Energized Florida Chapter Meeting Creates Fellowship among Surgeons

In May, First Vice-President Tyler G. Hughes, MD, FACS, represented the College during the Florida Chapter’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Edward M. Copeland III, MD, FACS, Research Symposium. After the conference, Dr. Hughes offered the following report:  

I was honored to attend the Florida Chapter of the ACS on May 18, 2024. Once again, I was impressed with the energy and quality of a chapter meeting. Every aspect of ACS effort was demonstrated in this well-organized meeting.

There was a perfusion of resident posters and presentations, which coincided with the educational mission of the ACS. Further supporting education were updates on various aspects of surgical work, including robotics, oncologic surgery, and common issues faced by the surgeon.

Advocacy was well covered, especially in Florida’s local issues discussed at length with two members of the Florida legislature.

ACS Regent Kenneth W. Sharp, MD, FACS, gave a presentation on behalf of the ACS Foundation, and chapter president Mark A. Dobbertien, DO, FACS, offered a generous matching challenge donation to further the work of this active chapter.

I gave two talks. The first was more of a conversation about the challenges, accomplishments, and role of the ACS with Fellows. In the closing talk of the day, I spoke about the critical nature of communication and controlling risk as key elements in quality of care. The day finished with a panel discussion of issues faced by chairs of surgical departments. 

In all, a varied and interesting day demonstrated the value of an active local chapter. I want to thank all the chapter members who attended. They were all gracious and attentive hosts. I appreciated the work incoming president Rohan A. Joseph, MD, FACS, did to make the program stimulating and make me feel welcome in all respects.

Like other visits to other chapters this year, I found these meetings to be well attended with lots of discussion of papers and presentations, as well as excellent networking opportunities. 

Chapter attendance and participation allows Fellows to really experience the fellowship of surgery. ACS Chapters are where many leaders of the ACS originate. If you are a Florida surgeon, I urge you to attend that chapter. No matter where you practice, an ACS Chapter is a great place to learn and enjoy the company of other Fellows in their pursuit of skill and trust for all.

Tyler G. Hughes, MD, FACS
ACS First Vice-President