Top 10 Reasons to Participate

For surgical trainees and young surgeons, the ACS Resident and Associate Society of the American College of Surgeons (RAS-ACS) serves to familiarize you with College programs and leadership. RAS-ACS provides you with an avenue for participation in ACS affairs, fosters development and use of your leadership skills in organized surgery, and provides opportunities for your opinions and concerns as young surgeons and trainees to be heard by College leadership.

1. Leadership opportunities within the RAS-ACS Committees and ACS Committees, Chapters, and Advisory Councils
2. Scholarships to attend the Leadership & Advocacy Summit, a venue for the development of leadership skills for use in organized medicine and on the home front
3. Publication opportunities, including RAS-ACS essay contests that lead to publication in the ACS Bulletin and chapter-level resident research paper competitions
4. Free admission to the ACS Clinical Congress, free subscription to the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, and discounted access to SESAP and the Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum
5. Career planning resources, including mentors, advice from peers, and access to job postings on the career website
6. Networking and the ability to interact with role models in the surgical field, including access to the International Exchange Program, which allows you the opportunity to meet international leaders in surgery
7. Camaraderie—create lasting relationships with peers from around the world
8. Advocacy efforts—learn about current issues in health care and have the opportunity to become involved in efforts to support our profession and better serve our patients
9. Develop insider knowledge on how to cultivate a successful surgical career
10. Fellowship and scholarship opportunities with the Clinical Scholars in Residence program