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Biography of C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, Past-Director of the ACS, now available
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently published a new biography of C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, ACS Past-Director, a seminal figure in the history of surgery and the College, titled The Conscience of Surgery: C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS. Written by David L. Nahrwold, MD, FACS, this account examines the life of the erudite, principled cardiothoracic surgeon and innovator, who co-developed the Blalock-Hanlon operation with Alfred P. Blalock, MD, FACS.
The book covers every aspect of Dr. Hanlon’s life—from his boyhood in Baltimore, MD, to his quest to be the best clinician and surgeon-scientist, to his views on the government’s increasing influence on the delivery of surgical care, and to his undying love of the written word. For many surgeons, Dr. Hanlon was the embodiment of what it means to be a Fellow of the ACS.
“I got to know [Dr. Hanlon] as a person and a professional during my stint as the Interim Director of the ACS in 1999 when he was ‘retired’ and serving as Executive Consultant,” Dr. Nahrwold writes in the book’s preface. “He insisted that the mission of the College was to advance the ethical and competent practice of surgery and not to improve the financial well-being of surgeons.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Hanlon’s mentors, colleagues, and students included many eminent surgeons at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD; Cincinnati General Hospital, OH; and the University of California, San Francisco. He trained under Dean DeWitt Lewis, Walter E. Dandy, Howard C. Naffziger, Warfield “Monty” Firor, and Mont Reid (all MD, FACS). He worked alongside William P. Longmire, MD, FACS; Dr. Blalock; and Mark C. Ravitch, MD, FACS; and his residents and interns at St. Louis University, MO, included Vallee Willman, Theodore Cooper, Theodore Dubuque, and William Stoneman (all MD, FACS), among others.
Dr. Hanlon served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and followed with a distinguished career at Johns Hopkins and at St. Louis University, where, as chair of surgery, he developed the institution’s cardiac research capabilities, which helped to pioneer early open-heart and heart transplant procedures.
Dr. Hanlon became a Fellow of the College in 1953 and served as the ACS Director for 17 years (1969–1986), making him the longest-serving Director to date. Additionally, he served on the Board of Regents and as the ACS President (1985–1986). After retirement, he stayed on as ACS Executive Consultant, offering his sage advice to his successors, including Paul A. Ebert, MD, FACS; Samuel Wells, MD, FACS; Dr. Nahrwold; Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS; and David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS. Through these positions, Dr. Hanlon had a profound effect on the direction and philosophy of the College, including in philanthropic endeavors and the establishment of the ACS Archives. He received the first ACS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
“Hanlon’s integrity, faith, hard work, and service to others led him to become a role model for physicians and laypersons alike. These attributes also drove his brilliant career as an innovative surgeon, leadership in academic and organized medicine, and reputation as a humanist and ethicist,” Dr. Narhwold concludes in the preface. “Before he died I knew that I must write his biography to expose his principled life, his goodness, and his devotion to surgery and to surgeons, especially young surgeons, with the hope that they and others will find his life worthy of study and emulation.”
Dr. Nahrwold is Emeritus Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, where he was the Loyal and Edith Davis Professor and Chairman, department of surgery, and surgeon-in-chief, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is a recipient of the College’s highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Nahrwold is author of A Mirror Reflecting Surgery, Surgeons, and their College: The Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons, and co-author, with Peter J. Kernahan, MD, PhD, FACS, of A Century of Surgeons and Surgery: The American College of Surgeons 1913–2012.
The Conscience of Surgery: C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, is available for $15.95 on the ACS E-Store at web4.facs.org/eBusiness/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=1060 and on amazon.com.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently published a new biography of C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, ACS Past-Director, a seminal figure in the history of surgery and the College, titled The Conscience of Surgery: C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS. Written by David L. Nahrwold, MD, FACS, this account examines the life of the erudite, principled cardiothoracic surgeon and innovator, who co-developed the Blalock-Hanlon operation with Alfred P. Blalock, MD, FACS.
The book covers every aspect of Dr. Hanlon’s life—from his boyhood in Baltimore, MD, to his quest to be the best clinician and surgeon-scientist, to his views on the government’s increasing influence on the delivery of surgical care, and to his undying love of the written word. For many surgeons, Dr. Hanlon was the embodiment of what it means to be a Fellow of the ACS.
“I got to know [Dr. Hanlon] as a person and a professional during my stint as the Interim Director of the ACS in 1999 when he was ‘retired’ and serving as Executive Consultant,” Dr. Nahrwold writes in the book’s preface. “He insisted that the mission of the College was to advance the ethical and competent practice of surgery and not to improve the financial well-being of surgeons.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Hanlon’s mentors, colleagues, and students included many eminent surgeons at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD; Cincinnati General Hospital, OH; and the University of California, San Francisco. He trained under Dean DeWitt Lewis, Walter E. Dandy, Howard C. Naffziger, Warfield “Monty” Firor, and Mont Reid (all MD, FACS). He worked alongside William P. Longmire, MD, FACS; Dr. Blalock; and Mark C. Ravitch, MD, FACS; and his residents and interns at St. Louis University, MO, included Vallee Willman, Theodore Cooper, Theodore Dubuque, and William Stoneman (all MD, FACS), among others.
Dr. Hanlon served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and followed with a distinguished career at Johns Hopkins and at St. Louis University, where, as chair of surgery, he developed the institution’s cardiac research capabilities, which helped to pioneer early open-heart and heart transplant procedures.
Dr. Hanlon became a Fellow of the College in 1953 and served as the ACS Director for 17 years (1969–1986), making him the longest-serving Director to date. Additionally, he served on the Board of Regents and as the ACS President (1985–1986). After retirement, he stayed on as ACS Executive Consultant, offering his sage advice to his successors, including Paul A. Ebert, MD, FACS; Samuel Wells, MD, FACS; Dr. Nahrwold; Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS; and David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS. Through these positions, Dr. Hanlon had a profound effect on the direction and philosophy of the College, including in philanthropic endeavors and the establishment of the ACS Archives. He received the first ACS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
“Hanlon’s integrity, faith, hard work, and service to others led him to become a role model for physicians and laypersons alike. These attributes also drove his brilliant career as an innovative surgeon, leadership in academic and organized medicine, and reputation as a humanist and ethicist,” Dr. Narhwold concludes in the preface. “Before he died I knew that I must write his biography to expose his principled life, his goodness, and his devotion to surgery and to surgeons, especially young surgeons, with the hope that they and others will find his life worthy of study and emulation.”
Dr. Nahrwold is Emeritus Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, where he was the Loyal and Edith Davis Professor and Chairman, department of surgery, and surgeon-in-chief, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is a recipient of the College’s highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Nahrwold is author of A Mirror Reflecting Surgery, Surgeons, and their College: The Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons, and co-author, with Peter J. Kernahan, MD, PhD, FACS, of A Century of Surgeons and Surgery: The American College of Surgeons 1913–2012.
The Conscience of Surgery: C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, is available for $15.95 on the ACS E-Store at web4.facs.org/eBusiness/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=1060 and on amazon.com.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently published a new biography of C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, ACS Past-Director, a seminal figure in the history of surgery and the College, titled The Conscience of Surgery: C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS. Written by David L. Nahrwold, MD, FACS, this account examines the life of the erudite, principled cardiothoracic surgeon and innovator, who co-developed the Blalock-Hanlon operation with Alfred P. Blalock, MD, FACS.
The book covers every aspect of Dr. Hanlon’s life—from his boyhood in Baltimore, MD, to his quest to be the best clinician and surgeon-scientist, to his views on the government’s increasing influence on the delivery of surgical care, and to his undying love of the written word. For many surgeons, Dr. Hanlon was the embodiment of what it means to be a Fellow of the ACS.
“I got to know [Dr. Hanlon] as a person and a professional during my stint as the Interim Director of the ACS in 1999 when he was ‘retired’ and serving as Executive Consultant,” Dr. Nahrwold writes in the book’s preface. “He insisted that the mission of the College was to advance the ethical and competent practice of surgery and not to improve the financial well-being of surgeons.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Hanlon’s mentors, colleagues, and students included many eminent surgeons at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD; Cincinnati General Hospital, OH; and the University of California, San Francisco. He trained under Dean DeWitt Lewis, Walter E. Dandy, Howard C. Naffziger, Warfield “Monty” Firor, and Mont Reid (all MD, FACS). He worked alongside William P. Longmire, MD, FACS; Dr. Blalock; and Mark C. Ravitch, MD, FACS; and his residents and interns at St. Louis University, MO, included Vallee Willman, Theodore Cooper, Theodore Dubuque, and William Stoneman (all MD, FACS), among others.
Dr. Hanlon served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and followed with a distinguished career at Johns Hopkins and at St. Louis University, where, as chair of surgery, he developed the institution’s cardiac research capabilities, which helped to pioneer early open-heart and heart transplant procedures.
Dr. Hanlon became a Fellow of the College in 1953 and served as the ACS Director for 17 years (1969–1986), making him the longest-serving Director to date. Additionally, he served on the Board of Regents and as the ACS President (1985–1986). After retirement, he stayed on as ACS Executive Consultant, offering his sage advice to his successors, including Paul A. Ebert, MD, FACS; Samuel Wells, MD, FACS; Dr. Nahrwold; Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS; and David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS. Through these positions, Dr. Hanlon had a profound effect on the direction and philosophy of the College, including in philanthropic endeavors and the establishment of the ACS Archives. He received the first ACS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
“Hanlon’s integrity, faith, hard work, and service to others led him to become a role model for physicians and laypersons alike. These attributes also drove his brilliant career as an innovative surgeon, leadership in academic and organized medicine, and reputation as a humanist and ethicist,” Dr. Narhwold concludes in the preface. “Before he died I knew that I must write his biography to expose his principled life, his goodness, and his devotion to surgery and to surgeons, especially young surgeons, with the hope that they and others will find his life worthy of study and emulation.”
Dr. Nahrwold is Emeritus Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, where he was the Loyal and Edith Davis Professor and Chairman, department of surgery, and surgeon-in-chief, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is a recipient of the College’s highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Nahrwold is author of A Mirror Reflecting Surgery, Surgeons, and their College: The Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons, and co-author, with Peter J. Kernahan, MD, PhD, FACS, of A Century of Surgeons and Surgery: The American College of Surgeons 1913–2012.
The Conscience of Surgery: C. Rollins Hanlon, MD, FACS, is available for $15.95 on the ACS E-Store at web4.facs.org/eBusiness/ProductCatalog/Product.aspx?ID=1060 and on amazon.com.
Heidi Nelson, MD, FACS, named Medical Director of ACS Cancer Programs
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently announced that Heidi Nelson, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon from Rochester, MN, will be joining the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care (DROPC) as Medical Director, Cancer Programs, succeeding David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, as he transitions from the position he has served in for more than 30 years. Dr. Nelson comes to the ACS from her position as chair, and vice-chair for research, department of surgery, Mayo Clinic, as well as professor of surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester. She has master’s faculty privileges in clinical and translation science at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
Dr. Nelson received a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, Bellingham, and her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, where she also served as an American Cancer Society Fellow. She then went to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where she was a colon and rectal surgery fellow and completed a research fellowship. Dr. Nelson returned to the University of Washington, where she was a Leo Hirsch Traveling Fellow.
Dr. Nelson has received numerous awards and held membership in many professional organizations, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the Association of Women Surgeons, among others.
Research activities
As the Fred C. Andersen Professor for the Mayo Foundation and a consultant for Mayo Clinic’s division of colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Nelson is internationally renowned for her research in the field of colon and rectal cancer. The goal of her research activities has been to improve the duration and quality of life for these patients. These efforts have helped to reduce the impact of surgery on patients with early-stage disease through the safe introduction of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical approaches. Her work also has helped to reduce the cancer burden in patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer through studies examining the role of complex operations and intraoperative radiation therapy. Dr. Nelson’s work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, the ASCRS, and many other organizations. In addition to her clinical activities, she has led the Center for Individualized Medicine Microbiome Program at the Mayo Clinic, where she conducts, presents, and publishes research on the human microbiome and its connection to health and disease.
Leadership
Dr. Nelson brings a wealth of experience from leading others and establishing results-oriented teams. She has mentored trainees and investigators and has served as an editor and publisher for high-impact journals. She also has been extensively involved with the ACS throughout her career—Dr. Nelson became an ACS Fellow in 1993 and has served as former Director, ACS Clinical Research Program; former co-chair, ACS Oncology Group; and as a member, Commission on Cancer Executive Committee.
Dr. Nelson started working with the ACS in September on an initial part-time basis, overlapping with Dr. Winchester to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
“The American College of Surgeons is excited about Dr. Nelson joining our Executive Leadership Team. Her research acumen and leadership in the cancer care community are well known and widely respected. Her addition to our team will benefit our members, our relationships with cancer care organizations, and the patients whom we serve,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently announced that Heidi Nelson, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon from Rochester, MN, will be joining the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care (DROPC) as Medical Director, Cancer Programs, succeeding David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, as he transitions from the position he has served in for more than 30 years. Dr. Nelson comes to the ACS from her position as chair, and vice-chair for research, department of surgery, Mayo Clinic, as well as professor of surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester. She has master’s faculty privileges in clinical and translation science at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
Dr. Nelson received a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, Bellingham, and her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, where she also served as an American Cancer Society Fellow. She then went to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where she was a colon and rectal surgery fellow and completed a research fellowship. Dr. Nelson returned to the University of Washington, where she was a Leo Hirsch Traveling Fellow.
Dr. Nelson has received numerous awards and held membership in many professional organizations, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the Association of Women Surgeons, among others.
Research activities
As the Fred C. Andersen Professor for the Mayo Foundation and a consultant for Mayo Clinic’s division of colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Nelson is internationally renowned for her research in the field of colon and rectal cancer. The goal of her research activities has been to improve the duration and quality of life for these patients. These efforts have helped to reduce the impact of surgery on patients with early-stage disease through the safe introduction of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical approaches. Her work also has helped to reduce the cancer burden in patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer through studies examining the role of complex operations and intraoperative radiation therapy. Dr. Nelson’s work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, the ASCRS, and many other organizations. In addition to her clinical activities, she has led the Center for Individualized Medicine Microbiome Program at the Mayo Clinic, where she conducts, presents, and publishes research on the human microbiome and its connection to health and disease.
Leadership
Dr. Nelson brings a wealth of experience from leading others and establishing results-oriented teams. She has mentored trainees and investigators and has served as an editor and publisher for high-impact journals. She also has been extensively involved with the ACS throughout her career—Dr. Nelson became an ACS Fellow in 1993 and has served as former Director, ACS Clinical Research Program; former co-chair, ACS Oncology Group; and as a member, Commission on Cancer Executive Committee.
Dr. Nelson started working with the ACS in September on an initial part-time basis, overlapping with Dr. Winchester to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
“The American College of Surgeons is excited about Dr. Nelson joining our Executive Leadership Team. Her research acumen and leadership in the cancer care community are well known and widely respected. Her addition to our team will benefit our members, our relationships with cancer care organizations, and the patients whom we serve,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recently announced that Heidi Nelson, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon from Rochester, MN, will be joining the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care (DROPC) as Medical Director, Cancer Programs, succeeding David P. Winchester, MD, FACS, as he transitions from the position he has served in for more than 30 years. Dr. Nelson comes to the ACS from her position as chair, and vice-chair for research, department of surgery, Mayo Clinic, as well as professor of surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester. She has master’s faculty privileges in clinical and translation science at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
Dr. Nelson received a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, Bellingham, and her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, where she also served as an American Cancer Society Fellow. She then went to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where she was a colon and rectal surgery fellow and completed a research fellowship. Dr. Nelson returned to the University of Washington, where she was a Leo Hirsch Traveling Fellow.
Dr. Nelson has received numerous awards and held membership in many professional organizations, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the Association of Women Surgeons, among others.
Research activities
As the Fred C. Andersen Professor for the Mayo Foundation and a consultant for Mayo Clinic’s division of colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Nelson is internationally renowned for her research in the field of colon and rectal cancer. The goal of her research activities has been to improve the duration and quality of life for these patients. These efforts have helped to reduce the impact of surgery on patients with early-stage disease through the safe introduction of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical approaches. Her work also has helped to reduce the cancer burden in patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer through studies examining the role of complex operations and intraoperative radiation therapy. Dr. Nelson’s work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, the ASCRS, and many other organizations. In addition to her clinical activities, she has led the Center for Individualized Medicine Microbiome Program at the Mayo Clinic, where she conducts, presents, and publishes research on the human microbiome and its connection to health and disease.
Leadership
Dr. Nelson brings a wealth of experience from leading others and establishing results-oriented teams. She has mentored trainees and investigators and has served as an editor and publisher for high-impact journals. She also has been extensively involved with the ACS throughout her career—Dr. Nelson became an ACS Fellow in 1993 and has served as former Director, ACS Clinical Research Program; former co-chair, ACS Oncology Group; and as a member, Commission on Cancer Executive Committee.
Dr. Nelson started working with the ACS in September on an initial part-time basis, overlapping with Dr. Winchester to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
“The American College of Surgeons is excited about Dr. Nelson joining our Executive Leadership Team. Her research acumen and leadership in the cancer care community are well known and widely respected. Her addition to our team will benefit our members, our relationships with cancer care organizations, and the patients whom we serve,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS.
Ronald V. Maier, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), FCSHK(Hon) installed as 2018–2019
Ronald. V. Maier, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), FCSHK(Hon), the Jane and Donald D. Trunkey Endowed Chair in Trauma Surgery; vice-chairman, department of surgery; and professor of surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, was installed as the 99th President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at Convocation, October 21, at Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA.
Dr. Maier is highly esteemed for his contributions to trauma surgery, surgical research, and surgical education. In addition to his positions at the University of Washington, he is director, Northwest Regional Trauma Center; and surgeon-in-chief and co-director, surgical intensive care unit (SICU), Harborview Medical Center, Seattle. He also is associate medical staff, University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. A Fellow of the College since 1984, Dr. Maier served as First Vice-President of the ACS (2015−2016) and has played an active role on several key committees, most notably the Committee on Trauma (COT).
Mark C. Weissler, MD, FACS, Past-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents (2014−2015) was installed as the First Vice-President. An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, Dr. Weissler is the Joseph P. Riddle Distinguished Professor, department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, and chief, division of head and neck surgery, University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, Chapel Hill. An ACS Fellow since 1989, Dr. Weissler is a former ACS Regent, serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents for two years (2012–2014) and Chair for one year (2014−2015). He has served on the ACS Board of Governors and in other leadership capacities for the College, including the Committee on Ethics, Central Judiciary Committee, Advisory Council for Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery; and President, North Carolina Chapter of the ACS.
The Second Vice-President is Phillip R. Caropreso, MD, FACS, a general surgeon from Keokuk, IA. A committed rural surgeon, Dr. Caropreso has practiced in Mason City, IA; Keokuk, IA; and Carthage, IL. Academic positions have included serving on the teaching faculty, family practice residency, North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City; adjunct clinical professor of surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City; and director, general surgery rotation, North Iowa Medical Center. A Fellow of the ACS since 1979, Dr. Caropreso has been active at the local and national level. He was Chair, Iowa State COT; President of the Iowa Chapter; and ACS Governor, serving on the Board of Governors Committee on Surgical Practices.
Read more about Dr. Maier, Dr. Weissler, and Dr. Caropreso in the November Bulletin at www.bulletin.facs.org.
Ronald. V. Maier, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), FCSHK(Hon), the Jane and Donald D. Trunkey Endowed Chair in Trauma Surgery; vice-chairman, department of surgery; and professor of surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, was installed as the 99th President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at Convocation, October 21, at Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA.
Dr. Maier is highly esteemed for his contributions to trauma surgery, surgical research, and surgical education. In addition to his positions at the University of Washington, he is director, Northwest Regional Trauma Center; and surgeon-in-chief and co-director, surgical intensive care unit (SICU), Harborview Medical Center, Seattle. He also is associate medical staff, University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. A Fellow of the College since 1984, Dr. Maier served as First Vice-President of the ACS (2015−2016) and has played an active role on several key committees, most notably the Committee on Trauma (COT).
Mark C. Weissler, MD, FACS, Past-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents (2014−2015) was installed as the First Vice-President. An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, Dr. Weissler is the Joseph P. Riddle Distinguished Professor, department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, and chief, division of head and neck surgery, University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, Chapel Hill. An ACS Fellow since 1989, Dr. Weissler is a former ACS Regent, serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents for two years (2012–2014) and Chair for one year (2014−2015). He has served on the ACS Board of Governors and in other leadership capacities for the College, including the Committee on Ethics, Central Judiciary Committee, Advisory Council for Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery; and President, North Carolina Chapter of the ACS.
The Second Vice-President is Phillip R. Caropreso, MD, FACS, a general surgeon from Keokuk, IA. A committed rural surgeon, Dr. Caropreso has practiced in Mason City, IA; Keokuk, IA; and Carthage, IL. Academic positions have included serving on the teaching faculty, family practice residency, North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City; adjunct clinical professor of surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City; and director, general surgery rotation, North Iowa Medical Center. A Fellow of the ACS since 1979, Dr. Caropreso has been active at the local and national level. He was Chair, Iowa State COT; President of the Iowa Chapter; and ACS Governor, serving on the Board of Governors Committee on Surgical Practices.
Read more about Dr. Maier, Dr. Weissler, and Dr. Caropreso in the November Bulletin at www.bulletin.facs.org.
Ronald. V. Maier, MD, FACS, FRCSEd(Hon), FCSHK(Hon), the Jane and Donald D. Trunkey Endowed Chair in Trauma Surgery; vice-chairman, department of surgery; and professor of surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, was installed as the 99th President of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) at Convocation, October 21, at Clinical Congress 2018 in Boston, MA.
Dr. Maier is highly esteemed for his contributions to trauma surgery, surgical research, and surgical education. In addition to his positions at the University of Washington, he is director, Northwest Regional Trauma Center; and surgeon-in-chief and co-director, surgical intensive care unit (SICU), Harborview Medical Center, Seattle. He also is associate medical staff, University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. A Fellow of the College since 1984, Dr. Maier served as First Vice-President of the ACS (2015−2016) and has played an active role on several key committees, most notably the Committee on Trauma (COT).
Mark C. Weissler, MD, FACS, Past-Chair of the ACS Board of Regents (2014−2015) was installed as the First Vice-President. An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, Dr. Weissler is the Joseph P. Riddle Distinguished Professor, department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, and chief, division of head and neck surgery, University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine, Chapel Hill. An ACS Fellow since 1989, Dr. Weissler is a former ACS Regent, serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents for two years (2012–2014) and Chair for one year (2014−2015). He has served on the ACS Board of Governors and in other leadership capacities for the College, including the Committee on Ethics, Central Judiciary Committee, Advisory Council for Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery; and President, North Carolina Chapter of the ACS.
The Second Vice-President is Phillip R. Caropreso, MD, FACS, a general surgeon from Keokuk, IA. A committed rural surgeon, Dr. Caropreso has practiced in Mason City, IA; Keokuk, IA; and Carthage, IL. Academic positions have included serving on the teaching faculty, family practice residency, North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City; adjunct clinical professor of surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City; and director, general surgery rotation, North Iowa Medical Center. A Fellow of the ACS since 1979, Dr. Caropreso has been active at the local and national level. He was Chair, Iowa State COT; President of the Iowa Chapter; and ACS Governor, serving on the Board of Governors Committee on Surgical Practices.
Read more about Dr. Maier, Dr. Weissler, and Dr. Caropreso in the November Bulletin at www.bulletin.facs.org.
VRIC Registration and Abtract Submission Site Now Open
Both registration and the abstract submission site for the 2019 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference are now open. This one-day meeting encourages interactive participation of all attendees and emphasizes emerging vascular science. To maximize researchers' and participants' travel dollars and time, VRIC will be held on May 13, 2019, in Boston, the day before the American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions
Both registration and the abstract submission site for the 2019 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference are now open. This one-day meeting encourages interactive participation of all attendees and emphasizes emerging vascular science. To maximize researchers' and participants' travel dollars and time, VRIC will be held on May 13, 2019, in Boston, the day before the American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions
Both registration and the abstract submission site for the 2019 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference are now open. This one-day meeting encourages interactive participation of all attendees and emphasizes emerging vascular science. To maximize researchers' and participants' travel dollars and time, VRIC will be held on May 13, 2019, in Boston, the day before the American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions
CHEST Foundation awards grants to scholars, young investigators, and community service volunteers
Each year, the CHEST Foundation offers grants to worthy research candidates, generous community service volunteers, and distinguished scholars. More than 1,000 recipients worldwide have received more than $10 million in support and recognition of outstanding contributions to chest medicine.
In 2018, the Foundation awarded than $500,000 to researchers who were honored during Sunday’s Opening Session.
Robert C. Hyzy, MD, FCCP, director of the Critical Care Medicine Unit at the University of Michigan, was awarded the 2018 Eli Lilly and Company Distinguished Scholar in Critical Care Medicine grant for his research titled “The Use of Electrical Impedance Tomography to Assess Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” The grant, sponsored by Eli Lilly, will further Dr. Hyzy’s research into vetting electrical impedance tomography (EIT).
“EIT is essentially a belt that’s worn around a patient’s chest that creates an image through a low, imperceptible electronic current,” Dr. Hyzy said, noting a CAT scanner can also be used to see how air gets into the lungs, but those are not a practical tool in the ICU. “EIT creates some images, and the images change with regard to how air gets into the lungs, particularly when the patient has ARDS. So the idea here, with this generous grant, would be to build a better mousetrap—to explore this technology as a means to see various ways to push air through the lungs. It’s using the images you get to guide the way mechanical ventilation is provided.”
The Foundation’s grants have made a difference in patients’ lives by aiding young investigators. Many of the supported projects have led to breakthroughs in the treatment of chest diseases and patient care. The Foundation encourages members to apply for grants so that chest medicine will continue to improve and evolve.
Congratulations to all of our 2018 CHEST Foundation grant winners!
Watch for the list of all CHEST 2018 winners in the December issue of CHEST Physician.
Each year, the CHEST Foundation offers grants to worthy research candidates, generous community service volunteers, and distinguished scholars. More than 1,000 recipients worldwide have received more than $10 million in support and recognition of outstanding contributions to chest medicine.
In 2018, the Foundation awarded than $500,000 to researchers who were honored during Sunday’s Opening Session.
Robert C. Hyzy, MD, FCCP, director of the Critical Care Medicine Unit at the University of Michigan, was awarded the 2018 Eli Lilly and Company Distinguished Scholar in Critical Care Medicine grant for his research titled “The Use of Electrical Impedance Tomography to Assess Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” The grant, sponsored by Eli Lilly, will further Dr. Hyzy’s research into vetting electrical impedance tomography (EIT).
“EIT is essentially a belt that’s worn around a patient’s chest that creates an image through a low, imperceptible electronic current,” Dr. Hyzy said, noting a CAT scanner can also be used to see how air gets into the lungs, but those are not a practical tool in the ICU. “EIT creates some images, and the images change with regard to how air gets into the lungs, particularly when the patient has ARDS. So the idea here, with this generous grant, would be to build a better mousetrap—to explore this technology as a means to see various ways to push air through the lungs. It’s using the images you get to guide the way mechanical ventilation is provided.”
The Foundation’s grants have made a difference in patients’ lives by aiding young investigators. Many of the supported projects have led to breakthroughs in the treatment of chest diseases and patient care. The Foundation encourages members to apply for grants so that chest medicine will continue to improve and evolve.
Congratulations to all of our 2018 CHEST Foundation grant winners!
Watch for the list of all CHEST 2018 winners in the December issue of CHEST Physician.
Each year, the CHEST Foundation offers grants to worthy research candidates, generous community service volunteers, and distinguished scholars. More than 1,000 recipients worldwide have received more than $10 million in support and recognition of outstanding contributions to chest medicine.
In 2018, the Foundation awarded than $500,000 to researchers who were honored during Sunday’s Opening Session.
Robert C. Hyzy, MD, FCCP, director of the Critical Care Medicine Unit at the University of Michigan, was awarded the 2018 Eli Lilly and Company Distinguished Scholar in Critical Care Medicine grant for his research titled “The Use of Electrical Impedance Tomography to Assess Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” The grant, sponsored by Eli Lilly, will further Dr. Hyzy’s research into vetting electrical impedance tomography (EIT).
“EIT is essentially a belt that’s worn around a patient’s chest that creates an image through a low, imperceptible electronic current,” Dr. Hyzy said, noting a CAT scanner can also be used to see how air gets into the lungs, but those are not a practical tool in the ICU. “EIT creates some images, and the images change with regard to how air gets into the lungs, particularly when the patient has ARDS. So the idea here, with this generous grant, would be to build a better mousetrap—to explore this technology as a means to see various ways to push air through the lungs. It’s using the images you get to guide the way mechanical ventilation is provided.”
The Foundation’s grants have made a difference in patients’ lives by aiding young investigators. Many of the supported projects have led to breakthroughs in the treatment of chest diseases and patient care. The Foundation encourages members to apply for grants so that chest medicine will continue to improve and evolve.
Congratulations to all of our 2018 CHEST Foundation grant winners!
Watch for the list of all CHEST 2018 winners in the December issue of CHEST Physician.
A year in review with CHEST President, John Studdard, MD, FCCP
Wow, what an incredible year this has been! Serving as CHEST President from the end of CHEST 2017 until the CHEST Annual Meeting in San Antonio—in early October 2018--means I’ve served one of the shortest presidencies in CHEST history. I must say, however, that it has been a phenomenal year for me personally, highlighted not only by the accomplishments outlined below, but by the opportunity to meet so many new people and to grow existing relationships both for myself and for CHEST. I am so proud and excited by the meaningful work being done by our volunteers, staff, and leadership. Thank you for the incredibly humbling opportunity to work with you and to serve CHEST this year.
Since joining CHEST in 1982, I’ve had the opportunity to observe and learn from so many great leaders, each with different strengths and styles of leadership. I also have learned so much from members of our staff at all levels, as well as members of our leadership who serve as committee chairs, NetWork leaders, faculty representatives, and more, all giving so unselfishly of their time and talent to this organization. In addition, I was blessed this year to work with a special Board of Regents—experienced, engaged, professional in their approach, supportive, strategic, representing diversity of thought and passionate about this organization.
Throughout the 2017-2018 fiscal year, CHEST’s Board of Regents worked tirelessly to refine CHEST’s mission and vision and to develop goals, strategies, and key performance indicators to develop a new, 5-year strategic plan. Our organizational goals going forward are focused on several broad areas of achievement. To achieve these goals, we need to continue investing in and expanding our efforts in key areas like Membership, Education, and Publishing. We need to focus our attention on key groups like clinician educators, young leaders and young members, and embracing diversity of thought and meaningful inclusion, paying attention to gaps, barriers, and opportunities.
As I look to our updated CHEST mission--“To champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research”—as I look at the areas of achievement over the past year, and as I look to the strategic plan and what lies ahead, in my opinion there is no finish line, and there will always be more work to do.
Thank you to the CHEST volunteers, staff, leadership, and partners for your unwavering support of CHEST and our mission. We could not be successful without you.
First released as a Thought Leaders Blog on chestnet.org, September 30, 2018.
Wow, what an incredible year this has been! Serving as CHEST President from the end of CHEST 2017 until the CHEST Annual Meeting in San Antonio—in early October 2018--means I’ve served one of the shortest presidencies in CHEST history. I must say, however, that it has been a phenomenal year for me personally, highlighted not only by the accomplishments outlined below, but by the opportunity to meet so many new people and to grow existing relationships both for myself and for CHEST. I am so proud and excited by the meaningful work being done by our volunteers, staff, and leadership. Thank you for the incredibly humbling opportunity to work with you and to serve CHEST this year.
Since joining CHEST in 1982, I’ve had the opportunity to observe and learn from so many great leaders, each with different strengths and styles of leadership. I also have learned so much from members of our staff at all levels, as well as members of our leadership who serve as committee chairs, NetWork leaders, faculty representatives, and more, all giving so unselfishly of their time and talent to this organization. In addition, I was blessed this year to work with a special Board of Regents—experienced, engaged, professional in their approach, supportive, strategic, representing diversity of thought and passionate about this organization.
Throughout the 2017-2018 fiscal year, CHEST’s Board of Regents worked tirelessly to refine CHEST’s mission and vision and to develop goals, strategies, and key performance indicators to develop a new, 5-year strategic plan. Our organizational goals going forward are focused on several broad areas of achievement. To achieve these goals, we need to continue investing in and expanding our efforts in key areas like Membership, Education, and Publishing. We need to focus our attention on key groups like clinician educators, young leaders and young members, and embracing diversity of thought and meaningful inclusion, paying attention to gaps, barriers, and opportunities.
As I look to our updated CHEST mission--“To champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research”—as I look at the areas of achievement over the past year, and as I look to the strategic plan and what lies ahead, in my opinion there is no finish line, and there will always be more work to do.
Thank you to the CHEST volunteers, staff, leadership, and partners for your unwavering support of CHEST and our mission. We could not be successful without you.
First released as a Thought Leaders Blog on chestnet.org, September 30, 2018.
Wow, what an incredible year this has been! Serving as CHEST President from the end of CHEST 2017 until the CHEST Annual Meeting in San Antonio—in early October 2018--means I’ve served one of the shortest presidencies in CHEST history. I must say, however, that it has been a phenomenal year for me personally, highlighted not only by the accomplishments outlined below, but by the opportunity to meet so many new people and to grow existing relationships both for myself and for CHEST. I am so proud and excited by the meaningful work being done by our volunteers, staff, and leadership. Thank you for the incredibly humbling opportunity to work with you and to serve CHEST this year.
Since joining CHEST in 1982, I’ve had the opportunity to observe and learn from so many great leaders, each with different strengths and styles of leadership. I also have learned so much from members of our staff at all levels, as well as members of our leadership who serve as committee chairs, NetWork leaders, faculty representatives, and more, all giving so unselfishly of their time and talent to this organization. In addition, I was blessed this year to work with a special Board of Regents—experienced, engaged, professional in their approach, supportive, strategic, representing diversity of thought and passionate about this organization.
Throughout the 2017-2018 fiscal year, CHEST’s Board of Regents worked tirelessly to refine CHEST’s mission and vision and to develop goals, strategies, and key performance indicators to develop a new, 5-year strategic plan. Our organizational goals going forward are focused on several broad areas of achievement. To achieve these goals, we need to continue investing in and expanding our efforts in key areas like Membership, Education, and Publishing. We need to focus our attention on key groups like clinician educators, young leaders and young members, and embracing diversity of thought and meaningful inclusion, paying attention to gaps, barriers, and opportunities.
As I look to our updated CHEST mission--“To champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research”—as I look at the areas of achievement over the past year, and as I look to the strategic plan and what lies ahead, in my opinion there is no finish line, and there will always be more work to do.
Thank you to the CHEST volunteers, staff, leadership, and partners for your unwavering support of CHEST and our mission. We could not be successful without you.
First released as a Thought Leaders Blog on chestnet.org, September 30, 2018.
This month in the journal CHEST®
Editor’s picks
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effectiveness of Reprocessing for Flexible Bronchoscopes and Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopes.
By Dr. C. L. Ofstead, et al.
Lower Glucose Target Is Associated With Improved 30-Day Mortality in Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Patients.
By Dr. A. M. Hersh, et al.
Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score: A Systematic Evaluation to Enhance the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis.
By Dr. A. N. Bickett, et al.
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.
By Dr. G. Y. H. Lip, et al.
Editor’s picks
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effectiveness of Reprocessing for Flexible Bronchoscopes and Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopes.
By Dr. C. L. Ofstead, et al.
Lower Glucose Target Is Associated With Improved 30-Day Mortality in Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Patients.
By Dr. A. M. Hersh, et al.
Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score: A Systematic Evaluation to Enhance the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis.
By Dr. A. N. Bickett, et al.
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.
By Dr. G. Y. H. Lip, et al.
Editor’s picks
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Effectiveness of Reprocessing for Flexible Bronchoscopes and Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopes.
By Dr. C. L. Ofstead, et al.
Lower Glucose Target Is Associated With Improved 30-Day Mortality in Cardiac and Cardiothoracic Patients.
By Dr. A. M. Hersh, et al.
Sarcoidosis Diagnostic Score: A Systematic Evaluation to Enhance the Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis.
By Dr. A. N. Bickett, et al.
EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.
By Dr. G. Y. H. Lip, et al.
New private online community for SVS members
The Society for Vascular Surgery is creating a private online community, SVSConnect, with a number of resources for SVS members and their peers. This new collaborative online community will let members connect and engage with, and learn from, fellow members and peers on an infinite number of topics. It is expected to launch by late 2018. Users will enjoy a member directory search, forums, mentor match programs and resource sharing. More information will be communicated to members soon via Pulse newsletters, emails and the SVS Website.
The Society for Vascular Surgery is creating a private online community, SVSConnect, with a number of resources for SVS members and their peers. This new collaborative online community will let members connect and engage with, and learn from, fellow members and peers on an infinite number of topics. It is expected to launch by late 2018. Users will enjoy a member directory search, forums, mentor match programs and resource sharing. More information will be communicated to members soon via Pulse newsletters, emails and the SVS Website.
The Society for Vascular Surgery is creating a private online community, SVSConnect, with a number of resources for SVS members and their peers. This new collaborative online community will let members connect and engage with, and learn from, fellow members and peers on an infinite number of topics. It is expected to launch by late 2018. Users will enjoy a member directory search, forums, mentor match programs and resource sharing. More information will be communicated to members soon via Pulse newsletters, emails and the SVS Website.
Please stay involved as leaders
By the time you receive this issue, we will know election results. The effects on medical care, medical coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid will be profound. American medicine is integrally linked to Congress and the Supreme Court because on July 30, 1965, Lyndon Johnson signed Title 18 of the Social Security Act and created Medicare – a move that took medical care out of personal law and into public law.
In November, CMS will publish its “final rule” about documentation and reimbursement changes, site of service reimbursement, and several other impactful policy changes. We have an extended article from the AGA Partners in Value conference about these potential changes.
This month we highlight the medical home concept for IBD – an idea that is gaining traction. More intense colon cancer screening may be needed for families with nonhereditary colon cancer. An interesting article from JAMA suggests that obesity may play a role in colon cancer rates in young women.
Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori infections is reaching alarming levels and this information may alter our practice. We feature an “In Focus” section on endosopic treatment for obese patients. We also continue highlighting some popular and interesting discussion chains emanating from the AGA Community.
Please stay involved as leaders in health care economics, delivery, and politics. We need thoughtful discussions and we need to bring patient stories to our politicians. It often seems that our advocacy does little to alter the national debate but who better to speak for the people that entrust us with their care?
John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF
Editor in Chief
By the time you receive this issue, we will know election results. The effects on medical care, medical coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid will be profound. American medicine is integrally linked to Congress and the Supreme Court because on July 30, 1965, Lyndon Johnson signed Title 18 of the Social Security Act and created Medicare – a move that took medical care out of personal law and into public law.
In November, CMS will publish its “final rule” about documentation and reimbursement changes, site of service reimbursement, and several other impactful policy changes. We have an extended article from the AGA Partners in Value conference about these potential changes.
This month we highlight the medical home concept for IBD – an idea that is gaining traction. More intense colon cancer screening may be needed for families with nonhereditary colon cancer. An interesting article from JAMA suggests that obesity may play a role in colon cancer rates in young women.
Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori infections is reaching alarming levels and this information may alter our practice. We feature an “In Focus” section on endosopic treatment for obese patients. We also continue highlighting some popular and interesting discussion chains emanating from the AGA Community.
Please stay involved as leaders in health care economics, delivery, and politics. We need thoughtful discussions and we need to bring patient stories to our politicians. It often seems that our advocacy does little to alter the national debate but who better to speak for the people that entrust us with their care?
John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF
Editor in Chief
By the time you receive this issue, we will know election results. The effects on medical care, medical coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid will be profound. American medicine is integrally linked to Congress and the Supreme Court because on July 30, 1965, Lyndon Johnson signed Title 18 of the Social Security Act and created Medicare – a move that took medical care out of personal law and into public law.
In November, CMS will publish its “final rule” about documentation and reimbursement changes, site of service reimbursement, and several other impactful policy changes. We have an extended article from the AGA Partners in Value conference about these potential changes.
This month we highlight the medical home concept for IBD – an idea that is gaining traction. More intense colon cancer screening may be needed for families with nonhereditary colon cancer. An interesting article from JAMA suggests that obesity may play a role in colon cancer rates in young women.
Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori infections is reaching alarming levels and this information may alter our practice. We feature an “In Focus” section on endosopic treatment for obese patients. We also continue highlighting some popular and interesting discussion chains emanating from the AGA Community.
Please stay involved as leaders in health care economics, delivery, and politics. We need thoughtful discussions and we need to bring patient stories to our politicians. It often seems that our advocacy does little to alter the national debate but who better to speak for the people that entrust us with their care?
John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF
Editor in Chief
AMA Insights
While the American Medical Association (AMA) is the oldest and largest national medical association, many physicians, both CHEST members and nonmembers, have limited understanding of the policies, processes, and strategic foci of the AMA. It is our goal to inform our membership about the workings of the AMA and how those interact with the goals of CHEST and our members. We hope to do this by publishing periodic articles in CHEST Physician. One of the authors (DRM) was the CHEST delegate to the AMA for more than 20 years, and the other (NRD) is CHEST’s new AMA delegate.
The American Medical Association (AMA) had its Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD) from May 9-13. This meeting was attended by over 1,000 physicians who are delegates from all geographic societies, ie, state societies and specialties and subspecialties, as well as the uniformed services.
Policy and resolutions
Process:
Policies originate via resolutions submitted by individuals or societies. These resolutions then go to one of several Reference Committees for open discussion. These committees then report their recommendations back to the HOD, which then discusses and votes on the recommendations. In some instances, the question is referred for further studies by one of several Councils, which reports go to the Board of Trustees or back to the House. The diagram below explains the flow of resolutions to policies.
Chest/Allergy Section Council (which is composed of CHEST, ATS, SCCM, AASM, and several allergy specialty organizations) meets prior to the voting in the House to discuss the pending business. The Specialty and Service Society (SSS) is the largest caucus in the AMA’s House of Delegates and is composed of all the delegates from the specialty societies, as well as the uniformed services.
There are two categories of groups in the SSS: those societies that have seats in the HOD and those seeking admission to the house.
SSS groups in the HOD include:
• 119 national medical specialties
• 2 professional interest medical associations
• 5 military or uniformed service groups (the Public Health Service is “uniformed” but not “military” or “armed”)
The compendium of policies covers the entire range of topics impacting the practice of medicine – ethics, legislation, regulation, public health, individual health, and medical education, among them. The full range of policies can be found in the AMA’s Policy Manual available on the web site, AMA-assn.org
Some of the issues discussed at the HOD are as follows:
• Health care as a “right.” In response to a resolution asking the AMA to support health care as a “right,” the Board of Trustees reaffirmed current policy supporting expanded access to health care for all but stopped short of calling health care a “right.”
• POLST forms. The Board of Trustees will work with state organizations and others to recognize Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms and allow for reciprocity between states.
• Influenza vaccination. The HOD enacted as AMA policy that no health-care worker should be terminated from employment due solely to their refusal to be vaccinated for influenza.
• e-Cigarettes and tobacco.
A. The AMA was instructed to urge federal officials, including but not limited to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to prohibit the sale of any e-cigarette cartridge that does not include a complete list of ingredients on its packaging, in the order of prevalence (similar to food labeling). We will also urge federal officials, including but not limited to the FDA, to require that accurate nicotine content of e-cigarettes be prominently displayed on the product alongside a warning of the addictive quality of nicotine (new HOD policy).
B. Develop a report on the individual health and public health implications of a low nicotine standard for cigarettes. Such a report should consider and make recommendations on scientific criteria for selection of a nicotine standard that is nonaddictive, regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with an established standard, and how a low-nicotine standard should work with other nicotine products in a well-regulated nicotine market. American Medical Association consider joining other medical organizations in an amicus brief supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics legal action to compel the US Food and Drug Administration to take timely action to establish effective regulation of e-cigarettes, cigars, and other nicotine tobacco products (Directive to Take Action).
• Prior authorization for durable medical equipment. The AMA will advocate that denials of prior authorization for durable medical equipment must be based on true medical necessity not arbitrary time limits or other paperwork issues and will continue to work to improve the prior authorization process for Medicare Managed Care Plans (Directive to Take Action).
• Medical training (including IMG, Medical students, Residents, and Fellows).
A. EHR and Business training during Med Ed and residency
B. Fellowship Start Date. The AMA will survey physicians who have experienced a fellowship start date of August 1 to further evaluate the benefits and drawbacks from this transition (Directive to Take Action).
• Opioid abuse. Surgeon General Jerome Adams addressed the HOD about several topics but focused on opioid crisis.
• Physician Burnout and Organizational efficiency. Physician burnout is a health-care crisis in all specialties, and critical care has a very high rate of physician burnout. The AMA has several tools available that can help with physician burnout both in the ICU and outpatient medicine. (https://www.stepsforward.org)
This is just a small sampling of the activities at the HOD. More information, including reports from the various Councils, are available on the AMA website, http://ama-assn.org.
While the American Medical Association (AMA) is the oldest and largest national medical association, many physicians, both CHEST members and nonmembers, have limited understanding of the policies, processes, and strategic foci of the AMA. It is our goal to inform our membership about the workings of the AMA and how those interact with the goals of CHEST and our members. We hope to do this by publishing periodic articles in CHEST Physician. One of the authors (DRM) was the CHEST delegate to the AMA for more than 20 years, and the other (NRD) is CHEST’s new AMA delegate.
The American Medical Association (AMA) had its Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD) from May 9-13. This meeting was attended by over 1,000 physicians who are delegates from all geographic societies, ie, state societies and specialties and subspecialties, as well as the uniformed services.
Policy and resolutions
Process:
Policies originate via resolutions submitted by individuals or societies. These resolutions then go to one of several Reference Committees for open discussion. These committees then report their recommendations back to the HOD, which then discusses and votes on the recommendations. In some instances, the question is referred for further studies by one of several Councils, which reports go to the Board of Trustees or back to the House. The diagram below explains the flow of resolutions to policies.
Chest/Allergy Section Council (which is composed of CHEST, ATS, SCCM, AASM, and several allergy specialty organizations) meets prior to the voting in the House to discuss the pending business. The Specialty and Service Society (SSS) is the largest caucus in the AMA’s House of Delegates and is composed of all the delegates from the specialty societies, as well as the uniformed services.
There are two categories of groups in the SSS: those societies that have seats in the HOD and those seeking admission to the house.
SSS groups in the HOD include:
• 119 national medical specialties
• 2 professional interest medical associations
• 5 military or uniformed service groups (the Public Health Service is “uniformed” but not “military” or “armed”)
The compendium of policies covers the entire range of topics impacting the practice of medicine – ethics, legislation, regulation, public health, individual health, and medical education, among them. The full range of policies can be found in the AMA’s Policy Manual available on the web site, AMA-assn.org
Some of the issues discussed at the HOD are as follows:
• Health care as a “right.” In response to a resolution asking the AMA to support health care as a “right,” the Board of Trustees reaffirmed current policy supporting expanded access to health care for all but stopped short of calling health care a “right.”
• POLST forms. The Board of Trustees will work with state organizations and others to recognize Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms and allow for reciprocity between states.
• Influenza vaccination. The HOD enacted as AMA policy that no health-care worker should be terminated from employment due solely to their refusal to be vaccinated for influenza.
• e-Cigarettes and tobacco.
A. The AMA was instructed to urge federal officials, including but not limited to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to prohibit the sale of any e-cigarette cartridge that does not include a complete list of ingredients on its packaging, in the order of prevalence (similar to food labeling). We will also urge federal officials, including but not limited to the FDA, to require that accurate nicotine content of e-cigarettes be prominently displayed on the product alongside a warning of the addictive quality of nicotine (new HOD policy).
B. Develop a report on the individual health and public health implications of a low nicotine standard for cigarettes. Such a report should consider and make recommendations on scientific criteria for selection of a nicotine standard that is nonaddictive, regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with an established standard, and how a low-nicotine standard should work with other nicotine products in a well-regulated nicotine market. American Medical Association consider joining other medical organizations in an amicus brief supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics legal action to compel the US Food and Drug Administration to take timely action to establish effective regulation of e-cigarettes, cigars, and other nicotine tobacco products (Directive to Take Action).
• Prior authorization for durable medical equipment. The AMA will advocate that denials of prior authorization for durable medical equipment must be based on true medical necessity not arbitrary time limits or other paperwork issues and will continue to work to improve the prior authorization process for Medicare Managed Care Plans (Directive to Take Action).
• Medical training (including IMG, Medical students, Residents, and Fellows).
A. EHR and Business training during Med Ed and residency
B. Fellowship Start Date. The AMA will survey physicians who have experienced a fellowship start date of August 1 to further evaluate the benefits and drawbacks from this transition (Directive to Take Action).
• Opioid abuse. Surgeon General Jerome Adams addressed the HOD about several topics but focused on opioid crisis.
• Physician Burnout and Organizational efficiency. Physician burnout is a health-care crisis in all specialties, and critical care has a very high rate of physician burnout. The AMA has several tools available that can help with physician burnout both in the ICU and outpatient medicine. (https://www.stepsforward.org)
This is just a small sampling of the activities at the HOD. More information, including reports from the various Councils, are available on the AMA website, http://ama-assn.org.
While the American Medical Association (AMA) is the oldest and largest national medical association, many physicians, both CHEST members and nonmembers, have limited understanding of the policies, processes, and strategic foci of the AMA. It is our goal to inform our membership about the workings of the AMA and how those interact with the goals of CHEST and our members. We hope to do this by publishing periodic articles in CHEST Physician. One of the authors (DRM) was the CHEST delegate to the AMA for more than 20 years, and the other (NRD) is CHEST’s new AMA delegate.
The American Medical Association (AMA) had its Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD) from May 9-13. This meeting was attended by over 1,000 physicians who are delegates from all geographic societies, ie, state societies and specialties and subspecialties, as well as the uniformed services.
Policy and resolutions
Process:
Policies originate via resolutions submitted by individuals or societies. These resolutions then go to one of several Reference Committees for open discussion. These committees then report their recommendations back to the HOD, which then discusses and votes on the recommendations. In some instances, the question is referred for further studies by one of several Councils, which reports go to the Board of Trustees or back to the House. The diagram below explains the flow of resolutions to policies.
Chest/Allergy Section Council (which is composed of CHEST, ATS, SCCM, AASM, and several allergy specialty organizations) meets prior to the voting in the House to discuss the pending business. The Specialty and Service Society (SSS) is the largest caucus in the AMA’s House of Delegates and is composed of all the delegates from the specialty societies, as well as the uniformed services.
There are two categories of groups in the SSS: those societies that have seats in the HOD and those seeking admission to the house.
SSS groups in the HOD include:
• 119 national medical specialties
• 2 professional interest medical associations
• 5 military or uniformed service groups (the Public Health Service is “uniformed” but not “military” or “armed”)
The compendium of policies covers the entire range of topics impacting the practice of medicine – ethics, legislation, regulation, public health, individual health, and medical education, among them. The full range of policies can be found in the AMA’s Policy Manual available on the web site, AMA-assn.org
Some of the issues discussed at the HOD are as follows:
• Health care as a “right.” In response to a resolution asking the AMA to support health care as a “right,” the Board of Trustees reaffirmed current policy supporting expanded access to health care for all but stopped short of calling health care a “right.”
• POLST forms. The Board of Trustees will work with state organizations and others to recognize Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms and allow for reciprocity between states.
• Influenza vaccination. The HOD enacted as AMA policy that no health-care worker should be terminated from employment due solely to their refusal to be vaccinated for influenza.
• e-Cigarettes and tobacco.
A. The AMA was instructed to urge federal officials, including but not limited to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to prohibit the sale of any e-cigarette cartridge that does not include a complete list of ingredients on its packaging, in the order of prevalence (similar to food labeling). We will also urge federal officials, including but not limited to the FDA, to require that accurate nicotine content of e-cigarettes be prominently displayed on the product alongside a warning of the addictive quality of nicotine (new HOD policy).
B. Develop a report on the individual health and public health implications of a low nicotine standard for cigarettes. Such a report should consider and make recommendations on scientific criteria for selection of a nicotine standard that is nonaddictive, regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with an established standard, and how a low-nicotine standard should work with other nicotine products in a well-regulated nicotine market. American Medical Association consider joining other medical organizations in an amicus brief supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics legal action to compel the US Food and Drug Administration to take timely action to establish effective regulation of e-cigarettes, cigars, and other nicotine tobacco products (Directive to Take Action).
• Prior authorization for durable medical equipment. The AMA will advocate that denials of prior authorization for durable medical equipment must be based on true medical necessity not arbitrary time limits or other paperwork issues and will continue to work to improve the prior authorization process for Medicare Managed Care Plans (Directive to Take Action).
• Medical training (including IMG, Medical students, Residents, and Fellows).
A. EHR and Business training during Med Ed and residency
B. Fellowship Start Date. The AMA will survey physicians who have experienced a fellowship start date of August 1 to further evaluate the benefits and drawbacks from this transition (Directive to Take Action).
• Opioid abuse. Surgeon General Jerome Adams addressed the HOD about several topics but focused on opioid crisis.
• Physician Burnout and Organizational efficiency. Physician burnout is a health-care crisis in all specialties, and critical care has a very high rate of physician burnout. The AMA has several tools available that can help with physician burnout both in the ICU and outpatient medicine. (https://www.stepsforward.org)
This is just a small sampling of the activities at the HOD. More information, including reports from the various Councils, are available on the AMA website, http://ama-assn.org.