Operation Giving Back Gears Up for Next 3 Years

Above: The participants at the OGB retreat, with several key leaders of the ACS.  Attendees included Henri R. Ford, MD, MHA, FACS, FRCS, FAAP, ACS President-Elect (back row, fourth from right); ACS Regent Douglas E. Wood, MD, FACS, FRCSEd (back row, fifth from left); and Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, ACS Executive Director & CEO (center), who gave closing remarks.

In addition, Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS, Director of the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care; Michael Sutherland, MD, FACS, Director of the ACS Division of Member Services; and Kristin McDonald Manager of Legislative and Political Affairs in the ACS Division of Advocacy & Health Policy, attended as representatives for their internal divisions of the ACS.

ACS Operation Giving Back (OGB), the volunteer arm of the College, recently held a strategic retreat in Washington, DC, preceding the Leadership & Advocacy Summit. Approximately 30 participants representing different areas of OGB gathered to discuss the program's strategic priorities and goals for the next 3 years.

In preparation for the retreat, a SWOT analysis (an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) was conducted, and OGB administered a survey to past and present members, volunteers, partners, and staff to gather input.  

Survey respondents provided opinions about the strengths of OGB in five categories: people, programs, practices, purpose, and power.

The survey showed that respondents think positively about OGB leadership and staff, believing they possess the right vision and perform consistently. Respondents highlighted surgeons and other volunteers as critical drivers to success because of their expertise, quality, credibility, and commitment. They also indicated that the focus on secular programs that are sustainable and capacity building is essential and what differentiates OGB from other organizations. The survey also indicated that respondents feel strongly about being part of a mission-driven initiative that provides opportunities to affect and improve healthcare quality in underserved communities.

Participants noted that the ACS brand itself is a significant, powerful key differentiator from other organizations, enhancing the overall reach and sustainability of OGB.  

Areas of improvement identified included communications, resources, and coordination. Opportunities highlighted included new technologies, a heightened interest in global surgery among residents, potential partnerships with nongovernmental organizations working in similar spaces, and attending global health meetings where OGB can elevate the cause for global surgery. 

A strategic plan based on retreat discussions will be released in the coming months.