In this episode, Dr. Ryan Dumas discusses his journey to becoming an Associate Member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) and the benefits of involvement in the organization. He highlights the importance of engagement, networking, and leadership development for early-career surgeons. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the value of community support and the opportunities available for medical students and residents to join and contribute to the AAST.

Dr. Marc DeMoya discusses the AAST Leadership Academy, which provides ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery. The academy aims to enhance leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions. The application process requires applicants to be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position. The in-person session at the AAST meeting is a highlight of the academy, featuring interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Dr. DeMoya emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, listening, and effective communication in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• The AAST Leadership Academy offers ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery.
• The academy focuses on enhancing leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions.
• Applicants must be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position.
• The in-person session at the AAST meeting provides interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
• A growth mindset, active listening, and effective communication are essential for successful leadership.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Martin discusses his passion for robotic surgery and its role in emergency general surgery. He explains the training pathway for surgeons interested in learning robotic surgery and highlights the advantages of robotic surgery in emergency general surgery cases. Dr. Martin also introduces the AAST Robo-Tracs program, a year-long training program for acute care surgeons interested in adding robotic surgery to their practice.

Takeaways

• Robotic surgery has a significant potential application in emergency general surgery.
• Surgeons interested in learning robotic surgery should start by talking to their robotic representative and going through the training pathway.
• Getting comfortable with robotic surgery requires regular practice and case volume.
• The AAST Robo-Tracs program offers a comprehensive training opportunity for acute care surgeons interested in robotic surgery.