Overall, this represented an outstanding meeting with many opportunities for learning and interactions among peers. Many of the presentations were on well-selected topics that benefited all who attended.
The first morning addressed topics such as pediatric opioid use, inferior vena cava syndrome, venous stasis ulcers, and the use of the robot in emergency situations. The afternoon session focused on surgical professionalism, including resilience, competence, and mentoring. The resident and medical research forum was well attended with high-quality presentations and healthy competition among the trainees.
Another presentation focused on bread-and-butter issues in general surgery. Topics included superior mesenteric artery syndrome, parastomal hernia repair, groin pain without the presence of a hernia, and hernia associated with diastasis. A panel discussion addressed these issues with illustrative cases. Afternoon presentations emphasized oncology with thorough reports on prostate cancer, breast malignancy, genetics and genomics, and coagulopathy.
The topics covered on Sunday included adrenal disease, cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck, risk stratification in trauma, and foregut surgeries. Additional presentations focused on foregut surgery for GERD and obesity, diverticulitis, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the future of surgery. The meeting closed with a tremendous presentation from Rachael Essig, MD, a first-year cardiothoracic surgery fellow at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City and Chair of the ACS Resident and Associate Society, on the impact trainees and new faculty in surgery can have on the ACS.
The meeting had a wonderful reception with opportunities for interaction among participants and several full days of skiing on the slopes of Park City. I particularly enjoyed the interaction with my former fellow Samuel C. Bieligk, MD, FACS, from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho.
This chapter meeting was a blend of education, professional growth, and camaraderie. With high-caliber presentations, thoughtful discussions, and opportunities for networking, the event underscored the value of regional collaboration and left attendees feeling inspired and informed.
Dennis H. Kraus, MD, FACS
Second Vice-President
