Brigitte K. Smith, MD, MHPE, FACS, FSVS, Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery and Vice Chair of Education for the University of Utah Department of Surgery, is among a group of 50 esteemed surgical educators inducted into membership in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators™ during a Virtual Induction Ceremony on September 25, 2020. This is the third cohort of members inducted into this prestigious Academy. Two other U of U Surgeons, Dr. Thomas Varghese (Cardiothoracic) and Dr. Daniel Vargo (General) were so honored during the inaugural class of 2018.
About the Academy:
Developed by the ACS Division of Education, the Academy recognizes surgeon educators who have devoted their careers to surgical education. Individuals are selected as Members, Associate Members, or Affiliate Members following stringent peer review. The Academy’s mission is to play a leadership role in advancing the science and practice of education across all surgical specialties, promoting the highest achievements in the lifetimes of surgeons. Academy membership carries an obligation for commitment to the Academy’s goals, which are to identify, recognize, and recruit innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing lifelong surgical education; translate innovation into actions; offer mentorship to surgeon educators; foster exchange of creative ideas; disseminate advances in surgical education; and positively impact the quality of surgical care and patient safety.
In addition to supporting the mission and goals of the Academy, members must actively participate in Academy programs and activities. “This Academy of preeminent surgeon educators has been making landmark contributions to surgical education and is introducing many transformational changes in surgical education and training that will endure into the future,” said Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, Director of the ACS Division of Education and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy. “Over the past six months, from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy has been addressing challenges and opportunities in surgery residency training resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and has launched several new programs,” said Dr. Sachdeva.
“With highest quality patient care through education being the paramount theme of the American College of Surgeons, the growth of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators continues to be an important emerging chapter for the ACS, the world’s largest organization for surgeons,” explained L.D.Britt, MD, MPH, DSc(Hon), FACS, FCCM, FRCSEng(Hon), FRCSEd(Hon), FWACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), FCS(SA)(Hon), FRCS(Glasg)(Hon), past president of the ACS, and co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Academy.
“One of the Academy’s founding principles is to advance the science and practice of surgical education and training. In the past few months, its members have also shown stellar leadership in another key area. Responding during a crisis. The work the Academy has put forth in identifying educational resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to teach and assess surgical trainees during this crucial time is very important and highly commendable,” said ACS Executive Director David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS. “We welcome the class of 2020 to this unique group of surgeon educators.”
For a listing of the full membership of the Academy, as well as those honored with selection in 2020, visit the Membership List.