News From the College

Sir Murray F. Brennan, MD, FACS, was named a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit on January 1, for his service to medicine as part of the Queen’s New Year Honours. A native New Zealander, Dr. Brennan is the Benno C. Schmidt Chair in Clinical Oncology, vice-president for international programs, and director of The Bobst International Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY. Dr. Brennan adds knighthood to a long list of accolades that he has received throughout his distinguished career as a cancer surgeon. In 2000, he received the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award.

Crowning achievements in cancer care

Born in Auckland, Dr. Brennan received a degree in mathematics from the University of New Zealand and a medical degree from the University of Otago, Dunedin. He performed advanced laboratory and clinical work at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Joslin Research Laboratories, Boston, MA. After residency, Dr. Brennan joined the National Cancer Institute, where he led the surgical metabolism section. He began his career at the MSKCC in 1981 as chief of gastric and mixed tumor service. From 1985 to 2006, Dr. Brennan chaired the department of surgery at MSKCC. In 1994, MSKCC established the Murray F. Brennan Chair in Surgery. Throughout his career at MSKCC, he also has served as a professor of surgery at Cornell University in New York.

Dr. Brennan is recognized around the world for his extraordinary achievements in enhancing the medical and scientific communities’ understanding of tumor biology, in evaluating the proper role of surgery and other therapies in caring for patients with cancer, and for training young surgeons and serving as a mentor to developing surgical scientists. Dr. Brennan’s clinical and research interests have centered on surgical oncology, endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition. He has designed and conducted numerous clinical trials, which have produced significant findings in the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas and pancreatic cancer, and played a leading role in creating the world’s largest database of more than 10,000 sarcoma patients.

Leader of surgical organizations

An ACS Fellow since 1977, Dr. Brennan has served the College in numerous capacities. He served as ACS Second Vice-President (2004–2005) and is a former Chair of the Commission on Cancer, the Surgical Forum Committee, and the International Relations Committee. In 2012, the Fellows Leadership Society of the ACS presented the Distinguished Philanthropist Award to Dr. Brennan in recognition of his philanthropic endeavors, his service to the surgical profession, and his all-encompassing support of the College. Also in 2012, the Murray F. Brennan International Scholarship was endowed through the ACS Foundation with the support of more than 100 donors.

Dr. Brennan has played an active leadership role in many other surgical organizations. He has served as director of the American Board of Surgery and president of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the James IV Association, the Society of Clinical Surgery, the International Gastric Cancer Association, and the American Surgical Association.

Dr. Brennan is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Edinburgh, England, and Australasia; the Brazilian and Chilean Surgical colleges; the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Canada; a number of international surgical societies; and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. He has received honorary doctorates from the Universities of Edinburgh, Otago, and Gothenburg, and the University College of London. In 1995, he was honored with membership in the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.The investiture ceremony for knights will take place in May. For more information, go to www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/1402, www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/64541572/highest-honour-for-surgeon-murray-brennan, and www.odt.co.nz/news/national/328643/new-year-honours-2015.

Sir Murray F. Brennan, MD, FACS, was named a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit on January 1, for his service to medicine as part of the Queen’s New Year Honours. A native New Zealander, Dr. Brennan is the Benno C. Schmidt Chair in Clinical Oncology, vice-president for international programs, and director of The Bobst International Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY. Dr. Brennan adds knighthood to a long list of accolades that he has received throughout his distinguished career as a cancer surgeon. In 2000, he received the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award.

Crowning achievements in cancer care

Born in Auckland, Dr. Brennan received a degree in mathematics from the University of New Zealand and a medical degree from the University of Otago, Dunedin. He performed advanced laboratory and clinical work at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Joslin Research Laboratories, Boston, MA. After residency, Dr. Brennan joined the National Cancer Institute, where he led the surgical metabolism section. He began his career at the MSKCC in 1981 as chief of gastric and mixed tumor service. From 1985 to 2006, Dr. Brennan chaired the department of surgery at MSKCC. In 1994, MSKCC established the Murray F. Brennan Chair in Surgery. Throughout his career at MSKCC, he also has served as a professor of surgery at Cornell University in New York.

Dr. Brennan is recognized around the world for his extraordinary achievements in enhancing the medical and scientific communities’ understanding of tumor biology, in evaluating the proper role of surgery and other therapies in caring for patients with cancer, and for training young surgeons and serving as a mentor to developing surgical scientists. Dr. Brennan’s clinical and research interests have centered on surgical oncology, endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition. He has designed and conducted numerous clinical trials, which have produced significant findings in the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas and pancreatic cancer, and played a leading role in creating the world’s largest database of more than 10,000 sarcoma patients.

Leader of surgical organizations

An ACS Fellow since 1977, Dr. Brennan has served the College in numerous capacities. He served as ACS Second Vice-President (2004–2005) and is a former Chair of the Commission on Cancer, the Surgical Forum Committee, and the International Relations Committee. In 2012, the Fellows Leadership Society of the ACS presented the Distinguished Philanthropist Award to Dr. Brennan in recognition of his philanthropic endeavors, his service to the surgical profession, and his all-encompassing support of the College. Also in 2012, the Murray F. Brennan International Scholarship was endowed through the ACS Foundation with the support of more than 100 donors.

Dr. Brennan has played an active leadership role in many other surgical organizations. He has served as director of the American Board of Surgery and president of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the James IV Association, the Society of Clinical Surgery, the International Gastric Cancer Association, and the American Surgical Association.

Dr. Brennan is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Edinburgh, England, and Australasia; the Brazilian and Chilean Surgical colleges; the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Canada; a number of international surgical societies; and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. He has received honorary doctorates from the Universities of Edinburgh, Otago, and Gothenburg, and the University College of London. In 1995, he was honored with membership in the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.The investiture ceremony for knights will take place in May. For more information, go to www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/1402, www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/64541572/highest-honour-for-surgeon-murray-brennan, and www.odt.co.nz/news/national/328643/new-year-honours-2015.

Sir Murray F. Brennan, MD, FACS, was named a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit on January 1, for his service to medicine as part of the Queen’s New Year Honours. A native New Zealander, Dr. Brennan is the Benno C. Schmidt Chair in Clinical Oncology, vice-president for international programs, and director of The Bobst International Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY. Dr. Brennan adds knighthood to a long list of accolades that he has received throughout his distinguished career as a cancer surgeon. In 2000, he received the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award.

Crowning achievements in cancer care

Born in Auckland, Dr. Brennan received a degree in mathematics from the University of New Zealand and a medical degree from the University of Otago, Dunedin. He performed advanced laboratory and clinical work at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Joslin Research Laboratories, Boston, MA. After residency, Dr. Brennan joined the National Cancer Institute, where he led the surgical metabolism section. He began his career at the MSKCC in 1981 as chief of gastric and mixed tumor service. From 1985 to 2006, Dr. Brennan chaired the department of surgery at MSKCC. In 1994, MSKCC established the Murray F. Brennan Chair in Surgery. Throughout his career at MSKCC, he also has served as a professor of surgery at Cornell University in New York.

Dr. Brennan is recognized around the world for his extraordinary achievements in enhancing the medical and scientific communities’ understanding of tumor biology, in evaluating the proper role of surgery and other therapies in caring for patients with cancer, and for training young surgeons and serving as a mentor to developing surgical scientists. Dr. Brennan’s clinical and research interests have centered on surgical oncology, endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition. He has designed and conducted numerous clinical trials, which have produced significant findings in the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas and pancreatic cancer, and played a leading role in creating the world’s largest database of more than 10,000 sarcoma patients.

Leader of surgical organizations

An ACS Fellow since 1977, Dr. Brennan has served the College in numerous capacities. He served as ACS Second Vice-President (2004–2005) and is a former Chair of the Commission on Cancer, the Surgical Forum Committee, and the International Relations Committee. In 2012, the Fellows Leadership Society of the ACS presented the Distinguished Philanthropist Award to Dr. Brennan in recognition of his philanthropic endeavors, his service to the surgical profession, and his all-encompassing support of the College. Also in 2012, the Murray F. Brennan International Scholarship was endowed through the ACS Foundation with the support of more than 100 donors.

Dr. Brennan has played an active leadership role in many other surgical organizations. He has served as director of the American Board of Surgery and president of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the James IV Association, the Society of Clinical Surgery, the International Gastric Cancer Association, and the American Surgical Association.

Dr. Brennan is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Edinburgh, England, and Australasia; the Brazilian and Chilean Surgical colleges; the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Canada; a number of international surgical societies; and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. He has received honorary doctorates from the Universities of Edinburgh, Otago, and Gothenburg, and the University College of London. In 1995, he was honored with membership in the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.The investiture ceremony for knights will take place in May. For more information, go to www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/1402, www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/64541572/highest-honour-for-surgeon-murray-brennan, and www.odt.co.nz/news/national/328643/new-year-honours-2015.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation Chair, Amilu Stewart, MD, FACS, announced in late January that two major gifts to the 1913 Legacy Campaign have increased the total contributed to more than $3 million. One gift was designated to the ACS scholarships program, and the other will be directed for the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual.

Last year, the College awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarship funding to surgeons for professional development and research opportunities. The AJCC, administered by ACS Cancer Programs, provides worldwide leadership in the development, promotion, and maintenance of evidence-based systems for the classification and management of cancer in collaboration with multidisciplinary organizations dedicated to cancer surveillance and to improving care.

“We are grateful for these recent donations that will support efforts that are core to the College’s mission of optimal patient care and education. The nearly 300 donors who have each invested at least $1,913 in this special initiative are all important partners in the philanthropic work of the College. Every donation makes a meaningful impact for the surgical profession and patients,” said Dr. Stewart. Donors giving to the campaign with a legacy (bequest gift) also receive membership in the Mayne Heritage Society, the planned giving recognition program of the ACS Foundation.

The ACS Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers have led the 1913 Legacy Campaign to maintain the vital role of the College and strengthen high-impact services for its next 100 years. Philanthropic investments within three priority campaign initiatives are benefiting—the Surgeon, the Profession, and the Societal Good.

To see a complete list of 1913 Legacy Campaign donors or to make your own donation, visit the Foundation website at www.facs.org/1913Campaign.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation Chair, Amilu Stewart, MD, FACS, announced in late January that two major gifts to the 1913 Legacy Campaign have increased the total contributed to more than $3 million. One gift was designated to the ACS scholarships program, and the other will be directed for the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual.

Last year, the College awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarship funding to surgeons for professional development and research opportunities. The AJCC, administered by ACS Cancer Programs, provides worldwide leadership in the development, promotion, and maintenance of evidence-based systems for the classification and management of cancer in collaboration with multidisciplinary organizations dedicated to cancer surveillance and to improving care.

“We are grateful for these recent donations that will support efforts that are core to the College’s mission of optimal patient care and education. The nearly 300 donors who have each invested at least $1,913 in this special initiative are all important partners in the philanthropic work of the College. Every donation makes a meaningful impact for the surgical profession and patients,” said Dr. Stewart. Donors giving to the campaign with a legacy (bequest gift) also receive membership in the Mayne Heritage Society, the planned giving recognition program of the ACS Foundation.

The ACS Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers have led the 1913 Legacy Campaign to maintain the vital role of the College and strengthen high-impact services for its next 100 years. Philanthropic investments within three priority campaign initiatives are benefiting—the Surgeon, the Profession, and the Societal Good.

To see a complete list of 1913 Legacy Campaign donors or to make your own donation, visit the Foundation website at www.facs.org/1913Campaign.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation Chair, Amilu Stewart, MD, FACS, announced in late January that two major gifts to the 1913 Legacy Campaign have increased the total contributed to more than $3 million. One gift was designated to the ACS scholarships program, and the other will be directed for the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual.

Last year, the College awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarship funding to surgeons for professional development and research opportunities. The AJCC, administered by ACS Cancer Programs, provides worldwide leadership in the development, promotion, and maintenance of evidence-based systems for the classification and management of cancer in collaboration with multidisciplinary organizations dedicated to cancer surveillance and to improving care.

“We are grateful for these recent donations that will support efforts that are core to the College’s mission of optimal patient care and education. The nearly 300 donors who have each invested at least $1,913 in this special initiative are all important partners in the philanthropic work of the College. Every donation makes a meaningful impact for the surgical profession and patients,” said Dr. Stewart. Donors giving to the campaign with a legacy (bequest gift) also receive membership in the Mayne Heritage Society, the planned giving recognition program of the ACS Foundation.

The ACS Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers have led the 1913 Legacy Campaign to maintain the vital role of the College and strengthen high-impact services for its next 100 years. Philanthropic investments within three priority campaign initiatives are benefiting—the Surgeon, the Profession, and the Societal Good.

To see a complete list of 1913 Legacy Campaign donors or to make your own donation, visit the Foundation website at www.facs.org/1913Campaign.

Brooke M. Buckley, MD, FACS, emergency surgeon and medical director, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Acute Care Surgeons, Annapolis, MD, was recently elected 2015–2016 president of the Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi). Dr. Buckley served as co-chair of the MedChi legislative council, 2011−2013, and has been on the board of the MedChi political action committee since 2010.

Luther F. Cobb, MD, FACS, was installed as the 147th president of the California Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Cobb has dedicated many years to the betterment of health care in California and formerly served as chair of the CMA Council on Legislation and president of the Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society. Over the course of the last year, he played a significant role in the successful campaign to defeat Proposition 46, with 67 percent of the California electorate voting against it. This proposal would have increased California’s $250,000 cap on noneconomic damage awards in medical liability lawsuits to $1.1 million.

Read Dr. Cobb’s president’s message in the January 14, 2015, issue of CMA News at www.cmanet.org/m/news/detail.dT/presidents-message-the-coming-year-and-beyond.

Alvin Crawford, MD, FACS, co-director of the Crawford Spine Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, has received a number of awards in recent months. He was among four individuals honored as 2014 Great Living Cincinnatians by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Since 1967, the Regional Chamber has honored more than 135 residents with the annual Great Living Cincinnatian Awards, based on such criteria as community service; business and civic attainment at a local, state, national, or international level; leadership; awareness of the needs of others; and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to their community, institution, or organization. Dr. Crawford also received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America in 2014, its highest honor. In addition, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scoliosis Research Society, the premier organization for spinal deformities. On February 12, the Cincinnati Business Courier honored Dr. Crawford with the 2015 Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brandon Snook, MD, FACS, Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV, graduated as a categorical active duty resident in acute care surgery from the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, the state’s only Level I trauma and burn center, in July 2013. He is part of a program called Sustained Medical and Readiness Trained, which helps medical officers stay current with the latest medical and surgical techniques used on the battlefield. In January, Lieutenant General Thomas W. Travis, MD, U.S. Air Force (USAF) Surgeon General, toured the UMC’s emergency department and formally announced the expansion of the medical center’s two-year training program, in partnership with the USAF and Nellis Air Force Base, NV. John Fildes, MD, FACS, department of surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, and Past Medical Director of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, has been an active participant in the embedding of active duty residents into emergency medicine. As a result of this partnership, more USAF medical specialists from around the country will expand their acute care training at the UMC.

Brooke M. Buckley, MD, FACS, emergency surgeon and medical director, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Acute Care Surgeons, Annapolis, MD, was recently elected 2015–2016 president of the Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi). Dr. Buckley served as co-chair of the MedChi legislative council, 2011−2013, and has been on the board of the MedChi political action committee since 2010.

Luther F. Cobb, MD, FACS, was installed as the 147th president of the California Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Cobb has dedicated many years to the betterment of health care in California and formerly served as chair of the CMA Council on Legislation and president of the Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society. Over the course of the last year, he played a significant role in the successful campaign to defeat Proposition 46, with 67 percent of the California electorate voting against it. This proposal would have increased California’s $250,000 cap on noneconomic damage awards in medical liability lawsuits to $1.1 million.

Read Dr. Cobb’s president’s message in the January 14, 2015, issue of CMA News at www.cmanet.org/m/news/detail.dT/presidents-message-the-coming-year-and-beyond.

Alvin Crawford, MD, FACS, co-director of the Crawford Spine Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, has received a number of awards in recent months. He was among four individuals honored as 2014 Great Living Cincinnatians by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Since 1967, the Regional Chamber has honored more than 135 residents with the annual Great Living Cincinnatian Awards, based on such criteria as community service; business and civic attainment at a local, state, national, or international level; leadership; awareness of the needs of others; and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to their community, institution, or organization. Dr. Crawford also received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America in 2014, its highest honor. In addition, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scoliosis Research Society, the premier organization for spinal deformities. On February 12, the Cincinnati Business Courier honored Dr. Crawford with the 2015 Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brandon Snook, MD, FACS, Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV, graduated as a categorical active duty resident in acute care surgery from the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, the state’s only Level I trauma and burn center, in July 2013. He is part of a program called Sustained Medical and Readiness Trained, which helps medical officers stay current with the latest medical and surgical techniques used on the battlefield. In January, Lieutenant General Thomas W. Travis, MD, U.S. Air Force (USAF) Surgeon General, toured the UMC’s emergency department and formally announced the expansion of the medical center’s two-year training program, in partnership with the USAF and Nellis Air Force Base, NV. John Fildes, MD, FACS, department of surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, and Past Medical Director of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, has been an active participant in the embedding of active duty residents into emergency medicine. As a result of this partnership, more USAF medical specialists from around the country will expand their acute care training at the UMC.

Brooke M. Buckley, MD, FACS, emergency surgeon and medical director, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Acute Care Surgeons, Annapolis, MD, was recently elected 2015–2016 president of the Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi). Dr. Buckley served as co-chair of the MedChi legislative council, 2011−2013, and has been on the board of the MedChi political action committee since 2010.

Luther F. Cobb, MD, FACS, was installed as the 147th president of the California Medical Association (CMA). Dr. Cobb has dedicated many years to the betterment of health care in California and formerly served as chair of the CMA Council on Legislation and president of the Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society. Over the course of the last year, he played a significant role in the successful campaign to defeat Proposition 46, with 67 percent of the California electorate voting against it. This proposal would have increased California’s $250,000 cap on noneconomic damage awards in medical liability lawsuits to $1.1 million.

Read Dr. Cobb’s president’s message in the January 14, 2015, issue of CMA News at www.cmanet.org/m/news/detail.dT/presidents-message-the-coming-year-and-beyond.

Alvin Crawford, MD, FACS, co-director of the Crawford Spine Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, has received a number of awards in recent months. He was among four individuals honored as 2014 Great Living Cincinnatians by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Since 1967, the Regional Chamber has honored more than 135 residents with the annual Great Living Cincinnatian Awards, based on such criteria as community service; business and civic attainment at a local, state, national, or international level; leadership; awareness of the needs of others; and distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to their community, institution, or organization. Dr. Crawford also received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America in 2014, its highest honor. In addition, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scoliosis Research Society, the premier organization for spinal deformities. On February 12, the Cincinnati Business Courier honored Dr. Crawford with the 2015 Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brandon Snook, MD, FACS, Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV, graduated as a categorical active duty resident in acute care surgery from the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, the state’s only Level I trauma and burn center, in July 2013. He is part of a program called Sustained Medical and Readiness Trained, which helps medical officers stay current with the latest medical and surgical techniques used on the battlefield. In January, Lieutenant General Thomas W. Travis, MD, U.S. Air Force (USAF) Surgeon General, toured the UMC’s emergency department and formally announced the expansion of the medical center’s two-year training program, in partnership with the USAF and Nellis Air Force Base, NV. John Fildes, MD, FACS, department of surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, and Past Medical Director of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, has been an active participant in the embedding of active duty residents into emergency medicine. As a result of this partnership, more USAF medical specialists from around the country will expand their acute care training at the UMC.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Research Committee is accepting nominations for the eleventh Joan L. and Julius H. Jacobson II Promising Investigator Award, to be conferred in 2015. This award recognizes outstanding surgeons engaged in research, advancing the art and science of surgery, and demonstrating early promise of significant contribution to the practice of surgery and the safety of surgical patients.

Surgeons who are at the “tipping point” of their research careers with a track record indicative of early promise and potential will receive special consideration. Well-established surgeon-scientists are ineligible for this award. To be considered for the award this year, submissions must be received no later than March 27.For complete details on award criteria and nomination procedures, visit the Jacobson Promising Investigator Award section on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/quality%20programs/about/cqi/Jacobson. For additional information, contact Carla Manosalvas, Administrator, Committees and Educational Programs Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, at jacobsonpia@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Research Committee is accepting nominations for the eleventh Joan L. and Julius H. Jacobson II Promising Investigator Award, to be conferred in 2015. This award recognizes outstanding surgeons engaged in research, advancing the art and science of surgery, and demonstrating early promise of significant contribution to the practice of surgery and the safety of surgical patients.

Surgeons who are at the “tipping point” of their research careers with a track record indicative of early promise and potential will receive special consideration. Well-established surgeon-scientists are ineligible for this award. To be considered for the award this year, submissions must be received no later than March 27.For complete details on award criteria and nomination procedures, visit the Jacobson Promising Investigator Award section on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/quality%20programs/about/cqi/Jacobson. For additional information, contact Carla Manosalvas, Administrator, Committees and Educational Programs Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, at jacobsonpia@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Research Committee is accepting nominations for the eleventh Joan L. and Julius H. Jacobson II Promising Investigator Award, to be conferred in 2015. This award recognizes outstanding surgeons engaged in research, advancing the art and science of surgery, and demonstrating early promise of significant contribution to the practice of surgery and the safety of surgical patients.

Surgeons who are at the “tipping point” of their research careers with a track record indicative of early promise and potential will receive special consideration. Well-established surgeon-scientists are ineligible for this award. To be considered for the award this year, submissions must be received no later than March 27.For complete details on award criteria and nomination procedures, visit the Jacobson Promising Investigator Award section on the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/quality%20programs/about/cqi/Jacobson. For additional information, contact Carla Manosalvas, Administrator, Committees and Educational Programs Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, at jacobsonpia@facs.org.

The application period for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) two-year on-site Clinical Scholars in Residence Fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy for positions starting in 2016 opened January 1, 2015. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed two years of clinical training and are able to obtain two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. Applicants must be members in good standing of the ACS. The application deadline is April 3, 2015.

The Clinical Scholar in Residence will have the opportunity to work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the College’s quality improvement initiatives and to perform research relevant to ongoing ACS projects. Participants will also earn a master’s degree during their two years. The Clinical Scholar will be mentored in clinical, statistical, and health services research. Since the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program began in 2005, the participants have gone on to have successful careers in this field.

Clinical Scholars in Residence dates:

Application deadline: April 3, 2015

Interview notification: May 1, 2015

Interview Process: May 1–31, 2015

Notification of appointment: June 12, 2015

Starting date: July 1, 2016

View more information on the Clinical Scholars in Residence Program on the ACS website at www.facs.org/ropc/clinicalscholars.html. If you have additional questions, contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at clinicalscholars@facs.org.

The application period for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) two-year on-site Clinical Scholars in Residence Fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy for positions starting in 2016 opened January 1, 2015. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed two years of clinical training and are able to obtain two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. Applicants must be members in good standing of the ACS. The application deadline is April 3, 2015.

The Clinical Scholar in Residence will have the opportunity to work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the College’s quality improvement initiatives and to perform research relevant to ongoing ACS projects. Participants will also earn a master’s degree during their two years. The Clinical Scholar will be mentored in clinical, statistical, and health services research. Since the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program began in 2005, the participants have gone on to have successful careers in this field.

Clinical Scholars in Residence dates:

Application deadline: April 3, 2015

Interview notification: May 1, 2015

Interview Process: May 1–31, 2015

Notification of appointment: June 12, 2015

Starting date: July 1, 2016

View more information on the Clinical Scholars in Residence Program on the ACS website at www.facs.org/ropc/clinicalscholars.html. If you have additional questions, contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at clinicalscholars@facs.org.

The application period for the American College of Surgeons (ACS) two-year on-site Clinical Scholars in Residence Fellowship in surgical outcomes research, health services research, and health care policy for positions starting in 2016 opened January 1, 2015. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed two years of clinical training and are able to obtain two years of program funding from their home institution or other granting agency. Applicants must be members in good standing of the ACS. The application deadline is April 3, 2015.

The Clinical Scholar in Residence will have the opportunity to work in multiple areas within the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care to advance the College’s quality improvement initiatives and to perform research relevant to ongoing ACS projects. Participants will also earn a master’s degree during their two years. The Clinical Scholar will be mentored in clinical, statistical, and health services research. Since the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program began in 2005, the participants have gone on to have successful careers in this field.

Clinical Scholars in Residence dates:

Application deadline: April 3, 2015

Interview notification: May 1, 2015

Interview Process: May 1–31, 2015

Notification of appointment: June 12, 2015

Starting date: July 1, 2016

View more information on the Clinical Scholars in Residence Program on the ACS website at www.facs.org/ropc/clinicalscholars.html. If you have additional questions, contact the ACS Clinical Scholars in Residence Program at clinicalscholars@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is accepting nominations for the 2015 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award, made possible in part through grant support from Pfizer, Inc. All nominations for the awards, which celebrate the power of humanitarian outreach, must be received by Friday, February 27. College members hold the awards in high esteem and have been inspired by the memorable stories shared by the extraordinary surgeons who have been recipients of the awards. The 2014 recipient of the Surgical Volunteerism International Award, Robert Bach, MD, FACS, North Haven, ME, said, “I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing, promoting giving back, as my experience in Nicaragua has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. To quote St. Francis of Assisi, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’ We always take away more than we give. I would also say that the one-to-one relationships that we form in helping our colleagues abroad teach us how to do and live with less. The experience of receiving the award at the Clinical Congress enabled me to meet surgeons with similar interests, take practical courses of value on the field, and feel honored by a highly respected organization.”

Submit nominations online at http://web2.facs.org/ogb. Go to the ACS website for more details about the awards at https://www.facs.org/member-services/volunteer.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is accepting nominations for the 2015 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award, made possible in part through grant support from Pfizer, Inc. All nominations for the awards, which celebrate the power of humanitarian outreach, must be received by Friday, February 27. College members hold the awards in high esteem and have been inspired by the memorable stories shared by the extraordinary surgeons who have been recipients of the awards. The 2014 recipient of the Surgical Volunteerism International Award, Robert Bach, MD, FACS, North Haven, ME, said, “I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing, promoting giving back, as my experience in Nicaragua has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. To quote St. Francis of Assisi, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’ We always take away more than we give. I would also say that the one-to-one relationships that we form in helping our colleagues abroad teach us how to do and live with less. The experience of receiving the award at the Clinical Congress enabled me to meet surgeons with similar interests, take practical courses of value on the field, and feel honored by a highly respected organization.”

Submit nominations online at http://web2.facs.org/ogb. Go to the ACS website for more details about the awards at https://www.facs.org/member-services/volunteer.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is accepting nominations for the 2015 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award, made possible in part through grant support from Pfizer, Inc. All nominations for the awards, which celebrate the power of humanitarian outreach, must be received by Friday, February 27. College members hold the awards in high esteem and have been inspired by the memorable stories shared by the extraordinary surgeons who have been recipients of the awards. The 2014 recipient of the Surgical Volunteerism International Award, Robert Bach, MD, FACS, North Haven, ME, said, “I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing, promoting giving back, as my experience in Nicaragua has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. To quote St. Francis of Assisi, ‘It is in giving that we receive.’ We always take away more than we give. I would also say that the one-to-one relationships that we form in helping our colleagues abroad teach us how to do and live with less. The experience of receiving the award at the Clinical Congress enabled me to meet surgeons with similar interests, take practical courses of value on the field, and feel honored by a highly respected organization.”

Submit nominations online at http://web2.facs.org/ogb. Go to the ACS website for more details about the awards at https://www.facs.org/member-services/volunteer.

The electronic abstract submission site is now available to receive research and video abstracts for the 2015 ACS Clinical Congress, October 4−8 in Chicago, IL.

The deadline for abstract submissions is 5:00 pm, CST, on Monday, March 2. Submissions can be made via the ACS website at abstracts.facs.org. Revisions may be made until the deadline. No revisions or submissions will be accepted after the deadline. For more information, contact scientificforum@facs.org for oral or poster abstract submissions, and acsvideoeducation@facs.org for video-based education submissions.

The electronic abstract submission site is now available to receive research and video abstracts for the 2015 ACS Clinical Congress, October 4−8 in Chicago, IL.

The deadline for abstract submissions is 5:00 pm, CST, on Monday, March 2. Submissions can be made via the ACS website at abstracts.facs.org. Revisions may be made until the deadline. No revisions or submissions will be accepted after the deadline. For more information, contact scientificforum@facs.org for oral or poster abstract submissions, and acsvideoeducation@facs.org for video-based education submissions.

The electronic abstract submission site is now available to receive research and video abstracts for the 2015 ACS Clinical Congress, October 4−8 in Chicago, IL.

The deadline for abstract submissions is 5:00 pm, CST, on Monday, March 2. Submissions can be made via the ACS website at abstracts.facs.org. Revisions may be made until the deadline. No revisions or submissions will be accepted after the deadline. For more information, contact scientificforum@facs.org for oral or poster abstract submissions, and acsvideoeducation@facs.org for video-based education submissions.

The 2015 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the American College of Surgeons (ACS): President-Elect, First Vice-President Elect, and Second Vice-President Elect. The NCF will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and medical statesmanship, along with an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.

• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities that might be reflected by service and active participation on ACS committees or in other components of the College.

• Members of the Nominating Committee recognize the importance of achieving representation of all surgical specialties.

• The College encourages consideration of women and other underrepresented minorities.

All nominations must include a letter of recommendation, a personal statement from the candidate detailing ACS service (for President-Elect position only), a current curriculum vitae, and the name of one individual who can serve as a reference. In addition, nominating entities, such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, and ACS chapters, must provide a description of their selection process and the total list of applicants reviewed. Any attempt to contact members of the NCF by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed negatively and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 27. Submit nominations to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have questions, please contact Betty Sanders, staff liaison for the Nominating Committee of the Fellows, at 312-202-5360 or bsanders@facs.org.

The 2015 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the American College of Surgeons (ACS): President-Elect, First Vice-President Elect, and Second Vice-President Elect. The NCF will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and medical statesmanship, along with an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.

• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities that might be reflected by service and active participation on ACS committees or in other components of the College.

• Members of the Nominating Committee recognize the importance of achieving representation of all surgical specialties.

• The College encourages consideration of women and other underrepresented minorities.

All nominations must include a letter of recommendation, a personal statement from the candidate detailing ACS service (for President-Elect position only), a current curriculum vitae, and the name of one individual who can serve as a reference. In addition, nominating entities, such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, and ACS chapters, must provide a description of their selection process and the total list of applicants reviewed. Any attempt to contact members of the NCF by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed negatively and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 27. Submit nominations to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have questions, please contact Betty Sanders, staff liaison for the Nominating Committee of the Fellows, at 312-202-5360 or bsanders@facs.org.

The 2015 Nominating Committee of the Fellows (NCF) will select nominees for the three Officer-Elect positions of the American College of Surgeons (ACS): President-Elect, First Vice-President Elect, and Second Vice-President Elect. The NCF will use the following guidelines when considering potential candidates:

• Nominees must be loyal members of the College who have demonstrated outstanding integrity and medical statesmanship, along with an unquestioned devotion to the highest principles of surgical practice.

• Nominees must have demonstrated leadership qualities that might be reflected by service and active participation on ACS committees or in other components of the College.

• Members of the Nominating Committee recognize the importance of achieving representation of all surgical specialties.

• The College encourages consideration of women and other underrepresented minorities.

All nominations must include a letter of recommendation, a personal statement from the candidate detailing ACS service (for President-Elect position only), a current curriculum vitae, and the name of one individual who can serve as a reference. In addition, nominating entities, such as surgical specialty societies, ACS Advisory Councils, and ACS chapters, must provide a description of their selection process and the total list of applicants reviewed. Any attempt to contact members of the NCF by a candidate or on behalf of a candidate will be viewed negatively and may result in disqualification. Applications submitted without the requested information will not be considered. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 27. Submit nominations to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have questions, please contact Betty Sanders, staff liaison for the Nominating Committee of the Fellows, at 312-202-5360 or bsanders@facs.org.

Girma Tefera, MD, FACS, joined the staff of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services in early February as the new Medical Director of the Operation Giving Back (OGB) Program. OGB is a comprehensive resource that helps surgeons find volunteer opportunities worldwide that match their expertise and interests. A recipient of the ACS Surgical Volunteerism Award in 2011, Dr. Tefera is professor of surgery, department of surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition, he is vice-chair, division of vascular surgery and chief of vascular surgery, Middleton Veteran Affairs Hospital in Madison.

In his new role with the OGB program, Dr. Tefera will develop and lead ACS Clinical Congress programs in global surgery, coordinate the College’s response to disasters worldwide, develop new programs and opportunities for surgeon volunteers, communicate the work of OGB, and increase College participation and recognition among other similar global organizations. Dr. Tefera also will oversee a redesign of the OGB website to match members’ needs with volunteer opportunities. Dr. Tefera chairs the board of directors of the Ethiopian-American Doctors Group and is associate member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. View Dr. Tefera’s online biography at http://www.surgery.wisc.edu/profile/girma-tefera and more information about his international service at http://www.surgery.wisc.edu/international-collaborations/ethiopia-global-health-twinning-partnerships/.

Girma Tefera, MD, FACS, joined the staff of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services in early February as the new Medical Director of the Operation Giving Back (OGB) Program. OGB is a comprehensive resource that helps surgeons find volunteer opportunities worldwide that match their expertise and interests. A recipient of the ACS Surgical Volunteerism Award in 2011, Dr. Tefera is professor of surgery, department of surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition, he is vice-chair, division of vascular surgery and chief of vascular surgery, Middleton Veteran Affairs Hospital in Madison.

In his new role with the OGB program, Dr. Tefera will develop and lead ACS Clinical Congress programs in global surgery, coordinate the College’s response to disasters worldwide, develop new programs and opportunities for surgeon volunteers, communicate the work of OGB, and increase College participation and recognition among other similar global organizations. Dr. Tefera also will oversee a redesign of the OGB website to match members’ needs with volunteer opportunities. Dr. Tefera chairs the board of directors of the Ethiopian-American Doctors Group and is associate member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. View Dr. Tefera’s online biography at http://www.surgery.wisc.edu/profile/girma-tefera and more information about his international service at http://www.surgery.wisc.edu/international-collaborations/ethiopia-global-health-twinning-partnerships/.

Girma Tefera, MD, FACS, joined the staff of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services in early February as the new Medical Director of the Operation Giving Back (OGB) Program. OGB is a comprehensive resource that helps surgeons find volunteer opportunities worldwide that match their expertise and interests. A recipient of the ACS Surgical Volunteerism Award in 2011, Dr. Tefera is professor of surgery, department of surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition, he is vice-chair, division of vascular surgery and chief of vascular surgery, Middleton Veteran Affairs Hospital in Madison.

In his new role with the OGB program, Dr. Tefera will develop and lead ACS Clinical Congress programs in global surgery, coordinate the College’s response to disasters worldwide, develop new programs and opportunities for surgeon volunteers, communicate the work of OGB, and increase College participation and recognition among other similar global organizations. Dr. Tefera also will oversee a redesign of the OGB website to match members’ needs with volunteer opportunities. Dr. Tefera chairs the board of directors of the Ethiopian-American Doctors Group and is associate member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. View Dr. Tefera’s online biography at http://www.surgery.wisc.edu/profile/girma-tefera and more information about his international service at http://www.surgery.wisc.edu/international-collaborations/ethiopia-global-health-twinning-partnerships/.

M. Margaret (Peggy) Knudson, MD, FACS, has joined the Division of Member Services of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as Medical Director for the Military Health System (MHS) Strategic ACS Partnership. This partnership was officially established with the signing of a charter during Clinical Congress 2014.

Dr. Knudson will oversee the partnership and assist with the development of education, systems-based practices, and research to maintain and advance the clinical knowledge and skills for ensuring quality and readiness of the military health system.

Dr. Knudson is currently professor of surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and an attending trauma surgeon at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center where she also is actively involved in injury research and prevention. Dr. Knudson has been heavily engaged in the College’s trauma activities as a leader and active participant in the Committee on Trauma (COT) at the national and state levels; she served as vice-chair of the COT from 2006–2010. In that role she helped to develop the civilian-military surgical exchange program at the Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. View Dr. Knudson’s biography online at http://surgery.ucsf.edu/faculty/general-surgery/m-margaret-knudson-md.aspx.

M. Margaret (Peggy) Knudson, MD, FACS, has joined the Division of Member Services of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as Medical Director for the Military Health System (MHS) Strategic ACS Partnership. This partnership was officially established with the signing of a charter during Clinical Congress 2014.

Dr. Knudson will oversee the partnership and assist with the development of education, systems-based practices, and research to maintain and advance the clinical knowledge and skills for ensuring quality and readiness of the military health system.

Dr. Knudson is currently professor of surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and an attending trauma surgeon at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center where she also is actively involved in injury research and prevention. Dr. Knudson has been heavily engaged in the College’s trauma activities as a leader and active participant in the Committee on Trauma (COT) at the national and state levels; she served as vice-chair of the COT from 2006–2010. In that role she helped to develop the civilian-military surgical exchange program at the Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. View Dr. Knudson’s biography online at http://surgery.ucsf.edu/faculty/general-surgery/m-margaret-knudson-md.aspx.

M. Margaret (Peggy) Knudson, MD, FACS, has joined the Division of Member Services of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as Medical Director for the Military Health System (MHS) Strategic ACS Partnership. This partnership was officially established with the signing of a charter during Clinical Congress 2014.

Dr. Knudson will oversee the partnership and assist with the development of education, systems-based practices, and research to maintain and advance the clinical knowledge and skills for ensuring quality and readiness of the military health system.

Dr. Knudson is currently professor of surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and an attending trauma surgeon at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center where she also is actively involved in injury research and prevention. Dr. Knudson has been heavily engaged in the College’s trauma activities as a leader and active participant in the Committee on Trauma (COT) at the national and state levels; she served as vice-chair of the COT from 2006–2010. In that role she helped to develop the civilian-military surgical exchange program at the Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. View Dr. Knudson’s biography online at http://surgery.ucsf.edu/faculty/general-surgery/m-margaret-knudson-md.aspx.