News From the College

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 who practice surgery.

The College encourages consideration of women and other underrepresented minorities.

All nominations must include the following:

•A letter of recommendation

•A personal statement from the candidate detailing ACS service (for President-Elect position only)

•A current curriculum vitae

•The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

In addition, nominating entities, such as surgical special 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 February 27. Submit nominations to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have questions, contact Betty Sanders, staff liaison for the NCF, 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 who practice surgery.

The College encourages consideration of women and other underrepresented minorities.

All nominations must include the following:

•A letter of recommendation

•A personal statement from the candidate detailing ACS service (for President-Elect position only)

•A current curriculum vitae

•The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

In addition, nominating entities, such as surgical special 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 February 27. Submit nominations to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have questions, contact Betty Sanders, staff liaison for the NCF, 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 who practice surgery.

The College encourages consideration of women and other underrepresented minorities.

All nominations must include the following:

•A letter of recommendation

•A personal statement from the candidate detailing ACS service (for President-Elect position only)

•A current curriculum vitae

•The name of one individual who can serve as a reference

In addition, nominating entities, such as surgical special 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 February 27. Submit nominations to officerandbrnominations@facs.org. If you have questions, contact Betty Sanders, staff liaison for the NCF, at 312-202-5360 or bsanders@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2015 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award. All nominations must be received by February 27.

Volunteerism Awards

The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award—offered annually in four potential categories—recognizes surgeons who are committed to giving back to society by making significant contributions to surgical care through organized volunteer activities. The awards for domestic, international, and military outreach are intended for ACS Fellows in active surgical practice whose volunteer activities go above and beyond the usual professional commitments, or retired Fellows who have been involved in volunteerism during their active practice and into retirement. Resident Members and Associate Fellows of the College who have been involved in significant surgical volunteer activities during their postgraduate surgical training are eligible for the Resident award. Surgeons of all specialties are eligible for each of these awards.

For the purposes of these awards, “volunteerism” is defined as professional work in which one’s time or talents are donated for charitable clinical, educational, or other worthwhile activities related to surgery. Volunteerism, in this case, does not refer to uncompensated care provided as a matter of necessity in most clinical practices. Instead, volunteerism should be characterized by prospective, planned surgical care to underserved patients with no anticipation of reimbursement or economic gain.

Humanitarian Award

The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award recognizes an ACS Fellow whose career has been dedicated to ensuring the provision of surgical care to underserved populations without expectation of commensurate reimbursement.

This award is intended for surgeons who have dedicated a significant portion of their surgical careers to full-time or near full-time humanitarian efforts, rather than routine surgical practice. Examples include a career centered on missionary surgery, the founding and ongoing operations of a charitable organization dedicated to providing surgical care to the underserved, or a retirement characterized by surgical volunteer outreach.

Having received compensation for this work does not preclude a nominee from consideration and, in fact, may be expected based on the extent of the professional obligation.

The ACS Board of Governors’ Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup will evaluate the nominations and forward their selections to the Board of Governors’ Executive Committee for final approval.

Nominations

The following conditions apply to the nominations process:

•Self-nominations are permissible but require at least one outside letter of support.

•Re-nomination of previous nominees is acceptable but requires completion of a new application.

For the nominee to have a fair review, detailed information is required, including the following:

•Demographic information about the nominee and nominator

•Details about the nominator’s relationship to the nominee, along with background information on the nominee’s career in surgery

•Completion of seven sections of information related to the nominee’s volunteerism or humanitarian work (minimum 250-word descriptions are required for each section that is applicable to the nominee)Additional materials may be submitted; however, information included in the nomination form itself will take precedence in the evaluation process, so fill out the form in its entirety. If you cannot complete the nomination form in one sitting, you can save the form and complete it at another time. The nomination website opens January 6 for electronic submissions and can be accessed through the “Announcements” section of the Operation Giving Back (OGB) website at http://www.operationgivingback.facs.org, or via www.facs.org/member-services/volunteer. Contact OGB at ogb@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2015 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award. All nominations must be received by February 27.

Volunteerism Awards

The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award—offered annually in four potential categories—recognizes surgeons who are committed to giving back to society by making significant contributions to surgical care through organized volunteer activities. The awards for domestic, international, and military outreach are intended for ACS Fellows in active surgical practice whose volunteer activities go above and beyond the usual professional commitments, or retired Fellows who have been involved in volunteerism during their active practice and into retirement. Resident Members and Associate Fellows of the College who have been involved in significant surgical volunteer activities during their postgraduate surgical training are eligible for the Resident award. Surgeons of all specialties are eligible for each of these awards.

For the purposes of these awards, “volunteerism” is defined as professional work in which one’s time or talents are donated for charitable clinical, educational, or other worthwhile activities related to surgery. Volunteerism, in this case, does not refer to uncompensated care provided as a matter of necessity in most clinical practices. Instead, volunteerism should be characterized by prospective, planned surgical care to underserved patients with no anticipation of reimbursement or economic gain.

Humanitarian Award

The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award recognizes an ACS Fellow whose career has been dedicated to ensuring the provision of surgical care to underserved populations without expectation of commensurate reimbursement.

This award is intended for surgeons who have dedicated a significant portion of their surgical careers to full-time or near full-time humanitarian efforts, rather than routine surgical practice. Examples include a career centered on missionary surgery, the founding and ongoing operations of a charitable organization dedicated to providing surgical care to the underserved, or a retirement characterized by surgical volunteer outreach.

Having received compensation for this work does not preclude a nominee from consideration and, in fact, may be expected based on the extent of the professional obligation.

The ACS Board of Governors’ Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup will evaluate the nominations and forward their selections to the Board of Governors’ Executive Committee for final approval.

Nominations

The following conditions apply to the nominations process:

•Self-nominations are permissible but require at least one outside letter of support.

•Re-nomination of previous nominees is acceptable but requires completion of a new application.

For the nominee to have a fair review, detailed information is required, including the following:

•Demographic information about the nominee and nominator

•Details about the nominator’s relationship to the nominee, along with background information on the nominee’s career in surgery

•Completion of seven sections of information related to the nominee’s volunteerism or humanitarian work (minimum 250-word descriptions are required for each section that is applicable to the nominee)Additional materials may be submitted; however, information included in the nomination form itself will take precedence in the evaluation process, so fill out the form in its entirety. If you cannot complete the nomination form in one sitting, you can save the form and complete it at another time. The nomination website opens January 6 for electronic submissions and can be accessed through the “Announcements” section of the Operation Giving Back (OGB) website at http://www.operationgivingback.facs.org, or via www.facs.org/member-services/volunteer. Contact OGB at ogb@facs.org.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in association with Pfizer, Inc., is accepting nominations for the 2015 Surgical Volunteerism Award(s) and Surgical Humanitarian Award. All nominations must be received by February 27.

Volunteerism Awards

The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism Award—offered annually in four potential categories—recognizes surgeons who are committed to giving back to society by making significant contributions to surgical care through organized volunteer activities. The awards for domestic, international, and military outreach are intended for ACS Fellows in active surgical practice whose volunteer activities go above and beyond the usual professional commitments, or retired Fellows who have been involved in volunteerism during their active practice and into retirement. Resident Members and Associate Fellows of the College who have been involved in significant surgical volunteer activities during their postgraduate surgical training are eligible for the Resident award. Surgeons of all specialties are eligible for each of these awards.

For the purposes of these awards, “volunteerism” is defined as professional work in which one’s time or talents are donated for charitable clinical, educational, or other worthwhile activities related to surgery. Volunteerism, in this case, does not refer to uncompensated care provided as a matter of necessity in most clinical practices. Instead, volunteerism should be characterized by prospective, planned surgical care to underserved patients with no anticipation of reimbursement or economic gain.

Humanitarian Award

The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Humanitarian Award recognizes an ACS Fellow whose career has been dedicated to ensuring the provision of surgical care to underserved populations without expectation of commensurate reimbursement.

This award is intended for surgeons who have dedicated a significant portion of their surgical careers to full-time or near full-time humanitarian efforts, rather than routine surgical practice. Examples include a career centered on missionary surgery, the founding and ongoing operations of a charitable organization dedicated to providing surgical care to the underserved, or a retirement characterized by surgical volunteer outreach.

Having received compensation for this work does not preclude a nominee from consideration and, in fact, may be expected based on the extent of the professional obligation.

The ACS Board of Governors’ Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup will evaluate the nominations and forward their selections to the Board of Governors’ Executive Committee for final approval.

Nominations

The following conditions apply to the nominations process:

•Self-nominations are permissible but require at least one outside letter of support.

•Re-nomination of previous nominees is acceptable but requires completion of a new application.

For the nominee to have a fair review, detailed information is required, including the following:

•Demographic information about the nominee and nominator

•Details about the nominator’s relationship to the nominee, along with background information on the nominee’s career in surgery

•Completion of seven sections of information related to the nominee’s volunteerism or humanitarian work (minimum 250-word descriptions are required for each section that is applicable to the nominee)Additional materials may be submitted; however, information included in the nomination form itself will take precedence in the evaluation process, so fill out the form in its entirety. If you cannot complete the nomination form in one sitting, you can save the form and complete it at another time. The nomination website opens January 6 for electronic submissions and can be accessed through the “Announcements” section of the Operation Giving Back (OGB) website at http://www.operationgivingback.facs.org, or via www.facs.org/member-services/volunteer. Contact OGB at ogb@facs.org.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving science, technology, knowledge, and techniques over the course of a long career, surgeons need a trusted partner to teach them what they need to know in the way they prefer to learn. The American College of Surgeons (ACS), well-positioned as a principal source of knowledge and skills, has more than a century of experience with testing and validating what works in surgical education and has access to top faculty and the latest technology.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) launched an initiative at Clinical Congress 2014 to help surgeons embrace the joy of learning and identify state-of-the-art, relevant, and inspiring education and training opportunities. Surgeons can partner with the ACS throughout their careers, starting with the earliest stages and continuing through years of practice.

The campaign’s messaging will focus on three key points:

•ACS Education and Training programs are the cornerstones of excellence in surgical patient care.

•ACS Education and Training programs transform possibilities into realities.

•ACS Education and Training programs instill the joy of lifelong learning.

The overarching aim of the campaign is to support the needs of individual surgeons across a lifetime of practice and to highlight the critical importance of ACS Education and Training to accomplish the following:

•Increase participation in College education programs and products

•Build awareness of ACS’ leadership and innovation in education

•Help surgeons make informed decisions about their investment in education and training

•Promote surgical care of the highest quality and patient safety

•Make it easier for surgeons to participate in the joy and rewards of lifelong learningTo capture how ACS Education and Training serve as cornerstones of excellence, and transform possibilities into realities, the College created an animated text video, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPBYGQPJtcs/. To learn more about the ACS Education and Training opportunities, view the video, read the November 2014 issue of the Bulletin’s Looking Forward column at http://bulletin.facs.org/2014/11/looking-forward-november-2014/ by ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, and visit the ACS Education webpage at https://www.facs.org/education.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving science, technology, knowledge, and techniques over the course of a long career, surgeons need a trusted partner to teach them what they need to know in the way they prefer to learn. The American College of Surgeons (ACS), well-positioned as a principal source of knowledge and skills, has more than a century of experience with testing and validating what works in surgical education and has access to top faculty and the latest technology.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) launched an initiative at Clinical Congress 2014 to help surgeons embrace the joy of learning and identify state-of-the-art, relevant, and inspiring education and training opportunities. Surgeons can partner with the ACS throughout their careers, starting with the earliest stages and continuing through years of practice.

The campaign’s messaging will focus on three key points:

•ACS Education and Training programs are the cornerstones of excellence in surgical patient care.

•ACS Education and Training programs transform possibilities into realities.

•ACS Education and Training programs instill the joy of lifelong learning.

The overarching aim of the campaign is to support the needs of individual surgeons across a lifetime of practice and to highlight the critical importance of ACS Education and Training to accomplish the following:

•Increase participation in College education programs and products

•Build awareness of ACS’ leadership and innovation in education

•Help surgeons make informed decisions about their investment in education and training

•Promote surgical care of the highest quality and patient safety

•Make it easier for surgeons to participate in the joy and rewards of lifelong learningTo capture how ACS Education and Training serve as cornerstones of excellence, and transform possibilities into realities, the College created an animated text video, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPBYGQPJtcs/. To learn more about the ACS Education and Training opportunities, view the video, read the November 2014 issue of the Bulletin’s Looking Forward column at http://bulletin.facs.org/2014/11/looking-forward-november-2014/ by ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, and visit the ACS Education webpage at https://www.facs.org/education.

To keep pace with rapidly evolving science, technology, knowledge, and techniques over the course of a long career, surgeons need a trusted partner to teach them what they need to know in the way they prefer to learn. The American College of Surgeons (ACS), well-positioned as a principal source of knowledge and skills, has more than a century of experience with testing and validating what works in surgical education and has access to top faculty and the latest technology.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) launched an initiative at Clinical Congress 2014 to help surgeons embrace the joy of learning and identify state-of-the-art, relevant, and inspiring education and training opportunities. Surgeons can partner with the ACS throughout their careers, starting with the earliest stages and continuing through years of practice.

The campaign’s messaging will focus on three key points:

•ACS Education and Training programs are the cornerstones of excellence in surgical patient care.

•ACS Education and Training programs transform possibilities into realities.

•ACS Education and Training programs instill the joy of lifelong learning.

The overarching aim of the campaign is to support the needs of individual surgeons across a lifetime of practice and to highlight the critical importance of ACS Education and Training to accomplish the following:

•Increase participation in College education programs and products

•Build awareness of ACS’ leadership and innovation in education

•Help surgeons make informed decisions about their investment in education and training

•Promote surgical care of the highest quality and patient safety

•Make it easier for surgeons to participate in the joy and rewards of lifelong learningTo capture how ACS Education and Training serve as cornerstones of excellence, and transform possibilities into realities, the College created an animated text video, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPBYGQPJtcs/. To learn more about the ACS Education and Training opportunities, view the video, read the November 2014 issue of the Bulletin’s Looking Forward column at http://bulletin.facs.org/2014/11/looking-forward-november-2014/ by ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, and visit the ACS Education webpage at https://www.facs.org/education.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services is launching an initiative aimed at attracting more young surgeons to join the College. The campaign, “Realize the Potential of Your Profession,” will communicate the benefits of ACS membership, making an appeal in new and engaging ways to the next generation of surgeons and attempting to create a “buzz” about the benefits of ACS membership. Starting in January, the campaign will share videos with prospective young members and offer firsthand accounts from the best and the brightest young surgeons who have joined the College. The College will also host networking events in cities around the country, giving young surgeons opportunities to engage with their peers and other more senior College leaders. In addition, the College will explore ways to promote the message at local state chapter meetings and other conferences throughout the year.

“In recent years, we have seen a decline in young surgeons involved with ACS, and we really want to turn that around,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, Member Services. “There are so many ways the College supports surgeons in their careers, and in turn, young surgeons are critical to the future of our organization and our profession.”

The College is strong because of its membership. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to increase the levels of membership among young surgeons and enhance already robust ACS programs and benefits.

“Just as the Inspiring Quality initiative became a cornerstone mission of the College to advance surgical quality around the country, we can build on those efforts by helping young surgeons realize the potential of their profession through the College,” said David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director. “The ACS has a legacy of excellence, and adding more young surgeons to our ranks and giving them access to a network of leaders and the array of resources that the College is known for will undoubtedly foster a future of excellence in surgical care.”

For more information on the campaign, visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/member-services/realize.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services is launching an initiative aimed at attracting more young surgeons to join the College. The campaign, “Realize the Potential of Your Profession,” will communicate the benefits of ACS membership, making an appeal in new and engaging ways to the next generation of surgeons and attempting to create a “buzz” about the benefits of ACS membership. Starting in January, the campaign will share videos with prospective young members and offer firsthand accounts from the best and the brightest young surgeons who have joined the College. The College will also host networking events in cities around the country, giving young surgeons opportunities to engage with their peers and other more senior College leaders. In addition, the College will explore ways to promote the message at local state chapter meetings and other conferences throughout the year.

“In recent years, we have seen a decline in young surgeons involved with ACS, and we really want to turn that around,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, Member Services. “There are so many ways the College supports surgeons in their careers, and in turn, young surgeons are critical to the future of our organization and our profession.”

The College is strong because of its membership. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to increase the levels of membership among young surgeons and enhance already robust ACS programs and benefits.

“Just as the Inspiring Quality initiative became a cornerstone mission of the College to advance surgical quality around the country, we can build on those efforts by helping young surgeons realize the potential of their profession through the College,” said David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director. “The ACS has a legacy of excellence, and adding more young surgeons to our ranks and giving them access to a network of leaders and the array of resources that the College is known for will undoubtedly foster a future of excellence in surgical care.”

For more information on the campaign, visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/member-services/realize.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Member Services is launching an initiative aimed at attracting more young surgeons to join the College. The campaign, “Realize the Potential of Your Profession,” will communicate the benefits of ACS membership, making an appeal in new and engaging ways to the next generation of surgeons and attempting to create a “buzz” about the benefits of ACS membership. Starting in January, the campaign will share videos with prospective young members and offer firsthand accounts from the best and the brightest young surgeons who have joined the College. The College will also host networking events in cities around the country, giving young surgeons opportunities to engage with their peers and other more senior College leaders. In addition, the College will explore ways to promote the message at local state chapter meetings and other conferences throughout the year.

“In recent years, we have seen a decline in young surgeons involved with ACS, and we really want to turn that around,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS, Director, Member Services. “There are so many ways the College supports surgeons in their careers, and in turn, young surgeons are critical to the future of our organization and our profession.”

The College is strong because of its membership. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to increase the levels of membership among young surgeons and enhance already robust ACS programs and benefits.

“Just as the Inspiring Quality initiative became a cornerstone mission of the College to advance surgical quality around the country, we can build on those efforts by helping young surgeons realize the potential of their profession through the College,” said David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS, ACS Executive Director. “The ACS has a legacy of excellence, and adding more young surgeons to our ranks and giving them access to a network of leaders and the array of resources that the College is known for will undoubtedly foster a future of excellence in surgical care.”

For more information on the campaign, visit the ACS website at https://www.facs.org/member-services/realize.

Boston hospitalist Dr. Vivek Murthy was confirmed Dec. 15 as the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, by a 51-43 vote of the U.S. Senate.

“Being ‘America’s doctor’ requires many of the same traits required of hospitalists: leadership, sharp clinical skills, and the ability to engage with patients,” Dr. Burke Kealey, president of the Society of Hospital Medicine, said in a statement. “Like hospitalists in thousands of hospitals across the country, I am confident Dr. Murthy will become an agent of change to improve delivery of care in our country.”

“As a practicing physician, Dr. Murthy brings extensive clinical expertise caring for patients and training hundreds of medical residents,” Dr. Robert L. Wergin, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said in a statement. “Dr. Murthy demonstrates a clear and thoughtful understanding of how important it is to transform our health care system from one focused on sick care to one based on wellness, good health practices, and early intervention.”

Dr. Murthy was nominated by President Obama in November 2013 and got fairly light treatment at a Senate confirmation hearing in February 2014. But Republican senators refused to entertain a confirmation vote for a variety of reasons, with Dr. Murthy’s advocacy on gun violence being cited most often. They also objected to his activist role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act while president of Doctors for America and his campaigning for Mr. Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

“The majority of his career has not been spent as a doctor treating patients, but as an activist,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in a speech before the confirmation vote.

But Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called Dr. Murthy an outstanding physician and a public health expert, and noted that he had received the backing of some 100 health-related organizations earlier this year, including the American College of Physicians, the AAFP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society, the American Hospital Association, the American Diabetes Association, and many others.

Sen. Mark Kirk (Ill.) was the only Republican to vote to confirm Dr. Murthy, while three Democrats voted against him: Sen. Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), and Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.). There were 6 abstentions.

The ACP reiterated its support for Dr. Murthy, citing a Feburary letter to two Senate committee chairmen in which college leaders called Dr. Murthy “a strong advocate for the provision of health insurance coverage to all Americans and ... a proven leader who can build coalitions among diverse individuals to ensure better health for our communities.”

The ACP statement also highlighted Dr. Murthy’s extensive public health experience, including serving on the U.S. Presidential Advisory Council on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health; cofounding VISIONS Worldwide in 1995, a nonprofit organization focused on HIV/AIDS education in India and the U.S.; and cofounding TrialNetworks, aimed at optimizing the quality and efficiency of clinical trials.

The nation has been without a confirmed surgeon general since Dr. Regina M. Benjamin retired in 2013.

aault@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @aliciaault

Boston hospitalist Dr. Vivek Murthy was confirmed Dec. 15 as the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, by a 51-43 vote of the U.S. Senate.

“Being ‘America’s doctor’ requires many of the same traits required of hospitalists: leadership, sharp clinical skills, and the ability to engage with patients,” Dr. Burke Kealey, president of the Society of Hospital Medicine, said in a statement. “Like hospitalists in thousands of hospitals across the country, I am confident Dr. Murthy will become an agent of change to improve delivery of care in our country.”

“As a practicing physician, Dr. Murthy brings extensive clinical expertise caring for patients and training hundreds of medical residents,” Dr. Robert L. Wergin, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said in a statement. “Dr. Murthy demonstrates a clear and thoughtful understanding of how important it is to transform our health care system from one focused on sick care to one based on wellness, good health practices, and early intervention.”

Dr. Murthy was nominated by President Obama in November 2013 and got fairly light treatment at a Senate confirmation hearing in February 2014. But Republican senators refused to entertain a confirmation vote for a variety of reasons, with Dr. Murthy’s advocacy on gun violence being cited most often. They also objected to his activist role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act while president of Doctors for America and his campaigning for Mr. Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

“The majority of his career has not been spent as a doctor treating patients, but as an activist,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in a speech before the confirmation vote.

But Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called Dr. Murthy an outstanding physician and a public health expert, and noted that he had received the backing of some 100 health-related organizations earlier this year, including the American College of Physicians, the AAFP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society, the American Hospital Association, the American Diabetes Association, and many others.

Sen. Mark Kirk (Ill.) was the only Republican to vote to confirm Dr. Murthy, while three Democrats voted against him: Sen. Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), and Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.). There were 6 abstentions.

The ACP reiterated its support for Dr. Murthy, citing a Feburary letter to two Senate committee chairmen in which college leaders called Dr. Murthy “a strong advocate for the provision of health insurance coverage to all Americans and ... a proven leader who can build coalitions among diverse individuals to ensure better health for our communities.”

The ACP statement also highlighted Dr. Murthy’s extensive public health experience, including serving on the U.S. Presidential Advisory Council on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health; cofounding VISIONS Worldwide in 1995, a nonprofit organization focused on HIV/AIDS education in India and the U.S.; and cofounding TrialNetworks, aimed at optimizing the quality and efficiency of clinical trials.

The nation has been without a confirmed surgeon general since Dr. Regina M. Benjamin retired in 2013.

aault@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @aliciaault

Boston hospitalist Dr. Vivek Murthy was confirmed Dec. 15 as the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, by a 51-43 vote of the U.S. Senate.

“Being ‘America’s doctor’ requires many of the same traits required of hospitalists: leadership, sharp clinical skills, and the ability to engage with patients,” Dr. Burke Kealey, president of the Society of Hospital Medicine, said in a statement. “Like hospitalists in thousands of hospitals across the country, I am confident Dr. Murthy will become an agent of change to improve delivery of care in our country.”

“As a practicing physician, Dr. Murthy brings extensive clinical expertise caring for patients and training hundreds of medical residents,” Dr. Robert L. Wergin, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said in a statement. “Dr. Murthy demonstrates a clear and thoughtful understanding of how important it is to transform our health care system from one focused on sick care to one based on wellness, good health practices, and early intervention.”

Dr. Murthy was nominated by President Obama in November 2013 and got fairly light treatment at a Senate confirmation hearing in February 2014. But Republican senators refused to entertain a confirmation vote for a variety of reasons, with Dr. Murthy’s advocacy on gun violence being cited most often. They also objected to his activist role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act while president of Doctors for America and his campaigning for Mr. Obama in the 2008 presidential election.

“The majority of his career has not been spent as a doctor treating patients, but as an activist,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in a speech before the confirmation vote.

But Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called Dr. Murthy an outstanding physician and a public health expert, and noted that he had received the backing of some 100 health-related organizations earlier this year, including the American College of Physicians, the AAFP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society, the American Hospital Association, the American Diabetes Association, and many others.

Sen. Mark Kirk (Ill.) was the only Republican to vote to confirm Dr. Murthy, while three Democrats voted against him: Sen. Joe Donnelly (Ind.), Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.), and Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.). There were 6 abstentions.

The ACP reiterated its support for Dr. Murthy, citing a Feburary letter to two Senate committee chairmen in which college leaders called Dr. Murthy “a strong advocate for the provision of health insurance coverage to all Americans and ... a proven leader who can build coalitions among diverse individuals to ensure better health for our communities.”

The ACP statement also highlighted Dr. Murthy’s extensive public health experience, including serving on the U.S. Presidential Advisory Council on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health; cofounding VISIONS Worldwide in 1995, a nonprofit organization focused on HIV/AIDS education in India and the U.S.; and cofounding TrialNetworks, aimed at optimizing the quality and efficiency of clinical trials.

The nation has been without a confirmed surgeon general since Dr. Regina M. Benjamin retired in 2013.

aault@frontlinemedcom.com

On Twitter @aliciaault

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is loaning one of its treasures to a major exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago – Ireland: Art on a World Stage, 1690-1840. The College’s Ancient Irish Deer Antlers from Ballybetagh will be on display at the exhibit which will open on St. Patrick’s Day 2015 and run through June 7. According to ACS Archivist Adam Carey, the massive skull and antlers of an extinct, Irish Elk displayed in the reception area of the College’s Chicago headquarters office was a diplomatic gift to the College from the Royal College of Surgeons in 1921.

Courtesy ACS

Mr. Carey gives all due credit for the Art Institute’s pursuit of the antlers to Dan Steinke, ACS Office Services Manager. Mr. Steinke oversaw the construction of the current display case, with staff from the Field Museum of Natural History, in Chicago, providing assistance on proper mounting. “It was that connection that prompted the Art Institute to contact us for the loan,” Mr. Carey said.

The antlers are steeped in history. The College received the antlers at the height of Ireland’s “troubles” in the 1920s. The “troubles” refer to the decades of violence between elements of Northern Ireland’s Irish nationalist community, who are mostly Catholics, and its unionist community, mainly self-identified as British and/or Protestant. Ancient elk or deer antlers served as prominent symbols in Irish country homes. Thousands of years old and preserved in Ireland’s bogs, antlers displayed in an entrance hall signified a family’s roots and claims to Irish land.

Douglas Druick, president and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute, in a letter expressed deep gratitude to the College for loaning this vital artifact to the exhibit.

Courtesy ACS

Mr. Druick explained that the agricultural depression in the British Isles in the 1880s resulted in the delivery of many extraordinary objects from Ireland to the U.S. and Canada and are now scattered from Honolulu, HI, to Portland, ME, Ottawa, Canada, and San Antonio, TX. “Through this exhibition and the accompanying catalogue published by the Art Institute of Chicago in association with Yale University Press, these often little-known objects will be shown together for the first time,” Mr. Druick explained.

The exhibition will present 300 objects drawn from public and private collections across North America. Arranged thematically throughout six galleries, the exhibit’s paintings, sculpture, and architecture as well as book bindings, ceramics, glass, furniture, metalwork, and textiles will celebrate the Irish as artists, collectors, and patrons. Chicago will be the only venue for the exhibit.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is loaning one of its treasures to a major exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago – Ireland: Art on a World Stage, 1690-1840. The College’s Ancient Irish Deer Antlers from Ballybetagh will be on display at the exhibit which will open on St. Patrick’s Day 2015 and run through June 7. According to ACS Archivist Adam Carey, the massive skull and antlers of an extinct, Irish Elk displayed in the reception area of the College’s Chicago headquarters office was a diplomatic gift to the College from the Royal College of Surgeons in 1921.

Courtesy ACS

Mr. Carey gives all due credit for the Art Institute’s pursuit of the antlers to Dan Steinke, ACS Office Services Manager. Mr. Steinke oversaw the construction of the current display case, with staff from the Field Museum of Natural History, in Chicago, providing assistance on proper mounting. “It was that connection that prompted the Art Institute to contact us for the loan,” Mr. Carey said.

The antlers are steeped in history. The College received the antlers at the height of Ireland’s “troubles” in the 1920s. The “troubles” refer to the decades of violence between elements of Northern Ireland’s Irish nationalist community, who are mostly Catholics, and its unionist community, mainly self-identified as British and/or Protestant. Ancient elk or deer antlers served as prominent symbols in Irish country homes. Thousands of years old and preserved in Ireland’s bogs, antlers displayed in an entrance hall signified a family’s roots and claims to Irish land.

Douglas Druick, president and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute, in a letter expressed deep gratitude to the College for loaning this vital artifact to the exhibit.

Courtesy ACS

Mr. Druick explained that the agricultural depression in the British Isles in the 1880s resulted in the delivery of many extraordinary objects from Ireland to the U.S. and Canada and are now scattered from Honolulu, HI, to Portland, ME, Ottawa, Canada, and San Antonio, TX. “Through this exhibition and the accompanying catalogue published by the Art Institute of Chicago in association with Yale University Press, these often little-known objects will be shown together for the first time,” Mr. Druick explained.

The exhibition will present 300 objects drawn from public and private collections across North America. Arranged thematically throughout six galleries, the exhibit’s paintings, sculpture, and architecture as well as book bindings, ceramics, glass, furniture, metalwork, and textiles will celebrate the Irish as artists, collectors, and patrons. Chicago will be the only venue for the exhibit.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is loaning one of its treasures to a major exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago – Ireland: Art on a World Stage, 1690-1840. The College’s Ancient Irish Deer Antlers from Ballybetagh will be on display at the exhibit which will open on St. Patrick’s Day 2015 and run through June 7. According to ACS Archivist Adam Carey, the massive skull and antlers of an extinct, Irish Elk displayed in the reception area of the College’s Chicago headquarters office was a diplomatic gift to the College from the Royal College of Surgeons in 1921.

Courtesy ACS

Mr. Carey gives all due credit for the Art Institute’s pursuit of the antlers to Dan Steinke, ACS Office Services Manager. Mr. Steinke oversaw the construction of the current display case, with staff from the Field Museum of Natural History, in Chicago, providing assistance on proper mounting. “It was that connection that prompted the Art Institute to contact us for the loan,” Mr. Carey said.

The antlers are steeped in history. The College received the antlers at the height of Ireland’s “troubles” in the 1920s. The “troubles” refer to the decades of violence between elements of Northern Ireland’s Irish nationalist community, who are mostly Catholics, and its unionist community, mainly self-identified as British and/or Protestant. Ancient elk or deer antlers served as prominent symbols in Irish country homes. Thousands of years old and preserved in Ireland’s bogs, antlers displayed in an entrance hall signified a family’s roots and claims to Irish land.

Douglas Druick, president and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute, in a letter expressed deep gratitude to the College for loaning this vital artifact to the exhibit.

Courtesy ACS

Mr. Druick explained that the agricultural depression in the British Isles in the 1880s resulted in the delivery of many extraordinary objects from Ireland to the U.S. and Canada and are now scattered from Honolulu, HI, to Portland, ME, Ottawa, Canada, and San Antonio, TX. “Through this exhibition and the accompanying catalogue published by the Art Institute of Chicago in association with Yale University Press, these often little-known objects will be shown together for the first time,” Mr. Druick explained.

The exhibition will present 300 objects drawn from public and private collections across North America. Arranged thematically throughout six galleries, the exhibit’s paintings, sculpture, and architecture as well as book bindings, ceramics, glass, furniture, metalwork, and textiles will celebrate the Irish as artists, collectors, and patrons. Chicago will be the only venue for the exhibit.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in partnership with other surgical and anesthesia organizations and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS^®) Consortium, developed the Surgical Care survey.

The survey assesses surgical pati-
ents’ experiences before, during, and after surgical procedures as a 
means of identifying opportunities to improve quality of care, surgical outcomes, and patient experiences of 
care, as well as for public reporting.

The CAHPS Surgical Care survey is a standardized patient survey that produces clear and usable comparative information for consumers and health care providers.

The survey captures information for which patients are the best source of information or information only patients can answer.

The CAHPS Surgical Care Survey has been available to the public since 2010 and is the only National Quality Forum­–endorsed measure designed to assess surgical quality from the patient’s perspective.

ACS is currently collecting information on the survey use in order to maintain its National Quality Forum endorsement. If you have experience in administering the survey, please contact Jill Sage, ACS Quality Affairs Manager, at jsage@facs.org or 202-672-1507. Access the survey and survey instructions online at https://www.
facs.org/advocacy/quality/cahps].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in partnership with other surgical and anesthesia organizations and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS^®) Consortium, developed the Surgical Care survey.

The survey assesses surgical pati-
ents’ experiences before, during, and after surgical procedures as a 
means of identifying opportunities to improve quality of care, surgical outcomes, and patient experiences of 
care, as well as for public reporting.

The CAHPS Surgical Care survey is a standardized patient survey that produces clear and usable comparative information for consumers and health care providers.

The survey captures information for which patients are the best source of information or information only patients can answer.

The CAHPS Surgical Care Survey has been available to the public since 2010 and is the only National Quality Forum­–endorsed measure designed to assess surgical quality from the patient’s perspective.

ACS is currently collecting information on the survey use in order to maintain its National Quality Forum endorsement. If you have experience in administering the survey, please contact Jill Sage, ACS Quality Affairs Manager, at jsage@facs.org or 202-672-1507. Access the survey and survey instructions online at https://www.
facs.org/advocacy/quality/cahps].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS), in partnership with other surgical and anesthesia organizations and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS^®) Consortium, developed the Surgical Care survey.

The survey assesses surgical pati-
ents’ experiences before, during, and after surgical procedures as a 
means of identifying opportunities to improve quality of care, surgical outcomes, and patient experiences of 
care, as well as for public reporting.

The CAHPS Surgical Care survey is a standardized patient survey that produces clear and usable comparative information for consumers and health care providers.

The survey captures information for which patients are the best source of information or information only patients can answer.

The CAHPS Surgical Care Survey has been available to the public since 2010 and is the only National Quality Forum­–endorsed measure designed to assess surgical quality from the patient’s perspective.

ACS is currently collecting information on the survey use in order to maintain its National Quality Forum endorsement. If you have experience in administering the survey, please contact Jill Sage, ACS Quality Affairs Manager, at jsage@facs.org or 202-672-1507. Access the survey and survey instructions online at https://www.
facs.org/advocacy/quality/cahps].

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Directors recently announced this week that with the addition of nearly $100,000 in gifts made at the ACS Clinical Congress 2014, the 1913 Legacy Campaign is nearing the $2.5 million milestone. The fundraising effort, led by the 1913 Legacy Campaign National Steering Committee, continues to secure gifts to advance programming that is critical to the College’s mission. At the annual Fellows Leadership Society (FLS) luncheon as well as at other Clinical Congress events, the Foundation honored the more than 260 donors who have contributed to the campaign. New campaign donors received a “Great Mace” lapel pin, designed especially for the 1913 Campaign. Philanthropic investments within three priority campaign initiatives will benefit the Surgeon, the Profession, and the Societal Good.

At the FLS luncheon, Amilu Stewart, MD, FACS, Chair of the ACS Foundation, also honored the 2014 Distinguished Philanthropist Award recipients, Past-President W. Gerald Austen, MD, FACS, and Patricia R. Austen, RN, who encouraged the guests to follow their lead and contribute to the 1913 Legacy Campaign.For more information on the ACS Foundation or to participate in the campaign, which is now in its public phase, contact the ACS Foundation at 312-202-5338, or visit the Foundation website at www.facs.org/1913Campaign.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Directors recently announced this week that with the addition of nearly $100,000 in gifts made at the ACS Clinical Congress 2014, the 1913 Legacy Campaign is nearing the $2.5 million milestone. The fundraising effort, led by the 1913 Legacy Campaign National Steering Committee, continues to secure gifts to advance programming that is critical to the College’s mission. At the annual Fellows Leadership Society (FLS) luncheon as well as at other Clinical Congress events, the Foundation honored the more than 260 donors who have contributed to the campaign. New campaign donors received a “Great Mace” lapel pin, designed especially for the 1913 Campaign. Philanthropic investments within three priority campaign initiatives will benefit the Surgeon, the Profession, and the Societal Good.

At the FLS luncheon, Amilu Stewart, MD, FACS, Chair of the ACS Foundation, also honored the 2014 Distinguished Philanthropist Award recipients, Past-President W. Gerald Austen, MD, FACS, and Patricia R. Austen, RN, who encouraged the guests to follow their lead and contribute to the 1913 Legacy Campaign.For more information on the ACS Foundation or to participate in the campaign, which is now in its public phase, contact the ACS Foundation at 312-202-5338, or visit the Foundation website at www.facs.org/1913Campaign.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Board of Directors recently announced this week that with the addition of nearly $100,000 in gifts made at the ACS Clinical Congress 2014, the 1913 Legacy Campaign is nearing the $2.5 million milestone. The fundraising effort, led by the 1913 Legacy Campaign National Steering Committee, continues to secure gifts to advance programming that is critical to the College’s mission. At the annual Fellows Leadership Society (FLS) luncheon as well as at other Clinical Congress events, the Foundation honored the more than 260 donors who have contributed to the campaign. New campaign donors received a “Great Mace” lapel pin, designed especially for the 1913 Campaign. Philanthropic investments within three priority campaign initiatives will benefit the Surgeon, the Profession, and the Societal Good.

At the FLS luncheon, Amilu Stewart, MD, FACS, Chair of the ACS Foundation, also honored the 2014 Distinguished Philanthropist Award recipients, Past-President W. Gerald Austen, MD, FACS, and Patricia R. Austen, RN, who encouraged the guests to follow their lead and contribute to the 1913 Legacy Campaign.For more information on the ACS Foundation or to participate in the campaign, which is now in its public phase, contact the ACS Foundation at 312-202-5338, or visit the Foundation website at www.facs.org/1913Campaign.

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, Immediate Past-President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), presented the ACS Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, former Executive Director of the College, during the Convocation, October 26, at Clinical Congress 2014 in San Francisco, CA. The award was presented posthumously, and daughters, Jackie and Katie, and wife Nona, accepted it on his behalf.

Following is an edited text of Dr. Pellegrini’s remarks:

It is my great honor to present the Lifetime Achievement Award of the American College of Surgeons. This award is presented to an extraordinary individual for a lifetime of contributions to the art of medicine and surgery, and service to the ACS. Not surprisingly, this is only the third time that our College has conferred this award in its 100-year history. In choosing Dr. Thomas R. Russell, the College is not only recognizing his contributions and service to the organization’s mission, but also is recognizing a dedicated leader, a compassionate humanitarian, and a man who touched many lives in ways that left us all better people for having known him.

Courtesy ACS

A committed physician

Dr. Russell spent his youth in California and had the unique experience as a teenager of working as a wrangler at a dude ranch, a job that would have a profound influence in his life. After earning his bachelor of arts degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree from Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, Tom returned to the Bay Area for his surgical residency training at the University of California, San Francisco. His training was interrupted by service in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, during which he served as a Lieutenant Commander and flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy. In 1975, he joined a practice in San Francisco and began what would become 25 years as a practicing general and colon and rectal surgeon.

Tom became a Fellow of the ACS in 1979. He was Secretary and later President of the Northern California Chapter of the College. He was elected to the Board of Governors in 1990 and served in that role until 1993, when he was elected to the Board of Regents. His roles in the ACS as a Regent are too numerous to name, but included chairing the Nominating Committee and serving on the Member Services Liaison Committee and the Advisory Council for Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Insightful leadership

In 1999, the Board of Regents, facing unprecedented challenges, asked Tom to take the difficult job of Executive Director of the College. Our College was in need of thoughtful and compassionate leadership, and Tom was the right person for the job. He had a reputation as a bright, kind, high-energy individual who was willing to weigh all sides of an issue.

Soon after assuming the position of Executive Director, he initiated a strategic planning process, which revealed his innovative and insightful leadership. The College structure was reorganized. Education programs were expanded to offer new and innovative courses. He directed the establishment of the ACS Foundation in 2005 to better support the ACS’ scholarship programs.

A mission statement was developed to guide the work of staff and volunteers alike: “The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.” These articulately presented ideals continue to guide us.

Dr. Russell encouraged the College to take a proactive stance in the politically charged atmosphere of the early 2000s to protect patients’ access to quality care. Under his leadership, our presence in Washington, DC, grew, and a new building was erected near Capitol Hill to house our Division of Advocacy and Health Policy.

One of Dr. Russell’s most significant accomplishments as ACS Executive Director was bringing the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program into the private sector under the College’s aegis as ACS NSQIP^®, which launched in 2004. Nearly 600 hospitals have since become participants in ACS NSQIP and have used the program’s risk-adjusted, evidence-based outcomes data to significantly reduce complications, limit error, and save countless lives and millions of dollars.

Kind, fair, and honorable

I count it among one of the great blessings of my life that I am able to call Tom a friend. He was insightful, generous, personable, compassionate, and above all, kind, fair, and honorable. His spirit lives on in the lives of his partner and wife, Nona, and his daughters, Katie and Jackie, the three “stars” of his life. His gentle humor and enduring optimism always brought out the best in people. His imprint will permanently remain on the College and the countless lives he touched while living every day by his motto, “Take the stairs, be nice to the janitor, and the patient comes first.”

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, Immediate Past-President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), presented the ACS Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, former Executive Director of the College, during the Convocation, October 26, at Clinical Congress 2014 in San Francisco, CA. The award was presented posthumously, and daughters, Jackie and Katie, and wife Nona, accepted it on his behalf.

Following is an edited text of Dr. Pellegrini’s remarks:

It is my great honor to present the Lifetime Achievement Award of the American College of Surgeons. This award is presented to an extraordinary individual for a lifetime of contributions to the art of medicine and surgery, and service to the ACS. Not surprisingly, this is only the third time that our College has conferred this award in its 100-year history. In choosing Dr. Thomas R. Russell, the College is not only recognizing his contributions and service to the organization’s mission, but also is recognizing a dedicated leader, a compassionate humanitarian, and a man who touched many lives in ways that left us all better people for having known him.

Courtesy ACS

A committed physician

Dr. Russell spent his youth in California and had the unique experience as a teenager of working as a wrangler at a dude ranch, a job that would have a profound influence in his life. After earning his bachelor of arts degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree from Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, Tom returned to the Bay Area for his surgical residency training at the University of California, San Francisco. His training was interrupted by service in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, during which he served as a Lieutenant Commander and flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy. In 1975, he joined a practice in San Francisco and began what would become 25 years as a practicing general and colon and rectal surgeon.

Tom became a Fellow of the ACS in 1979. He was Secretary and later President of the Northern California Chapter of the College. He was elected to the Board of Governors in 1990 and served in that role until 1993, when he was elected to the Board of Regents. His roles in the ACS as a Regent are too numerous to name, but included chairing the Nominating Committee and serving on the Member Services Liaison Committee and the Advisory Council for Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Insightful leadership

In 1999, the Board of Regents, facing unprecedented challenges, asked Tom to take the difficult job of Executive Director of the College. Our College was in need of thoughtful and compassionate leadership, and Tom was the right person for the job. He had a reputation as a bright, kind, high-energy individual who was willing to weigh all sides of an issue.

Soon after assuming the position of Executive Director, he initiated a strategic planning process, which revealed his innovative and insightful leadership. The College structure was reorganized. Education programs were expanded to offer new and innovative courses. He directed the establishment of the ACS Foundation in 2005 to better support the ACS’ scholarship programs.

A mission statement was developed to guide the work of staff and volunteers alike: “The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.” These articulately presented ideals continue to guide us.

Dr. Russell encouraged the College to take a proactive stance in the politically charged atmosphere of the early 2000s to protect patients’ access to quality care. Under his leadership, our presence in Washington, DC, grew, and a new building was erected near Capitol Hill to house our Division of Advocacy and Health Policy.

One of Dr. Russell’s most significant accomplishments as ACS Executive Director was bringing the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program into the private sector under the College’s aegis as ACS NSQIP^®, which launched in 2004. Nearly 600 hospitals have since become participants in ACS NSQIP and have used the program’s risk-adjusted, evidence-based outcomes data to significantly reduce complications, limit error, and save countless lives and millions of dollars.

Kind, fair, and honorable

I count it among one of the great blessings of my life that I am able to call Tom a friend. He was insightful, generous, personable, compassionate, and above all, kind, fair, and honorable. His spirit lives on in the lives of his partner and wife, Nona, and his daughters, Katie and Jackie, the three “stars” of his life. His gentle humor and enduring optimism always brought out the best in people. His imprint will permanently remain on the College and the countless lives he touched while living every day by his motto, “Take the stairs, be nice to the janitor, and the patient comes first.”

Carlos A. Pellegrini, MD, FACS, Immediate Past-President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), presented the ACS Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, former Executive Director of the College, during the Convocation, October 26, at Clinical Congress 2014 in San Francisco, CA. The award was presented posthumously, and daughters, Jackie and Katie, and wife Nona, accepted it on his behalf.

Following is an edited text of Dr. Pellegrini’s remarks:

It is my great honor to present the Lifetime Achievement Award of the American College of Surgeons. This award is presented to an extraordinary individual for a lifetime of contributions to the art of medicine and surgery, and service to the ACS. Not surprisingly, this is only the third time that our College has conferred this award in its 100-year history. In choosing Dr. Thomas R. Russell, the College is not only recognizing his contributions and service to the organization’s mission, but also is recognizing a dedicated leader, a compassionate humanitarian, and a man who touched many lives in ways that left us all better people for having known him.

Courtesy ACS

A committed physician

Dr. Russell spent his youth in California and had the unique experience as a teenager of working as a wrangler at a dude ranch, a job that would have a profound influence in his life. After earning his bachelor of arts degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree from Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, Tom returned to the Bay Area for his surgical residency training at the University of California, San Francisco. His training was interrupted by service in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, during which he served as a Lieutenant Commander and flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy. In 1975, he joined a practice in San Francisco and began what would become 25 years as a practicing general and colon and rectal surgeon.

Tom became a Fellow of the ACS in 1979. He was Secretary and later President of the Northern California Chapter of the College. He was elected to the Board of Governors in 1990 and served in that role until 1993, when he was elected to the Board of Regents. His roles in the ACS as a Regent are too numerous to name, but included chairing the Nominating Committee and serving on the Member Services Liaison Committee and the Advisory Council for Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Insightful leadership

In 1999, the Board of Regents, facing unprecedented challenges, asked Tom to take the difficult job of Executive Director of the College. Our College was in need of thoughtful and compassionate leadership, and Tom was the right person for the job. He had a reputation as a bright, kind, high-energy individual who was willing to weigh all sides of an issue.

Soon after assuming the position of Executive Director, he initiated a strategic planning process, which revealed his innovative and insightful leadership. The College structure was reorganized. Education programs were expanded to offer new and innovative courses. He directed the establishment of the ACS Foundation in 2005 to better support the ACS’ scholarship programs.

A mission statement was developed to guide the work of staff and volunteers alike: “The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.” These articulately presented ideals continue to guide us.

Dr. Russell encouraged the College to take a proactive stance in the politically charged atmosphere of the early 2000s to protect patients’ access to quality care. Under his leadership, our presence in Washington, DC, grew, and a new building was erected near Capitol Hill to house our Division of Advocacy and Health Policy.

One of Dr. Russell’s most significant accomplishments as ACS Executive Director was bringing the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program into the private sector under the College’s aegis as ACS NSQIP^®, which launched in 2004. Nearly 600 hospitals have since become participants in ACS NSQIP and have used the program’s risk-adjusted, evidence-based outcomes data to significantly reduce complications, limit error, and save countless lives and millions of dollars.

Kind, fair, and honorable

I count it among one of the great blessings of my life that I am able to call Tom a friend. He was insightful, generous, personable, compassionate, and above all, kind, fair, and honorable. His spirit lives on in the lives of his partner and wife, Nona, and his daughters, Katie and Jackie, the three “stars” of his life. His gentle humor and enduring optimism always brought out the best in people. His imprint will permanently remain on the College and the countless lives he touched while living every day by his motto, “Take the stairs, be nice to the janitor, and the patient comes first.”