The American College of Surgeons is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and to safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.

Oct. 11, 2009
Oct. 14, 2009
Oct. 15, 2009

Contents:
• Opening Ceremony kicks off Clinical Congress
• Professionalism and the 21st century
• Board of Regents and ACS Officers annual luncheon
• Fellows honored for volunteerism in care of underserved
• Health system reforms are needed, regardless of what government does
• Association of Women Surgeons presents awards
• Medical Student Program provides education, networking opportunities
• Improving education in general surgery
• Surgery: Then and now

Fellows honored for volunteerism
in care of underserved

Dr. Rodas examining an Achuar Indian patient (note the pet monkey on the patient’s head).

The Governors’ Committee on Socioeconomic Issues is pleased to announce the 2009 recipients of the American College of Surgeons/Pfizer Inc Surgical Humanitarian Award and Surgical Volunteerism Awards, including the newly established category for residents. The committee received a record number of nominations for exceptional surgeons, once again demonstrating the profound commitment of Fellows of the College to the care of the underserved. The awards will be presented this evening at the Board of Governors’ dinner at the Hilton Chicago.

Edgar Rodas, MD, FACS, of Cuenca, Ecuador, is bestowed the Surgical Humanitarian Award in recognition of a long and illustrious surgical career characterized by a commitment to humanitarian service. During his three decades as the principal professor of surgery at the Medical School of the University of Cuenca, Dr. Rodas regularly organized surgical missions to rural Ecuador, inspiring colleagues and students to participate in the mission. In 1990, he founded the Cinterandes Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that broadly promotes health and well-being. In addition to the foundation’s medical and surgical work, its programs also encompass clean water initiatives, nutrition, immunization, mental health, and preventive care. The foundation launched its mobile surgery program in 1994, enabling the delivery of care to previously inaccessible areas, first through a van retrofitted with an operating room, and later with a mobile surgical houseboat. Dr. Rodas was appointed Minister of Health of Ecuador from 1998 to 2000, reflecting national respect and regard for his expertise and commitment to service.

Dr. Grey in surgery.

Dr. Schecter with a patient.

Douglas P. Grey, MD, FACS, and William P. Schecter, MD, FACS, of San Francisco, CA, founders of the not-for-profit organization Operation Access, are jointly awarded the Surgical Volunteerism Award for their domestic outreach efforts. Inspired to address challenges the underserved face in their own community when requiring surgical care, Drs. Schecter and Grey co-founded Operation Access in 1993. This organization mobilizes medical volunteers, referring community clinics, and hospitals to provide donated outpatient surgeries and specialty care to the uninsured and underinsured. Since its inception, Operation Access has had a positive impact on the health, quality of life, and employability of thousands of low-income patients lacking access to surgical care. The program has proven effective both clinically and financially, and is considered a model for surgical care delivery to the underserved in the U.S.

Glenn W. Geelhoed, MD, FACS, of Washington, DC, is presented the Surgical Volunteerism Award for international outreach in recognition of his devotion to delivering surgical care and education throughout the world. Each year, Dr. Geelhoed assembles up to eight surgical missions, with teams composed of medical students, residents, and physicians. Over his career, he has led more than 200 such missions to Africa, Asia, the South

Dr. Geelhoed (right) at work.

Drs. Vance Moss and Vincent Moss in Afghanistan.

Dr. Hayanga

Pacific, and South America, and has inspired countless others to take up the mantle. Since 1975, his academic base has been George Washington University, where he is professor of international medicine. In 1996, he established the African Regional Research Program; currently, he is developing an international health center and international medical education program for the university. His influence on generations of surgeons is vast, both in the U.S. and across the globe.

Vance J. Moss, MD, FACS, and Vincent L. Moss, MD, FACS, of Upland, PA, are jointly recognized with the Surgical Volunteerism Award for military service in recognition of their work in Afghanistan. During their fellowships in 2005, the Moss brothers were mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom as members of the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps. After learning about the lack of surgical and medical care available to Afghan civilians, they began to conceptualize a surgical mission to Afghanistan. In January 2006, they flew to Kabul to undertake their first mission in collaboration with Medical Teams International. After demonstrating their commitment to a humanitarian mission with a focus on treating women and children, they were granted access to regions controlled by the Taliban and local warlords. The success of the initial mission led to a return visit the following year and a third visit in August of this year.

Awori J. Hayanga, MD, MPH, of Ann Arbor, MI, receives the inaugural Surgical Volunteerism Award for resident service for his founding role and ongoing work with the Reuben J. Williams (RJW) Foundation. Committed to improving surgical care in resource-poor settings through enhancing surgical education, the RJW Foundation fosters networks of academic medical institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the U.S. The foundation incorporates curriculum development and research into a variety of areas including epidemiology, health delivery, policy, and education, and has established an annual distinguished lecture series that attracts chairs of surgery from several prestigious institutions to the University of Nairobi. Currently administrative chief resident at the University of Michigan, Dr. Hayanga will pursue a cardiothoracic fellowship at the University of Washington next year. He intends to return to his native Kenya as the first academic general thoracic surgeon in east and central Africa.