American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress

Dear Colleagues,

I hereby invite you to attend the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, October 26–30, 2014, in San Francisco, CA. The Clinical Congress will once again provide a wide variety of sessions and courses designed to meet the highest possible standards of education and training for our surgeons with the overall goal of improving the safety and well-being of our surgical patients.

The Program Committee, chaired by Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, together with the Division of Education, under the leadership of Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, have organized an outstanding Scientific Program for 2014. Our President, Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, FRCSI(Hon), has articulated his theme for this year as “The Surgeon of the Future: Anchoring Innovation and Science with Moral Values.” In keeping with this theme, a number of sessions will address cutting-edge technology, evidence-based surgery, surgical education, professionalism, ethics, and social responsibility. Additionally, we are excited to bring several historically popular sessions back in 2014, due to continued high demand.

The Educational Program will include timely and critical topics presented in a variety of engaging formats. Diverse Panel Sessions presented by experts from across the surgical specialties and nonsurgical disciplines are included in these. We also have an exciting series of Named Lectures to be delivered by some of the most recognized leaders in their respective fields. Didactic Courses and Skills Courses will focus on advanced knowledge and skill acquisition in the most relevant domains through focused, applied learning.

The Scientific Program will include presentations of innovative research and surgical practices delivered orally as Paper and Surgical Forum Sessions in addition to Poster Presentations. The Video-Based Education Presentations will include interesting topic-oriented symposiums from all over the world. These sessions will be complemented by the more intimate setting of Meet-the-Expert Luncheons and Town Hall Meetings. In addition to these valuable educational and scientific sessions, supplemental activities focusing on our profession will be highlighted.

Attendees will again be able to obtain certificates of verification following their participation in Postgraduate Courses, and additional certificates will be provided for participation in specific sessions to help meet various regulatory mandates. The majority of our sessions and courses will now provide, in addition to AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, self-assessment credits toward Part 2 of the ABS MOC Program.

The Clinical Congress Program has been arranged in key thematic tracks, addressing content of interest to the surgical specialties as well as specialty-based tracks that address the learning needs of various specialty groups. The stimulating educational and scientific content along with abundant professional networking opportunities make the 2014 Clinical Congress an essential meeting for practicing surgeons, surgery residents, and members of surgical teams. On behalf of the American College of Surgeons, I look forward to welcoming you to San Francisco for Clinical Congress 2014.

With best regards,
Julie A. Freischlag, MD, FACS
Chair, Board of Regents