President's Message

September 25, 2015

Happy Autumn!  It is that time of year again when changes arise our lives.  Kids are back to school, cool weather and football season surround us, and the never-ending changes in medicine continue.  The College continues to embrace the changes that we are facing and we continue to progress our efforts to best serve all of you.  

October is approaching quickly.  ICD-10 will be in effect in no time.  The College continues to assist in the educational process of these coding strategies by offering a variety of member webinars and a workshop at the upcoming Annual Clinical Assembly. A special webinar in late October will feature more of the changes and tips to help during the transition. Check your inbox in the coming weeks for complete details.  

The Annual Clinical Assembly is just a week away!!  As president of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, I look forward to seeing many members and guests in Chicago!!
This year’s ACA provides the perfect opportunity for you to participate in educational programs that will help you achieve surgical excellence in this changing environment, to network with osteopathic surgeons from across the country, to reconnect with old friends, and to experience one of our nation’s most exciting cities.

The program is packed with many great speakers and educational opportunities.  There is still time to plan to attend!  Our featured speaker sessions that will kick off the first three days of the meeting include:

Sunday, Oct. 4—“Winning in the Political System...It Takes You” by Michael E. Dunn
Sunday, Oct. 4—Theodore F. Classen Memorial Lecture: “Surgical Education and Global Health—A Call to Action” by Mary Ann Hopkins, M.D., MPhil, FACS
Monday, Oct. 5—“The Other End of the Stethoscope” by Marcus Engel, MS
Tuesday, Oct. 6—“Beyond the Internet: A Comprehensive Review of Business Development Processes That Build Medical Practices” by Rem L. Jackson* and Tom Foster

If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so onsite beginning October 3.  I encourage you to take advantage of everything the “Windy City” has to offer.  We will be holding a joint session with the American College of Surgeons along with our own educational sessions.  Other perks include shopping along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, exploring the city’s architectural treasures through the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust and the Chicago Architecture Foundation, experiencing renowned museums and performing arts, and enjoying many great restaurants!  I truly hope to see you there!

I look forward to continuing to work with our new leadership.  It has been a phenomenal year as your president.  Thank You!

Sincerely,

Valerie L. Sheridan, D.O., FACOS, FACS
President
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons