Thank you for joining us in San Diego—and virtually—for Clinical Congress 2022.

I am thrilled that you are part of this preeminent gathering of surgeons from around the world.

Clinical Congress has outstanding educational opportunities for surgeons at every career stage. The in-person Congress also provides chances to network and meet new people who may one day become your partner, research collaborator, or coworker.

We haven’t had an in-person Clinical Congress since San Francisco in 2019, and we have missed out on a critical element that enhances our professional well-being—being together and learning together.

Let’s take full advantage of our time together this week. Spending a few days surrounded by our colleagues in surgery will help us return home and be better surgeons. We will be fulfilled professionally and personally, and we all will feel a renewed commitment to the highest quality care for the patients we serve.

As rewarding as the experience is for seasoned surgeons, perhaps the greatest value at Clinical Congress is provided to the young surgeon. Our next generation of surgeon leaders is here. Please take the time to look for a mentor/mentee relationship or make a connection that will fulfill you and enhance your career for years to come.

Every surgeon who participates in Clinical Congress—and in the House of Surgery—makes each of us better, wiser, and more skilled.

CONVOCATION TONIGHT

Please make sure to join us tonight for Convocation, where we will celebrate a record 2,355 new Fellows for 2022, as well as recognize initiates from 2021 and 2020 who weren’t able to be part of an in-person ceremony because of the pandemic.

We also will recognize Honorary Fellows, present several important awards, and welcome E. Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS, MAMSE, as our new ACS President.

OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW MORNING

I hope you can join us tomorrow morning at 8:00 am for the Opening Ceremony, where we officially kick off Clinical Congress and I will give a state of the ACS report. The Martin Memorial Lecture will follow at 9:00 am and will be delivered by my predecessor, David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS. Dr. Hoyt will reflect on his time as the ACS Executive Director, as well as other milestones in his distinguished surgical career. Afterward, a meet and greet with Dr. Hoyt will be held in Room 23A of the San Diego Convention Center.

Convocation, the Opening Ceremony, the Martin Memorial Lecture, and all of the Named Lectures will be livestreamed for those who were not able to join us in person. Please use the Program Pocket Guide that was provided at the Registration Desk to see a full listing of sessions that will be livestreamed and available on-demand within an hour after presentation.

TASTE OF THE CITY WEDNESDAY NIGHT

One of my many favorite Clinical Congress experiences is Taste of the City. Please take part in the festivities on Wednesday night at 6:00 pm. Taste of the City will be held at the Marriott Marina Terrace. All attendees and their family members are welcome.

We have packed a lot of educational content and activities into just a few short days, so please make sure to access the on-demand sessions that will be available through May 1, 2023. These on-demand sessions are included with your registration.

Enjoy!

Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS
Executive Director & CEO