The annual Maryland ACS Chapter meeting was held at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland, on a spectacular sunny and cold first day of March. There were 51 attendees, of which 15 were trainees.
After a welcome by Maryland Chapter President Ahmad Waqas Ahad, MD, FACS, I presented an update on ACS activities. In the subsequent discussion, Chapter President-Elect Kimberly M. Lumpkins, MD, FACS, highlighted the opportunities to advance into leadership roles nationally in the ACS by getting involved in your state chapter.
Bartley P. Griffith, MD, FACS, made a visionary presentation on xenotransplantation, captivating the attendees. He acknowledged the challenges faced due to organ scarcity, illustrated the history of mechanical organs and adjuncts, and spoke at length about the future of engineered organs. With humility, he detailed the journey to transplantation of genetically modified pig kidneys into two patients and the lessons learned.
His detailed description of the strong relationship between both academic institutions and industry left the audience optimistic about the future of transplantation. Dr. Griffith received the Maryland Chapter Cameron Award for his work in transplantation. Established in 2022, the John Cameron Distinguished Surgeon Award honors a Maryland surgeon whose career exemplifies a commitment to the mission of the ACS. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions through service to the ACS, practice of surgery, and dedication to the professional development of medical students, residents, and early career surgeons.
Surgical trainees were prominently featured in two research abstract presentation sessions, on both oncology and general surgery projects. These were expertly moderated by Sara P. Fogarty, DO, FACS, and Dr. Ahad and covered a wide range of topics, with engaged audience discussion. Awards were distributed after the business meeting.
A panel on Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) included panelists with diverse ASC experiences. Joseph Bennett, MD, Fady A. Sinno, MD, and Raymond I. Haroun, MD, detailed the challenges of providing exceptional cost-effective care in less-regulated settings. There was definite consensus that the patient experience was superior in ASCs compared to that in the hospital setting.
Mark Katlic, MD, MMM, FACS, spoke at length about “Life Outside of Surgery,” and the connection between current wellness with retirement planning. He detailed a thoughtful path of exploring what opportunities are available once surgeons step away from full-time clinical practice and the necessity of finding a passion that is both personal and meaningful. He discussed his path to becoming an author of “Thorax: A Novel” and the steps required to publish a book. He concluded by emphasizing the need to develop interests outside of surgery early in your career.
Maryland has a unique, extremely successful trauma care system, and Thomas Scalea, MD, MCCM, FACS, discussed “The Maryland Trauma Systems: The Evolution in Funding Over 50+ Years.” His historical presentation about the evolution of the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center from a small basement unit to the premier US trauma center was mesmerizing. The persistence he and his partners displayed overcoming challenges collaborating with the Maryland state legislators to secure ongoing funding for the state trauma system was inspiring. Maryland provides a model for what state trauma systems should aspire to across the US.
During the Chapter business meeting, Maryland Chapter Treasurer Alistair J. Kent, MD, MPH, FACS, emphasized the importance of advocacy by surgeons, reporting that “healthcare policy is constantly changing, with or without input from surgeons.” He shared that policymakers want to hear from surgeons, and he detailed effective advocacy strategies.
The meeting concluded with a cocktail and networking reception overlooking the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. The 2025 Annual Maryland ACS Chapter Meeting was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of surgeons, trainees, and industry professionals for a day filled with insightful discussions, innovative research, and meaningful networking. The engaging discussions, recognition of excellence, and emphasis on both professional and personal growth underscored the chapter’s commitment to advancing surgical care. As attendees departed the picturesque setting, they carried with them new knowledge, strengthened connections, and a renewed enthusiasm for the future of surgery in Maryland and beyond.
Nancy L. Gantt, MD, FACS
ACS First Vice-President
