I was asked to attend the Arkansas Chapter meeting by Charles Mabry, MD, FACS, a former ACS Regent and First Vice-President. Dr. Mabry picked me up at the Little Rock Airport on the evening of May 2, and I was escorted to the Chapter reception that evening, which was held at the Clinton Presidential Library.
There was spirited conversation, and I was privileged to meet many members and officers of the Chapter. Thereafter, I was treated to dinner with Chapter officers and speakers at a restaurant on the banks of the Arkansas River. It was a lovely evening both with respect to the cuisine and the company.
The meeting on May 4 was held at the Dodd Wilson Educational Building on the UAMS campus. The attendees were welcomed by Lee R. Morisy, MD, FACS, President of the Arkansas Chapter. My presentation centered on the efforts of the American College of Surgeons to provide additional services to surgeons of all specialties, becoming a more effective and welcoming House of Surgery. The goal of learning from surgical specialty societies and banding together to provide services that all surgeons need was discussed. It was noted that 50% of US Fellows of the College are in disciplines other than general surgery.
It was also stressed that membership is currently free for all surgery residents—no matter their discipline. Program directors and coordinators can enroll their residents all at once, and staff members at the College are available to help with the process as needed. The composition of the Board of Regents and Officers was reviewed, stressing the diversity of specialties and practice patterns. Member benefits of interest to specialty surgeons were discussed, and it was noted that the Clinical Congress is moving a day earlier (starting on Saturday) to facilitate attendance at specialty-specific and multidisciplinary sessions. ACS conferences on leadership, education, quality, and trauma that are of interest to multiple specialties were discussed.
Michael J. Sutherland, MD, MBA, FACS, Director of the Division of Member Services, gave an excellent presentation on new resources available to surgeons starting out in practice. Matthew Steliga, MD, FACS, Past President of the Arkansas Chapter, presented on how the ACS can enhance the professional careers of surgeons, providing information about courses such as Surgeons as Leaders.
The remainder of the morning consisted of excellent scientific presentations by residents and updates from surgical disciplines at UAMS.
Following the Arkansas Chapter meeting, the Arkansas Trauma Update began.
Beth H. Sutton, MD, FACS
ACS President-Elect
