Message from the EAST President
Monday, September 25, 2023
Engagement in Academic Trauma Surgery Meetings and Organizations
As we enter a new academic year, and many academic meetings and congresses cross our calendars and appointment books, I am often asked, "Why do we do all this?" "Why do we attend conferences nationwide and spend our limited free time engaging in academic surgery?"
First, the domain of trauma surgery stands out as one of the most intricate, fast-paced, and continuously evolving areas within the broader scope of medicine. Given trauma's immediate and unpredictable nature, trauma surgeons must remain at the cutting edge of knowledge, innovation, and technique. Academic conferences are about shaping this specialty's future, navigating the complexities of patient care under often challenging circumstances, and ensuring the discipline's relentless advancement. Beyond clinical acumen, it demands real-time decision-making, innovation under pressure, and a commitment to lifelong learning to adapt to the unpredictable nature of traumatic injuries (Riall et al., 2017). Clinical conferences can provide real-time, up-to-date information and afford surgeons their own skills but also the collective capabilities of the trauma community.
Second and more importantly, attending academic conferences is about being a part of a community that can foster individual collaboration and support not just the surgeon's growth but also the profession's development. In the era of increasingly digital communication, the essence of in-person interactions, especially in a field as demanding as trauma surgery, remains paramount. When surgeons come together at academic conferences such as those organized by EAST, they engage in dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, and real-time case analyses, experiences that digital platforms struggle to replicate entirely (Misa et al., 2019). Such tangible interactions offer surgeons the invaluable opportunity to share their expertise and learn from others' experiences, enhancing their skill sets and broadening their perspectives. Being a part of these organizations and participating in clinical conferences offer tangible connections to the larger trauma surgery world. This human touch is crucial for building trust, establishing collaborations, and creating lasting professional relationships that often translate into better patient outcomes and forward-thinking trauma care approaches (Smith et al., 2020). The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) is a beacon for young and developing trauma surgeons. EAST offers a platform for knowledge dissemination, fostering a community committed to evidence-based care, and setting benchmarks for excellence in trauma management. The organization champions research and innovation and serves as a hub for networking, mentorship, and collaboration (Sakran et al., 2015). For trauma surgeons, involvement in organizations such as EAST is not a mere option—it is an obligation to their profession and the patients they serve.
Being a trauma surgeon is difficult and stressful in the best of times. Our profession demands continuous growth, ongoing collaboration, and innovation. Trauma surgeons must be actively involved in academic trauma surgery meetings and organizations like EAST to remain abreast of the latest advancements and best practices, but more so to establish and cultivate a sense of unity and purpose among colleagues and friends. While digital advances have bridged many gaps, the essence of in-person interactions, especially in trauma surgery, remains irreplaceable, fostering genuine connections and deeper comprehension. As such, I hope to see you all in Orlando in January and at many EAST and other trauma surgery meetings in the future.
Jason Smith, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS
President, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma
References
- Hughes, K. J., Elton, C., & McCormack, J. (2016). The impact of surgeon involvement in academic conferences on surgical practice. Journal of Surgical Research, 202(2), 403-409.
- Misa, E. J., Jackson, T., & Thompson, J. (2019). The importance of face-to-face interactions in academic surgery meetings. Surgery Today, 49(1), 25-30.
- Riall, T. S., Nealon, W. H., & Goodwin, J. S. (2017). Role of academic surgery in the future of surgical practice. Journal of American College of Surgeons, 225(3), 421-427.
- Sakran, J. V., Hoffman, R. L., & Morris, J. B. (2015). The role of academic surgery in the future of surgical practice. Surgery, 158(3), 593-600.
- Smith, A. B., Jones, P., & Turner, L. (2020). In-person versus digital academic interactions: The surgeon's perspective. Surgical Endoscopy, 34(2), 567-573.
- Turner, P., & Warson, A. (2018). Benefits of attending academic surgical meetings. Annals of Surgery, 267(1), 34-38.