The ACS Communities—the networking tool exclusive to members of the College—has a new Editor-in-Chief. Sean J. Langenfeld, MD, FACS, the chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the Jon S. Thompson Endowed Professor of Surgery at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, has started his role as the platform’s second leader. He also is vice-chair for quality and compliance in the UNMC Department of Surgery.
He succeeds Tyler H. Hughes, MD, FACS, who served as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of the Communities since its launch in August 2014. Dr. Langenfeld began his term on February 1 after shadowing Dr. Hughes in January. The Communities platform offers ACS members a private online forum where they can pose clinical questions, offer guidance, exchange resources, and connect with colleagues in any surgical specialty, career stage, and/or local chapter.
In his new position, Dr. Langenfeld will be responsible for overseeing and reviewing new postings and making sure they adhere to the Communities Code of Conduct. He also will help start conversations and promote ACS content, such as articles in the Bulletin, the ACS Brief, and other publications, in their relevant communities.
Looking Forward
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to build on the amazing foundation created by Dr. Hughes and the ACS team,” Dr. Langenfeld said. He noted that his priorities include protecting existing networks and resources, which is particularly important for rural and community surgeons who can benefit from a “virtual surgeon’s lounge.” Dr. Langenfeld also plans to explore new ways to engage surgeons who are early in their practice, connecting them with more senior contributors so that all benefit from diverse perspectives.
“The ACS Communities platform is an invaluable tool that supports practicing surgeons and allows us to provide the best possible care for our patients, and so I greatly value the trust that has been placed with me to captain the ship,” he said.
Background and Social Media Expertise
Dr. Langenfeld has a history of service to professional organizations, including the ACS, where he has been a Fellow since 2014. Within the College, Dr. Langenfeld has served as President of the Nebraska Chapter, on the Executive Committee for the Committee on Video-Based Education, and a member of the Advisory Committee on the Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program.
Most germane to his new position leading the ACS Communities, Dr. Langenfeld has proven to be a leading voice in how medical professionals, including surgeons, should interact with social media. In addition to serving on the ACS Young Fellows Association Social Media Subcommittee, as chair of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) social media committee for almost 10 years, and as creator and moderator of the 1,000+ member ASCRS closed Facebook group, Dr. Langenfeld has provided talks, led courses, written commentaries, given podium and poster presentations, held visiting professorships, led grand rounds, and authored peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the dangers and impact of social media in the healthcare space.
Dr. Hughes has given a firm vote of confidence, reinforcing that Dr. Langenfeld is uniquely qualified to take the reins. “I am pleased that Dr. Langenfeld will be assuming that role. We first met when he was in the early stages of his career, and I have seen him continually grow into an ever better and more thoughtful surgeon,” Dr. Hughes said. “He has extensive experience in social communications, and I feel he will lead the ACS Communities to a new era introducing younger surgeons to this platform while strengthening its most vital components.” Learn more about the ACS Communities.
