article in the bylaws of a chapter can specifically include a RAS Representative. One option (A) is an appointment by the Chapter President/Council, and another option (B) is an election by a RAS committee. This second option requires an active committee within the chapter and may include a representative of all surgical residencies located within the chapter’s boundaries. Additionally, each chapter must decide whether to make its RAS Representative a voting member or a non-voting member of the Council. The College recommends that the RAS Representative be a voting member. Located below is suggested language to amend the bylaws of a chapter to include a RAS Representative.

RAS Representative Appointed by President/Council

A member of the Resident and Associate Society (RAS) of the College in good standing, appointed by the (President/Council) of the Chapter to serve a two (2) year term. The RAS representative is a voting member of the Council. The President/Council will appoint two RAS Representatives that are (A) an Associate Fellow living or working within the boundaries of the Chapter, and (B) a surgical trainee (resident member or members in fellowship training) associated with a graduate medical education institution located within the chapter’s boundaries.

RAS Representative Elected by RAS Committee

A member of the Resident and Associate Society (RAS) of the College in good standing, selected by the RAS Committee via an election to serve a two (2) year term. The RAS representative is a voting member of the Council. The RAS Committee holds elections for two RAS Representatives who must be (A) an Associate Fellow living or working within the boundaries of the Chapter, or (B) a surgical trainee (resident member or member in fellowship) associated with a graduate medical education institution located within the chapter’s boundaries.

Regardless of selection process, RAS Representatives are expected to bring the ideas and concerns of surgical trainees and Associate Fellows to the attention of the chapter council. RAS Representatives should also report back to the members of their respected constituents regarding chapter business. These constituents are to include residents, Associate Fellows, and Fellows in that local chapter’s jurisdiction.

RAS Representatives selected to be on a chapter council should act with integrity and professionalism while serving in their advisory role. Respecting that chapters have different governance structures, chapter leadership and the RAS Representative should together outline the expectations and goals for the defined term. These expectations and goals may include:

• Active participation in chapter council meetings
• Serving as the voice on the Council for surgical trainees of all specialties and Associate Fellows located in the chapter area
• Assisting the chapter in its efforts to recruit and engage surgical trainees and Associate Fellows in the programs offered by the chapter and the ACS
• Reviewing the monthly RAS-ACS e-newsletter and sharing relevant information with chapter leadership
• Attending one of the monthly RAS-ACS committee teleconferences and sharing relevant information with the chapter leadership
• Attending quarterly RAS Chapter Representative conference calls, which are designed to facilitate cross communication between RAS Representatives of all chapters
• Attending the educational meetings and advocacy days of the chapter
• Attending Clinical Congress and the Leadership & Advocacy Summit is strongly encouraged
• Attending the quarterly Associate Committee conference calls (for Associate Fellow RAS Representatives)

There are several programming opportunities that RAS Representatives can assist with implementing. Chapter Services and RAS developed an interview series to spotlight several engagement activities within ACS chapters. These “how to” videos include:

• Surgical Jeopardy Competitions
• Surgical Skills Competitions
• American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) Review Sessions
• Mock Orals
• Resident Research Events such as Paper or Poster Competitions

RAS Representatives interested in implementing any of the abovementioned activities, or other idea such as those listed below, should discuss them with chapter leadership.

• ACS Case Reviews in Surgery Competition
• Survivor Game
• Encouraging residents to transition to Associate Fellow
• Encouraging Associate Fellows to apply for FACS

It is important to report updated contact information for both your surgical trainee and Associate Fellow RAS Representatives, along with their expected term of service, to Martha Zuniga, Program Coordinator, Chapter Services, at mzuniga@facs.org. Should the chapter become aware that its RAS Representative is no longer an ACS member, it will replace the role with another surgeon eligible for the position and will notify Chapter Services immediately.

Chapter Services works closely with the RAS-ACS Executive Committee and the Board of Governors Chapter Activities Workgroup Liaison, who reports to the RAS-ACS Executive Council. The RAS Representatives for each chapter will be supported and will provide semi-annual activity reports to the Chapter Activities Workgroup Liaison.

The RAS-ACS Domestic Chapter Liaison will hold quarterly meetings with RAS Chapter Representatives. This will be an opportunity for RAS Representatives to share emerging concerns and best-practices.

Questions about RAS Chapter Representatives can be directed to Luke Moreau, Manager, Domestic Chapter Services, at lmoreau@facs.org.