Clinical Congress 2017 officially began Monday morning with the Opening Ceremony, featuring the presentation of the colors and the Canadian and American national anthems. The ceremony included a brief video featuring American College of Surgeons (ACS) President Barbara Lee Bass, MD, FACS, FRCS(Hon), which focused on the theme, The Joy and Privilege of a Surgical Career. Dr. Bass then introduced the ACS Officers and Regents, Honorary Fellows, Past-Presidents, and the Distinguished Philanthropist Award recipient; invited guests from national and international health care organizations; ACS scholarship recipients;International Guest Scholars; and past recipients of the Joan L. and Julius H. Jacobson II PromisingInvestigator Award.