Archive for April, 2015
Looking forward – April 2015
This month’s column summarizes the increasing need for surgical health care professionals to be attentive to perioperative care and the College’s efforts to establish protocols for this phase of patient care.
Big promise and big challenges for big health care data
This article explores the growing demand for health care data and introduces readers to the concept of “big data” and its implications for surgical practice.
State legislatures get back to work
An update on state legislative priorities for the ACS, including implementation of provisions in the Affordable Care Act, coverage for bariatric surgery, medical liability reform, scope of practice, and trauma are summarized in this article.
The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery makes progress in first year of work: An update
This article provides an update on the activities of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, which was the topic of a news story in the February 2014 issue of the Bulletin.
Profiles in surgical research: Michael T. Longaker, MD, MBA, FACS
The latest installment in a series highlighting prominent ACS surgeon-scientists is an interview with Michael T. Longaker, MD, MBA, FACS, a pediatric craniofacial surgeon at Stanford University, CA.
ACS and ASE develop Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum for medical students
The development of the ACS/ASE Medical Student Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum and an overview of the course modules are highlighted in this article.
Surgeons can avoid PQRS and value-based modifier payment penalties
This article discusses the changes to the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) program in 2015, as well as options available for surgeons who are seeking to avoid the PQRS and value-based payment modifier penalties.
Expired and expiring ACA provisions
This month’s column summarizes provisions in the Affordable Care Act that have expired or are set to expire in the near future and offers guidelines for surgeons to advocate for extending key programs.
Responding to the need for rural general surgery training sites: A how-to
Models for establishing a new general surgery residency program with a rural focus or expanding a current program are outlined in this month’s column.
Progress in the PROSPECT trial: Precision treatment for rectal cancer?
The PROSPECT trial for individualized treatment is discussed in this month’s column as is the surgeon’s role in ensuring the success of this trial.
Eisenberg Award presented to ACS NSQIP for quality improvement efforts
The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum recognized ACS NSQIP with the Eisenberg Award for the quality improvement benefits it provides to hospitals by evaluating surgical outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.
Where’s the fire?
This month’s column examined the occurrence of burn-related injuries in the NTDB research dataset for 2013.
College hits its stride in social media usage
An update on the College’s social media usage and the ACS Communities, is provided in this news article.
Health care leaders participate in ACS Quality Forum in Sacramento, CA
A panel of regional health care experts discussed the state of health care in Northern California and discussed examples of state and national quality improvement initiatives that have resulted in higher standards, reduced costs, and better outcomes.
Study: Readmissions due to post-discharge complications
Readmissions in the first 30 days after surgery were associated with new post-discharge complications related to the surgical procedure, according to a recent study, and not to a worsening or mismanagement of conditions the patient already had while hospitalized for surgery.
Apply now for ACS Surgeons as Leaders course in June
The ACS Surgeons as Leaders: From Operating Room to Boardroom course will take place June 7–10 at ACS headquarters in Chicago, IL.
ACS Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course starts July 30
The ACS Comprehensive General Surgery Review Course, July 30–August 2 in Chicago, IL, is an intensive three-and-a-half-day review course covering essential content areas in general surgery.
Dr. Sachdeva delivers Bruce E. Spivey, MD, lecture at AAO meeting
Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, Director of the ACS Division of Education, delivered the Bruce E. Spivey, MD, Lecture at the 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.
TTP Program positions still available for 2015–2016 academic year
Several institutions participating in the ACS Transition to Practice (TTP) Program still have Associate positions available for the 2015–2016 academic year.
