The Association of Academic Surgery is gearing up for 2021 Fall Courses. Again, this year the courses will take place virtually in October and November. This year’s courses will include the Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course and the Early Career Development Course.
The first virtual course, the Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course, taking place Friday, October 1st from 3:00 pm ET to 7:00 pm ET and Saturday, October 2nd from 11:00 am ET to 2:00 pm ET is targeted towards undergraduate and medical students with an interest in research, as well as residents and fellows, or junior faculty that are embarking on their research careers. Topics that will be covered include those that are broadly applicable to any type of research or surgical discipline, such as finding the right mentor, securing funding, finding clinical/research balance, designing, and implementing quality research, and communicating findings in writing and in person. Breakout sessions in the afternoon will allow for more in-depth discussions in a small group setting put on by various AAS committees including the Basic/Translational Research, Clinical/Health Services Research, Education, Military, Global Surgery, and Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity committees.
The second virtual course, the Early Career Development Course will provide senior residents, fellows, and junior faculty’s detailed information on launching an academic surgical career. This course will take place Friday, November 5th from 2:00 pm ET to 6:15 pm ET and Saturday, November 6th from 11:20 am ET – 2:00 pm ET. Speakers will offer pearls of wisdom on establishing a clinical footprint, launching a research program, being effective educators, and developing a national profile. Specific topics of discussion will include negotiating a faculty position, obtaining research funding, finding appropriate mentors and sponsors, managing conflict, rising beyond complications and setbacks, and balancing academic, clinical, and personal responsibilities. Attendees will participate in a small group breakout session where they will work on preparing an elevator pitch with the guidance of peers, mid-career surgeons, and senior surgeons.
For those attending either course live, a virtual networking happy hour will take place at the end of Day 1 of each course.
We ask and highly encourage you to recommend to students, residents, fellows, and junior/early-career faculty from your institution to attend these invaluable courses. The content is updated each year, and every effort is made to include novel and “hot” topics – so consider a return visit if you have already attended.
Here is the link to the full program and to register: www.aasurg.org/aas-fall-courses
For those unable to attend the live virtual courses, all courses will be available as on-demand virtual content after they take place live. Registration fees apply for both live attendance and on-demand content/course materials.
If you need any more information on these courses, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Ryan Merkow, MD, MS & Juliet Emamaullee, MD, PhD
Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course Chairs
Luke Funk, MD, MPH & Lesley Dossett, MD, MPH
Early Career Development Course Chairs