Purpose
The ACS Division of Education continues to play a pivotal national leadership role in surgical education, which is exemplified by our Certificate in Applied Surgical Education Leadership (CASEL) initiative. An assessment of past ACS Surgeons as Educators Course participants confirmed the need for this additional formal training to further develop the specific skills necessary to be a leader in surgical education. A review of existing, related programs illustrates that CASEL will be a unique educational experience, with an emphasis on applied surgical education and leadership.
Hilary Sanfey, MB, BCh, MHPE, FACS, FRCSI, FRCSEd(Hon), MAMSE, co-leads this effort with Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, MAMSE. CASEL offers content and skill-building opportunities using a mentored, hybrid-delivery model with an emphasis on applied learning. Participants will implement a relevant surgical education leadership project at their home institutions.
Mission and Goals
The mission of CASEL is to promote excellence in surgical education leaders, improve the quality of surgical training, and, ultimately, patient care. The goals of CASEL are to:
- Prepare participants for leadership roles in surgical education at a level that allows for the highest educational standards
- Positively impact quality and patient safety through lifelong surgical education and training
- Improve surgical education at an institutional and departmental level by promoting innovation and change
Time Commitment
- CASEL Kick-Off: Approximately 20 hours of educational content held in Chicago, IL, April 18–20, 2024
- CASEL Virtual Post-Kick-Off Sessions: 6–8 90-minute evening sessions
- Mentor Meetings: Expected 1 hour per month
- Quarterly Check-Ins: June 2024, September 2024, January 2025, March 2025 – each 60-90 minutes
- Individualized Project Work: Ongoing throughout CASEL program
- Final Presentation and Graduation: 5–7 hours as part of 2025 CASEL Kick-Off
Tuition
The tuition for CASEL will be $3,950 for members of the American College of Surgeons and $4,250 for non-members.
Outcomes
Following the in-person launch April 18–20, 2024, participants will work remotely with mentors and faculty monthly throughout the ensuing year on their individual institution projects, culminating in a formal presentation in Spring 2025. Additionally, communities of CASEL graduates will be established to promote collaboration.
Upon completion of CASEL, participants will be expected to:
- Demonstrate critical skills and knowledge of current trends and practices for serving as an effective surgical education leader
- Implement a project—with the guidance of a mentor(s)—of personal and professional interest and supported by their institution or organization
- Submit project findings for presentation and/or prepare a manuscript for publication
- Provide self-assessment and program evaluation for purposes of individual and program enhancements
The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
How to Apply
Deadline extended to January 2, 2024. Applications to the CASEL program are now open for the 2023-2024 cycle. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at acscasel@facs.org.
