ACS Residents as Teachers and Leaders

Residents are expected to master a broad expanse of clinical and basic science knowledge as well as operative skills. Residency programs tailor their educational programs to meet these needs. Residents are also expected to master a number of critical nonclinical skills, including leading teams and teaching. However, very few residency programs are able to offer opportunities for residents to become proficient in these areas. The ACS Division of Education worked to develop a course to address this need.

The goal of this course is to help surgery residents develop some of the essential nonclinical skills that will be critical to their success as senior-level residents and practicing surgeons. The course faculty are nationally renowned clinical and educational professionals who will provide an interactive learning environment. Residents will learn to lead a team more effectively, resolve conflict, be better teachers, give constructive feedback, and apply these skills during and after residency. The number of participants is limited to allow ample interaction with faculty and to facilitate networking with other attendees. This course is targeted for mid- to senior-level residents, but all trainees who are currently in a surgical residency program are welcome to attend.

Registration for August 2025 RATL will open on April 28, 2025. The early bird registration deadline is May 19, 2025.

Registration Cancelation/Substitution

Requests for refunds must be made in writing and received on or before Friday, July 18, 2025. There is a $50 handling fee for ALL refunds and returned checks. Cancellations and registrations postmarked after the deadline date will not be eligible for refunds. Please note, substitutions from one registrant to another are not permitted.

Registration Categories and Rates

ACS Resident Member Early: $620
ACS Resident Member Late: $645
Resident Nonmember Early: $645
Resident Nonmember Late: $670 

Questions

If you have questions regarding your registration, please contact Registration Services at registration@facs.org. If you have questions about the RATL course, please contact Danielle Taylor at ratl@facs.org.

Please note that the agenda above is tentative. All course attendees will receive the final schedule two weeks prior to the start of the program.

Course Content

The course will address the following essential skills for residents’ lifelong roles as teachers, leaders, and practicing surgeons:

Effective Teaching

• Establishing a positive learning climate
• Finding time to teach
• Teaching in ambulatory settings and the operating room
• Giving feedback on performance

Successful Leading

• Developing and leading productive teams
• Resolving conflict
• Using different leadership styles effectively
• Maximizing various working styles

Contact Us

For course-related questions, please contact us at RATL@facs.org.