ACS Vice President-Elect Dr. Tyler Hughes Named Dean of KU School of Medicine-Salina

Last week, Tyler G. Hughes, MD, FACS, ACS First Vice President-Elect, began a new role as dean of University of Kansas (KU) School of Medicine-Salina.

Dr. Hughes is a clinical professor of surgery and has been director of medical education at the Kansas University School of Medicine, Salina, since 2016. He is a proponent for the value of surgical education, particularly in rural areas where surgeons are often needed most. He practiced in McPherson, KS, for many years before retiring from the OR into a role focused on educating the next generation of surgeons. 

In his new role at KU School of Medicine-Salina, Dr. Hughes plans to share his passion for surgery and for practicing in rural communities. 

According to the article from KU announcing his new role, Dr. Hughes said, “There’s a real need for rural physicians, and there’s a real need for rural medical programs. If we don’t inspire people to practice in rural environments, there won’t be anyone to care for these communities—some of which are quite remote.” And there are unique challenges that rural practitioners can face, such as lack of supplies and the need to be able to provide a wide range of patient services, including surgery.

Dr. Hughes has been a longtime leader in the College, including in advocating for rural surgeons. A Fellow of the College since 1986, Dr. Hughes is Editor of the ACS Communities and Immediate-Past ACS Secretary. He was instrumental in establishing the Advisory Council for Rural Surgery and chaired the council. He also has served on the Board of Governors (BoG) and was a member of the BoG Committee on Socioeconomic Issues, Communications Pillar, Continuing Education Workgroup, Newsletter Workgroup, and Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards Workgroup. At the local level, Dr. Hughes is Past-President of the ACS Kansas Chapter (2006−2007) and Past-Chair of the Kansas Credentials Committee.

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