Join ACS Virtual Course on Using AI and Machine Learning in Surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are comparatively new fields and only recently have efforts begun to develop applications of these models for surgical practice and education. A new virtual course from the ACS highlights the essential principles of AI and ML.

In Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Transforming Surgical Practice and Education, participants will develop the foundational knowledge of the principles on which AI and ML are structured and may identify opportunities for possible application of the technologies to their practices. With further development, data-driven machine intelligence most likely will be able to inform clinical decision-making and allow surgeons to more accurately assess risk, predict disease progression, and manage patients with early stages of disease.  

Specific examples and algorithms illustrated in this course include:  

• Predicting the risk of small bowel obstruction during a specified period of time after a procedure 
• Enhancing the diagnosis and malignancy prediction of indeterminate thyroid nodules  
• Improving the diagnosis and management of patients in the earliest stage of breast cancer 

Limitations and ethical considerations of ML in practice are also presented. This course should assist surgeons and leaders in surgery departments with developing some fluency in the principles and language of AI and ML to facilitate conversations between leadership and technical experts. 

Led by a knowledgeable faculty, this introductory course will help build a foundation to use these quickly evolving technologies.