Archive for April, 2020

Looking forward – April 2020
Dr. Hoyt summarizes the findings of a recent Ballast Research report that identifies the ACS as one of the most effective advocacy organizations in Washington, DC.

Databases: Where math meets medicine
Balancing statistical relevance with clinician experience leads to innovative approaches to patient care.

Letters to the Editor
The following comments were received regarding recent physician wellness and work-life balance articles published in the Bulletin.

Death of Dr. Isaac Burrell inspired black hospital movement
Dr. Burrell’s work in providing surgical care for African-American patients at the turn of the 20th century is described as is the evolution of the Black Hospital Movement.

New ACS-led verification program aims to improve care for rural surgical patients
Identifies the development and goals of a new program for verifying surgical quality in rural hospitals.

Michigan hospital participates in first pilot site visit for new ACS rural surgery verification program
The rural verification standards evaluated during the MMMC-Alpena pilot site visit are summarized as are lessons learned for future pilot site visits.

The evolution of lung cancer surgery contributes to the sharpest drop in overall cancer mortality in the U.S.
This article describes the advancements in early detection and surgical treatment of lung cancer that led to improved lung cancer survival from a thoracic surgeon’s perspective.

ACS COT participates in study to develop comparative data on trauma care organization
The development of the CAFE study is summarized as is its role in determining variation in trauma patient care.

Statement on Suicide Prevention
The Statement on Suicide Prevention was developed by the ACS COT’s Committee on Injury Prevention and Control and was approved by the Board of Regents at its February meeting in Chicago, IL.

Early-stage prostate cancer decision aids for diverse patient populations
The aim of the Alliance A191402CD trial is to evaluate the use of decision aids for men choosing treatment for located prostate cancer, particularly in minority populations.

Keep calm and stay out of the ICU: A comprehensive approach to reducing unplanned ICU admissions
The results of a quality improvement initiative to decrease unplanned intensive care unit admissions at Geisinger-CMC, Scranton, PA, are summarized.

Improving professionalism among physicians and surgeons
Strategies for monitoring and minimizing stressors that can lead to unprofessional behavior are outlined in this month’s column, including promoting peer accountability and support.

Check your inbox for Bulletin: ACS COVID-19 Updates
The ACS is publishing a twice-weekly Bulletin: ACS COVID-19 Updates designed to keep the membership informed and updated on best practices.

SSR helps surgeons track outcomes for reporting purposes
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgeon Specific Registry (SSR™) has a legacy of positively affecting patient care by serving the needs of individual surgeons in tracking their cases, measuring outcomes, and complying with the changing regulatory requirements. Over the course of more than a decade, the SSR has developed from the original Case Log […]

Coming next month in JACS and online now: Simple manometric index for comprehensive esophagogastric junction barrier competency against gastroesophageal reflux
Researchers outline an approach for improving the evaluation of clinical strategies for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Call for nominations for Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award
Nominations for the annual Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award are now being accepted.

CoC announces 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award recipients
The ACS Commission on Cancer has granted its year-end 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of accredited cancer programs throughout the U.S.

Apply for Gerald B. Healy, MD, FACS, Traveling Mentorship Fellowship
Applications are being accepted through May 15 for the Gerald B. Healy, MD, FACS, Traveling Mentorship Fellowship.

Chapter news
ACS domestic and international chapter meetings, events, and award presentations are summarized.